Barbecue Tricks

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Grate Better Best: Choosing Grill Grates

fire grill

Hot Grates

How to Barbecue Better Using Cooking Grates

By Jonathan Goodman

Cooking grates come in different types and materials, and each has its own advantages, depending on its use and the preference of the cook. Grill grates hold your food when you are barbecuing or grilling. So let us take a look at the choices available when it comes to outdoor cooking grates.

When it comes to popularity, cast iron grates seem to be the choice. The heavier wide cast iron grates can hold heat for a long time and cook evenly. As a result, you get well seared, quickly cooked food. The only problem with  iron grill grates is maintenance. Apart from the regular cleaning, you must ensure that cast iron grills are well seasoned before you use them and this must be done periodically even when they are in regular use. They do come with manufacturers instructions on how to season them. While it is not a difficult task to season them, neglecting to do it can result in rust. If you do keep them well seasoned, cast iron can be as good as nonstick grates and appear to last longer than a lifetime.

A better option, if you want the advantage of longer heat but not the associated maintenance hassle with cast iron, you can opt for porcelain coated iron grates. These combine the quality of durability, as well as avoid the problem of rust as long as the porcelain coating is intact. Over time, the porcelain coating can crack, chip or wear off unless you are really careful when you handle it. At the time of cleaning, it is better to use brass bristles in place of metal scrapers with hard edges.

Stainless cooking grates for grills are less durable than iron; however, with good care, these can also last a long time. You also get steel grates coated with porcelain just like cast iron grates coated with porcelain. One problem, however, is that these grates are quite thin and too widely spaced to hold heat. While this does not really affect smoking or indirectly cooking huge portions of meat, beef, steaks and chops could pose an issue since you will not get those attractive grill marks. Serious chefs prefer wider grates.

If you compare stainless cooking grates for grills, porcelain enameled cast iron cooking grates and porcelain coated cast iron grates, porcelain coated cast iron grates let you cook at lower temperatures because there is longer retention of heat. Stainless steel grates come with the longest warranty followed by porcelain coated cast iron grates and the porcelain enameled ones.

Generally, it is better to buy stainless cooking grates for bbq grills so that they are not prone to rust. Often we find barbecue grills that are perfect with all the features we want at a price that is hard to refuse, yet does not have the kind of grate we want. In such cases, you can always check with the manufacturer. For example, you can opt for Weber porcelain enameled cast iron cooking grates that give you the advantage of long lasting grates that retain excellent heat and are supposed to be easy to maintain. But most weekend barbecuers feel that it is hard to keep it seasoned because they get so heated. This manufacturer also offers the option of choosing stainless cooking grates for the grills. These are easy to clean before cooking. By coating them with oil, you can keep food from sticking to it. Importantly, the grill marks are prominent. Another big advantage of stainless steel is its lightweight property making it easy to handle particularly while adding wood or briquettes to your smoker box. Stainless steel is also a good material for camping cooking grates.

About The Author: Jonathan Goodman is the owner of Market Merchants an online retailer specializing in home and garden products. My passion for bbq grilling and fireplaces is the core focus of Market Merchants. I am a member of the Hearth Patio Barbeque Association (HPBA), the National BBQ group (NBBQ), and the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS). We sell these products because we love them and are passionate about consumer living needs. So whether its furniture and decor, home improvement, kitchen and dining, or outdoor living Market Merchants brings a dedicated commitment to the customer and a passion for high quality products. Visit Market Merchants for a wide selection of cooking grates from our grill accessories department.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jonathan_Goodman
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Barbecue-Better-Using-Cooking-Grates&id=1144397

Featured

Coconut Charcoal For BBQ

coconut_charcoal

Smoke That Coconut

Just saw Coconut Charcoal offered at the Whole Foods Market andhad to find out more.  Although we have not tried it on the test grills it sounds like coconut coal could be as clean burning as it gets.  Let us know what you think!

Have You Tried Coconut Charcoal For Your Family Barbecuing?

