Great inspiration for people in competition barbecuing and/or anyone who would love to open up a BBQ joint. You can find Pat’s BBQ on the web.
One grand prize winner and 3 guests will receive a trip to Nashville for a private BBQ party hosted by GAC (Grand American Country) at the Warner Bros. Records building where you’ll meet Blake Shelton and see him perform. The winner will also receive an autographed Blake Shelton CD collection and guitar, passes to the Country Music Hall of Fame, a $500 gift cards from f.y.e. stores, and a $500 Food Network Store gift card to stock up on everything you need for your own summer BBQ.
You can enter daily through August 17, 2009 at 9 a.m. ET for your chance to win the grand prize trip for four to Nashville for a private BBQ party where you’ll meet Blake Shelton and also see him perform.
The Grand Prize Package
The Grand Prize package awarded to one (1) winner and three (3) guests to include:
(10) Ten first place prize winners will each receive:
The following collection of Food Network Store products:
Click here to view the rules of this sweepstakes
Sponsored by: Smithfield
Prizing provided by: Food Network, f.y.e. & Warner Bros.
With the summer in full stride and lots of you have been grilling up a storm, I thought it would be helpful to publish the latest in BBQ accessories and gadgets. I have found a bunch of stuff to consider adding to your barbecuing arsenal. Along with a the many new items, there are also a couple of accessories/gadgets that are not so new in design, but are definitely worth adding to your collection.
The first item is the BBQ Safe Serve™ instant read thermometer by Polder. I picked this new gadget because it offers either a 5″ or 10″ probe for safer temperature reading. This thermometer also offers a large LCD screen with backlight button, preset alerts and has two locking positions for the easiest reading angle while you are cooking.
On the lower end of the spectrum as far as pricing goes, here is the Mr. Bar-B-Q 18-Piece Stainless-Steel Tool Set. If you are camping or traveling to a place where they do not have BBQ utensils, this set is for you!
The Mr. BBQ 18-piece stainless-steel barbecue tool set includes a plastic carrying case, textured rubber grips on wooden handles, includes 4-in-1 spatula, fork, knife, 4 steak-house quality knives, basting brush, grill brush, tongs, and 8 corn holders. Hey, all that plus a 5-year warranty. Not bad for around $30 bucks!
On the higher end of the grill set spectrum is the All-Clad BBQ Tool Set in Carrying Case. You know when you purchase All-Clad, you’re getting great quality.
The All-Clad BBQ Tool Set includes: two-pronged fork, marinade brush, locking tongs, and a turner, each tool designed with extra long handles, tools are crafted of 18/10 Stainless Steel, tools are Dishwasher Safe and the protective metal carrying case keeps tools safe, in place, and ready for next cookout.
If you ever grill at night and sometimes do not have adequate lighting, you may want to check out this Maverick GL-01 Fluorscent Stainless Steel Grill Light. This grill light is portable and clips right onto just about any surface around your grill.
The Maverick GL-01 offers a 18-inch bendable neck with 1-inch stainless metal mounting clip, 5-inch fluorescent bulb, it’s usable rain or shine–outdoor and salt-spray tested and is powered by 4 AA batteries provides 2 to 3 hours of continuous operation.
Here is one of those items I mentioned earlier that isn’t really new, is very simple, but is very important. I cannot tell you how many people I have talked to have complained about not knowing when their gas bottle is going to run out of propane. So, when I saw this GasWatch TVL212 Propane-Level Indicator and Safety Gauge, I had to add it to this accessories and gadget article. In addition, the TVL212 helps you stay safe in the event of a major leak.
Here is what the GasWatch TVL212 Propane-Level Indicator features: It has an easy-to-read colored dial, for use of propane tanks up to 40 pounds; easy to connect; no tools required, built-in leak detector; emergency flow limiter in the event of a major leak, for use with gas grills, patio heaters, and other outdoor appliances, it measures approximately 8-4/5 by 5-3/5 by 4-1/2 inches and they offer a 1-year limited warranty.