By Jeco J

For centuries, people in Indonesia have recognized the use of coconut shells not only as a natural raw material to produce handicrafts, but also as an alternative and / or supplement to traditional lump charcoal, to improve and prolong the heat produced for cooking.

Coconut charcoal is an environment-friendly green alternative charcoal with many advantages that will make your barbecuing experience fun and help protect the environment. No single tree is cut to produce coconut charcoal. The characteristics of charcoal vary from one product to another. Charcoal variation results in different burning times, odor, and ash produced. Nevertheless, it is a common misconception that all charcoal is roughly the same. Coconut shell charcoal burns at 7,000 kilo calories. The unique manufacturing process of Coconut shell allows the charcoal embers to produce very little, to no smoke, and no more than 4% ash waste is produced when all the embers are burned completely.

Depending on air exposure and the type of barbecue grill you will be using, one kilogram of coconut charcoal (about 33 briquettes) roughly provides the same cooking “power” as produced by 2 or 2 ½ kilograms of traditional lump charcoal. Additionally, barbecuing with coconut charcoal, which has a very low content of volatile matter, ensures that soot formation, if any, will be minimal. This in turn reduces the cleaning time considerably.

With relatively stable heat created over approximately 2 – 2.5 hours duration, family barbecuing becomes environmentally friendly, more convenient, enjoyable, and more economical as less charcoals needed for replenishment during cooking. Have you try to use coconut shell charcoal for your barbecuing?

Jungle Notes was set up as a green article resource site so that readers across the world can come together and share this information. Visit Jungle Notes now and read more green article!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeco_J
http://EzineArticles.com/?Have-You-Tried-Coconut-Charcoal-For-Your-Family-Barbecuing?&id=4760312

Gadgets

The Season’s Best BBQ Gift Deals

Best Gift Ever

Best Gift Ever

Last year my wife stuffed my stocking with a BBQ gift that would change my life.   It wasn’t a big box…  it fit in my stocking… and it has really helped every piece of meat I’ve since put on a grill.    It was a Thermapen Meat thermometer and it’s one of those cooking tools that works so well (other instant read thermometers always seem so unpredictable) I enjoy using it and have grown confident with the readings.    Really, what’s more important than NOT getting your guests sick!

It was a great gift.   She did her homework.  My wife researched that “Cooks Illustrated” had recommended it as a good buy a few years back.  She found a good price too.     It was such a great idea for a gift I compiled a sort of “best of” list of the coolest BBQ presents out there for Grilling Gift Giving.

Best Of Breed:

You just can’t beat the Thermapen Instant Read Thermometer from Thermoworks. Other thermometers may be OK.. but this one is super fast, accurate,  easy, and Amazon has it at a great price.  Fits great in a big stocking.

Some Packages Have Free Shipping

Some Packages Have Free Shipping

Let Them Eat Steak:

Second on the list is one that can work for long distance gifting.  In fact, they specialize in shipping premium food for   the Holidays.  I’ve been seeing an

Omaha Steaks deal for their Omaha Steaks Signature Sampler iconthat looks like a steal.   Steaks, burgers and stuffed baked potatoes.    Any griller would want it, it made my mouth water thinking about it, and under $45 bucks.   Looks like a delicious steal to us.

Tool Chest:

If you want something inexpensive but kinda flashy for the pitmaster on your list an easy choice is a Grill Tools kit.   These range from simple to super deluxe but they always are appreciated because you could always use another set to keep grill side!  Some favorites for price are in our BBQ Shop like the “Mr BBQ” 5 piece stainless steel starting at under $25.  You can go higher end too with the Cuisinart 6-Piece Master Grill Tool Set.

Tie One On:

Lastly if you have a sense of humor you can’t go wrong with a funny apron.    Soon to be the ugly sweater of Christmas gift giving, it’s fun and always gets a laugh as he opens the gift.  Go with funny (your opinion wasn’t in my recipe!)… or Mario Batali’s professional grade… or theme the apron with sports (Red Sox fan?).   You can pick them up for less than $17.

Great gifts that can be put to quick use during time off with family and friends.  And we don’t get any real endorsement  fees for bragging about this stuff  however – full disclosure – if you do buy through our links and Amazon we receive a small commission (as with all the great stuff in our BBQ Shop).

Merry Christmas!

Gadgets

The 10 Best Barbecue Grill Tools to Have on Hand

By Billy Bristol

These are the 12 BBQ grilling tools that no grill chef can be without. Most of the gadgets are basic, inexpensive, and not so fancy, but they will help you get to where you want to get…and that is grilling and barbecue perfection.

The first tip for using these gadgets is to have them within arm’s reach of your grill before you even start grilling. Organization is key to producing quality grilled foods.

1) Butane Lighter: Forget having to ever look for matches again. With a long handle and long nose, the butane lighter makes it safer, easier to use, and easier to find than matches.

2) Meat Thermometer: Having to repeatedly open the lid to your grill to check for done-ness causes you to lose heat, and adds to your cooking time. Have a digital roasting thermometer with a probe. This stays in the meat during cooking, and allows you to read the temperature without lifting the lid.

3) Chimney Starter: For those with a charcoal grill, a chimney starter is a must-have. All you do is place the charcoal in the top of the starter, wad up some newspaper and stick it in the bottom. Place the chimney starter on the food grate and ignite the newspaper. As soon as the coals are ready, just pour them into the grill.

4) Grill Tongs: These help you turn foods without poking them. The best grill tongs have long handles and spring hinges.

5) Timer: A standard kitchen timer is all you need to keep from over-cooking your grilled foods.

6) Basting Brush or Mop: Use a basting brush to apply sauces to meats without keeping the grill lid open for long periods of time. A paint brush with natural bristles works well also.

7) Metal Spatula: A long-handled spatula with a wide stainless steel blade. is one of the more essential grill items. Perfect for flipping large cuts of meat.

8) Long-Handled Fork: This helps to lift large cuts of meat or poultry from the grill. Never poke the meat until after it is done cooking, as the juices will run off into the grill.

9) BBQ Gloves: Flame-retardant gloves protect your hands when working with the hot grill and coals.

10) Wire Grill Brush: A stiff wire brush allows for a quick cleanup of food grates before the grill cools.

Often you can find many of these grill tools within one barbecue set. Buy a good grill set and keep the tools clean and ready for any time you’re ready to grill.

Billy Bristol is the editor and chief BBQ pitmaster for TexasBarbeques.com, an outdoor cooking and entertaining website devoted to backyard living. TexasBarbeques.com has been providing barbecue recipes, cooking tips, grilling techniques, and backyard entertainment ideas since 2005.

TexasBarbeques.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Billy_Bristol
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-10-Best-Barbecue-Grill-Tools-to-Have-on-Hand&id=2387429

Butcher's Guide

Butcher’s Guide

A good butcher shop  is hard to find these days. Most Butchers are slinging it our in the super store groceries way in the back.    Use these small guides to determine just where that steak or chop comes from:

Beef

Beef Cuts

Pork Cuts

Pork Cuts

Butchering on Foodista

Gadgets

Big Green Egg Grill – Smoking and BBQ

By H Krafston

The great thing about the Big Green Egg Grill is the diversity of cooking choices that you have available to you, including the option of smoking foods, grilling, as well as outdoor baking.

The Green Egg Grill is a well designed barbecue that’s easy to set up and very simple to use. It is available in a number of different sizes, depending on the amount of cooking that you need to do. It comes in a mini version, what they call an original version, large, and extra large. Obviously the more food that you tend to cook with each barbecue, or the more guests that you entertain, then the more cooking space you need. This will usually lead you to one of the larger models. If you’re in doubt give the company a call since their customer service is excellent.

This grill is very functional in all types of weather. So even if you live in northern climates you can obtain great cooking results even in the middle of winter when it’s snowing and cold. The key is the unique shape and construction of the BBQ which uses ceramic for the walls. The ceramic material can withstand very cold temperatures, and it also allows the grill to heat up to as much as 1800°F. Of course when you’re outside cooking in the middle of a snowstorm your next door neighbor may think that you’re a bit odd, but they won’t think so the next time you invite them over to try some of your barbecued food.