Here is an item I originally saw on the CBS Morning News earlier this summer. Great concept, but I have yet to try one. Seems like this product will work better than most conventional grill cleaning brushes.
The Grill Daddy GD12952S Grill Daddy Pro Grill Brush uses the power of steam to clean tough baked-on food and grease, it has Stainless-steel bristles; safe for cast-iron, steel, or porcelain grill grates, long, sturdy handle protects hands from heat; hanging storage hook, 2-sided head removes for easy cleaning and the brush measures approximately 22 by 4 by 6 inches.
Here is that second item that isn’t exactly new but is very helpful when smoking meats. Even the most experienced folks who smoke will use this 2 Inch Smoker Thermometer. I’ve been smoking meats for years and I still rely on my gauges.
This smoker thermometer has a 2 inch easy-to-read dial, stainless steel design, shows exact temperature (100-475 degrees Fahrenheit) and is easy to mount with supplied washer & nut.
What’s been really cool in barbecuing the past couple of years? Taking the temperature of what you are cooking — remotely! Enjoy carefree cooking with the Grill Alert Talking Remote Meat Thermometer anywhere, anytime.
Now you can have the freedom to mingle with our remote meat thermometer for BBQ. Just insert the stainless steel probes in the center of the meat. Select the type of meat and how you would like it done (Rare, Medium Rare, Medium or Well Done). That’s all you have to do. A voice prompt will alert you when your entree is “Almost Ready” and “Ready.” A remote meat thermometer for BBQ takes the guesswork out of grilling. With a belt clip for added freedom and a range of 300-ft., the Grill Alert even has a display backlight for nighttime grilling. Uses two AA batteries and two AAA batteries (not included).
This is a cool (or should I say HOT) new product I stumbled upon just recently. The Landmann Quad Que Smoker gives you dual functionality. It doubles as a smoker and a fireplace! When you aren’t smoking meat, you can kick back and enjoy the fireplace function of this unique item.
The Landman Quad Que Smoker is made of heavy-duty steel construction. Dual functionality: fireplace and grill. Multiple cooking surfaces up to 1,370 square inches, unique shape allows food to be grilled, smoked and steamed. A drip pan/ watering pan is included and allows food to be steamed adding moisture and flavor. This smoker/fireplace also has a stainless steel temperature gauge. Burns wood or charcoal. 6 porcelain cooking grates, ash drawer for easy cleanup. Includes meat hangers for cooking or smoking and a front spark guard when used as an outdoor fireplace. Stainless steel handles.
Ok, I said accessories and gadgets for this article. But I couldn’t resist this new type of electric grill which uses convection cooking. This baby is is safe to use indoors, heats to 500° in less than five minutes and has an exclusive HeatXchange system allows you to switch between searing and grilling, roasting, warming and baking.
Fire up this powerful electric grill and find out that it does what the big grills do but in places where no gas, no charcoal, no open flame are allowed. From balcony to campsite, boat dock, apartment, condo or RV, this compact, portable electric grill delivers all the heat you need to sear, grill, roast and bake to delicious perfection. It comes ready to cook. It is safe to use indoors (with venting) or out, and can be placed on any cooking surface! Just plug it into a standard 110-volt outlet. The Portable Electric Grill with Convection Cooking heats to 500 degrees in less than five minutes. Features 10 grill-by-number settings–the temperature probe tells you when food is cooked to desired doneness. Exclusive HeatXchange system allows you to switch between searing and grilling, roasting, warming and baking. Hood design circulates air around food for true convection cooking, eliminating the need for a rotisserie. Non-stick, easy-clean searing plate. Rustproof restaurant-grade 18-gauge 304 stainless steel. Compact 20 1/2″ w x 18″ d x 9 1/2″ high, yet cooks up to 6 burgers or 4 steaks at one time. Winner of the Gold Medal Vesta Award for alternative fuel barbecues.
There you have it, ten new barbecue accessories & gadgets — with the exception of a couple new old things and a powerful convection cooking portable grill. Even if you don’t go out and purchase any of these cool gadgets, I hope that it inspires you to get out there and grill, barbecue and smoke your favorite foods.