The construction of the Green Egg Grill allows it to maintain a consistent temperature for a long time even though you are using traditional charcoal. For example, if you want to slow cook ribs or other meets at a very low temperature, say 250°F for several hours you don’t have to worry about temperature variations nearly as much as you would with a normal BBQ.

This barbecue is very versatile and allows you to slow cook your food, but it’s also great for smoking meats and grilling different types of vegetables and fish. You can also use this grill to simulate a brick oven to cook pizzas with exceptionally flavorful. Everyone’s heard about the famous fire cooked pizzas in New York, and this grill can simulate those conditions with the extreme heating and brick ceramic walls.

As well, there are a number of accessories that are made specifically for this grill, including a walk gadget that allows you to stir fry rice or vegetables very easily. Another accessory that many people will find useful is the handy fish great. Grilling fish has always been a difficult thing for many people to master, because it is very easy to overcook fish and lose all of the flavor and enjoyment. With this barbecue even the most novice chef should be able to create tender fish dishes with the slow consistent cooking.

This is a long-lasting product, and your investment should last for many years. Conventional barbecues cannot come close to some of the flavors that are achievable with the Green Egg Grill.

Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of the Green Egg Grill for smoking and barbequing. The information packed Big Green Egg Grill website will teach you everything you need to know about selecting your next BBQ.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=H_Krafston
http://EzineArticles.com/?Big-Green-Egg-Grill—Smoking-and-BBQ&id=2381820

Gadgets

Cooks Grill Recall

What to do when your new grill get’s recalled?   From the Consumer Product Safety Board:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Cooks Outdoor® BBQ Grills

Units: About 5,600

Recalled Grill

Recalled Grill

Importer: JCPenney Purchasing Corp., of Plano, Texas

Hazard: The drip pan on the grill does not allow for adequate drainage, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 11 reports of fires resulting from inadequate drainage. No injuries reported.

Description: This recall involves Cooks® brand outdoor BBQ grills. The grill has a digital thermometer on the hood, stainless steel top and a global LP regulator. Lot number 780-2176 is printed on the underside of the grill’s stand.

Sold exclusively at: JCPenney stores nationwide and online at www.jcp.com from February 2009 through September 2009 for between $190 and $600.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled grills. To ensure the grills are not useable, consumers should remove the gas regulator and hose assembly. All consumers (whether they purchased the item online or at a JCPenney retail stores) should return the regulator and hose to the Catalog/Customer Service Desk at any JCPenney store for a full refund. Consumers should contact JCPenney for instructions on how to disconnect the gas regulator and hose.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact JCPenney toll-free at (888) 333-6063 anytime of visit the firm’s Web site at www.jcp.com

Conumer Product Safety Site

Gadgets

Filet Knives – Picking the right Selection


Choosing a Filet KnifeBy Daniel Kraus
Filet knives are one of the most important knives in your kitchen arsenal. They vary in length from 4 inches to 9 inches and provide a great tool for preparing poultry, beef, pork and, of course, fish. There are a few tips and guidelines to follow when choosing a fillet knife to ensure you find the right knife for you.

First, look for corrosion resistant stainless steel; not all stainless steel is corrosion resistant. Yes, stainless steel is stainless but not stain proof. This will make the purchase of the knife a bit more expensive, but it will also increase the life expectancy of the knife and provide a better cutting edge over time; look for a carbon steel blade as they tend to last longer than other materials and have great durability.

Next, you will need to determine what you will be filleting; this determines the size of the needed blade. If you are a novice or beginner chef choose a versatile length around 6 or 7 inches. For those of us who are more experienced using blades and fillet knives choose the length best suited for your endeavor. Small fish and tenderloin cuts can be achieved through the use of a smaller 5 inch blade; large fillet mignons will need a longer blade as they are thicker and will provide a good weight for cutting the thick meat. Ultimately, the decision should apply to your needs.
While length is important, the blade needs to be flexible as filleting requires thin and oftentimes cramped cutting. Fillets are perhaps the most artistic cuts found in the kitchen and the flexible blade helps to ensure their presentational qualities. This is fairly simple; the thinner the blade the more flexible it is. Keep in mind that thinner blades are also more prone to bending if you are cutting foods like beef, pork and game animals such as venison.

The handle of the knife should be comfortable and easy to grasp. Typical or average blades have a wooden or inert plastic handle which is good for decreasing the weight of the knife. These materials are also more prone to becoming slippery when wet and can lead to a knife slipping. Rubber handles, found more often in fish filet knives, are great for reducing the slipping effect. Remember that the blade first and foremost needs to be comfortable for you; a carver using a less than comfortable blade is a recipe for an accident.

Daniel Kraus has worked in the food service industry for over 15 years as a manager, bartender and server captain in four and five star restaurants from St. Louis to Nashville.
Daniel writes for the cookwareatysk.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Kraushttp://EzineArticles.com/?Choosing-a-Filet-Knife&id=1931430

Gadgets

Basting Brush goes High Tech


Have you ever looked at an old wooden handle basting brush and thought, “That CAN’T be sanitary!”

The more you think about the porous wood… the residue in the fibers of the brush… the nooks and crannies that are almost impossible to clean… the more you think there has to be another way. There is; and too many cooks are still skeptical.

Even I never thought the new fangled silicone basting brushes would EVER work as well as my trusty paint brush – type basting brush. It wasn’t the price… you can buy a bag of cheap paint brushes at Lowes for just a few bucks. In fact, I always thought the plastic / silicone basting brushes would just not grab enough sauce. That was before I tried it.

The designers of the BBQ tool (the brush shown is made by Rubbermaid) really thought it through. The individual brush “needles” are textured with hoops and bumps that “grab” onto everything from oil to BBQ sauce. Unlike the old style brush there’s no deterioration, no loose brush hairs, and it’s easy to clean. They feel great in your hand and are easy to manipulate. Best of all they’re relatively cheap, especially considering may brands come with a lifetime guarantee. There are now lots of different manufacturers: see them here.

It’s easy to stick with tradition in cooking, but a silicone brush for cooking this is a tool worth trying.

Gadgets

How To Use a Chimney Starter

One of the quickest ways to fix that funky fuel taste in backyard barbecue is to ditch the charcoal lighter fluid. Cooks are too often overzealous with the fuel (hey, we’re guys) and it imparts a bit of an aftertaste if you’re not careful. If you DO use lighter fluid make SURE it’s all burned off well before cooking. Better yet… try a Charcoal Chimney Starter.

Chimney starters looks like a jet engine with a handle on the side. They cost about $20 and they’re really easy, safe, and environmentally friendly way too start charcoal.

They do come in different sizes (large is about 7.5 inches in diameter). If you have a small grill stick with the smaller Charcoal starter. Remember with a chimney starter no lighter fluid needed…

Here’s How to light it up:
  1. Find a clean, clear non flammable area to place the Chimney Starter. You could use the grill but you’ll still need a non flammable place to set the RED hot chimney once you’ve filled the grill. A little caution goes a long way. Use gloves.
  2. Fill the larger compartment in the Chimney (the top) with regular or hardwood lump charcoal (recommended!). Match Light or instant lighting (fuel soaked) is not needed.
  3. Compress two large sheets of newspaper loosely into the bottom chamber. The whole key is getting air to everything so don’t pack it in to much.
  4. Set the starter upright on the lower grate on your grill (remove the top one) and ignite the newspaper through the bottom holes using a lighter or match. That’s it.
  5. After about 20 minutes your charcoal should be ready. Wait until the coals on top show some white ash.
  6. Carefully pour and arrange your coals on the grate. Yes Gloves… and be careful where you place that chimney it’ll be blistering hot for about 30 minutes.