I just received word this week from Mr. Lester Smith, CEO of Marquee Ventures regarding a celebrity judged BBQ cook off to be held on September 12, 2009.
The nationally covered Wheels of Fortune celebrity judged BBQ event is sponsored by and held at Red Rock Harley-Davidson, 2260 South Rainbow Boulevard, Las Vegas, Nevada 89146.
Categories for the competition are: chicken, pork ribs, pork shoulder/butt, and beef brisket. What’s almost better than all that great barbecue food that will be cooked off? Cash! There’s also $100,000 in cash and prizes to be given away.
No word yet on which celebrities will be there but let’s just hope that Perez Hilton is not one of the judges! I’ve also been told that there is going to be a rib eating contest. Yummm! As I receive more information, I will update this article.
Mr. Smith was also nice enough to forward me a poster graphic and entry form. You can even enter your team online.
For entry fees and vendor sponsorship inquiries, please call Marquee Ventures at 702.990.3577.
For me, each year Cinco De Mayo kicks off the barbecue season. Even though I did smoke a Boston butt the other week. So what better way to begin this season than a few delicioso recipes! But first, how about a little Cinco De Mayo history?
Without being long-winded, I’ll start by saying Cinco De Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day nor is it an American holiday. It is a day in which 4,000 Mexican soldiers smashed the French and traitor Mexican army of 8,000 at Puebla, Mexico, 100 miles east of Mexico City on the morning of May 5, 1862 and won the battle. Some say those brave 4,000 Mexican soldiers may have even saved the United States — Hence this is why Americans celebrate as well. For the whole story check out Cinco History.
Now back to barbecuing — Mexican style! This first recipe is Beef Fajitas which are a popular dish at local Mexican restaurants as well as American chain restaurants. They are easy to make at home, and this method works just as well with chicken, pork, or vegetables if you do not wish to make it with beef.
Prep Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
Preparation:
In a large, heavy-duty freezer ziptop bag, combine garlic paste, lime juice, cumin, and olive oil. Seal and shake to combine. Place skirt steak, bell peppers, onion, and cilantro sprigs into the bag, squeeze out the air, and turn to coat the meat, distributing vegetables evenly. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight to allow marinade to penetrate.
To Cook:
Preheat the gas or charcoal grill to high heat.
While grill is heating, remove skirt steak from marinade to a platter, shaking off liquid and reserving marinade with the vegetables.
Preheat a heavy skillet to the smoking point. Drain vegetables and cilantro, and quickly stir-fry over high heat until slightly charred and softened, but not mushy. Set aside and keep warm.
Grill skirt steak over high heat quickly until medium rare, about 2 minutes per side. Slice meat against the grain into strips and serve immediately with warm tortillas, the seared pepper vegetable mix, guacamole, salsa, and sour cream.
To eat Mexican fajitas, diners traditionally place strips of meat with grilled vegetables, guacamole, salsa, and sour cream into the tortilla, and fold it up taco- or burrito-style.
Notes: Fajitas may also be made with chicken breast or pork tenderloin steaks. If you like your meat spicy, add 1 minced serrano chile to the marinade. If you do not have a gas or charcoal grill, you may use a cast iron or heavy grill pan on the stove-top. It is important that the pan be very hot before quickly searing the meat. An overhead exhaust fan is mandatory for indoor stove-top grilling.
Yield: 12 fajitas, serving 6
Ok. So now we have a main dish prepared, how about a side-dish? Mexican grilled corn is a local favorite and easy to make!
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
Directions:
Remove the husks of the corn but leave the core attached at the end so you have something to hold onto. Grill the corn on a hot grill or cast iron griddle pan until slightly charred. Turn it so it gets cooked evenly all over. Mix the mayonnaise, sour cream and cilantro together. Grate the Parmesan in another bowl. While the corn is still warm slather with mayonnaise mix. Squeeze lime juice over the corn and shower with Parmesan. Season with chili powder and serve with extra lime wedges.
Yield: 4 servings
Now for dessert I have chose Flan, which is a traditional Mexican custard. The cooking method causes a delicious caramel sauce to form as a topping for the flan. If possible, make the flan a day in advance to give it extra time to set up.
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients:
Directions:
To make the caramel: have ready a 2-quart round flan mold and a large roasting pan. Combine 1 cup of the sugar and 2 tablespoons of water in a heavy-bottomed pot or pan. Place over medium-high heat and cook until the sugar begins to melt. Swirl the pan over the heat until the syrup darkens to a medium amber color, about 10 minutes; don’t stir with a spoon. Remove from the heat and immediately add the lemon juice, swirl the pan again to combine, and then pour into the flan mold. Tilt the dish so that the caramel evenly coats the bottom and a bit up the sides, place in the roasting pan and set aside.
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F, bring a kettle of water to a boil for the water bath and keep it hot.
Combine the cream, cinnamon, and vanilla in a small saucepan over medium-low flame. Bring the cream to a brief simmer, stirring occasionally. Take care not to let the cream come to a full boil to prevent it from spilling over.
In a large bowl, cream together the whole eggs and yolks with the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar; add a pinch of salt. Whisk until the mixture is pale yellow and thick. Temper the egg mixture by gradually whisking in the hot cream mixture; don’t add it too quickly or the eggs will cook. Pass the mixture through a strainer into a large measuring cup to ensure that the flan will be perfectly smooth. Pour the custard into the caramel-coated mold.
To create the water bath: pour the hot (not boiling) water into the roasting pan to come halfway up the side of the mold; be careful not get water into the custard. Carefully transfer to the middle oven rack, and bake for 30 to 45 minutes, until the custard is barely set and just jiggles slightly. Let the flan cool in the water bath, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
When you are ready to serve, run a knife around the inside of the mold to loosen the flan. Place a dessert plate on top of the flan and invert to pop it out.
Yield: 6 servings
What is a party without a few beverages to enjoy?! Here are a few drink accompaniments that would go great with this meal:
A special thank you to About.com and the Food Network for supplying these fine recipes (excluding the drink recipes)! Please grill and drink responsibly!
With the big day fast approaching, it leaves an even bigger question for many of us; What am I going to make for Super Bowl Sunday? Don’t fret. I have a few quick and easy ideas that I hope will inspire you. Plus I’ll add a few recipes to make it even easier.
Let’s talk appetizers first because many folks like to cook (or order) appetizers for football games rather than making a huge meal. Chicken wings are always a favorite, however let’s look at an alternative for faster cooking, big taste and it’ll be healthier too!
Why not think about jerk chicken skewers barbecued right on your outdoor grill (or indoor grill if the weather isn’t so great outside)? There are no bones to mess with (as with chicken wings) and you won’t have to worry about hot sauce getting all over your house. Depending on the amount of guests you will have over, you might want to consider buying a large bag of chicken tenders at your favorite warehouse store (e.g. Costco, Sams, etc.). Otherwise pick up a pound or two at your local supermarket. While you are there, grab a package of bamboo skewers and a jar of Jamaican Jerk spice (Jamaican Jerk seasoning is also available online).
Directions:
Soak bamboo skewers in water for about a 1/2 hour or so. While your bamboo skewers are soaking, thaw chicken in cool running water if frozen. Pat dry with paper towels and put in large mixing bowl. Add Jamaican Jerk seasoning, toss to coat chicken. Tip: It helps to use plastic gloves and toss by hand. Heat grill to medium-high. Season your grill with vegetable or olive oil (take an old clean towel, dip in oil and use your tongs to season grill). Grill chicken for about 2 minutes on each side. Plate, garnish and serve!
More Appetizer Ideas
Other appetizer ideas to consider are: 1.) mini sloppy joe sandwiches (use your favorite sloppy joe mix, hamburger & King’s Hawaiian dinner rolls), 2.) shrimp cocktail, 3.) grilled shrimp on skewers (you can even jerk them!), 4.) clam chowder (since it’s cold around Superbowl time), 5.) nachos & cheese or cheese con carnie or steak quesadillas. There are a host of other appetizers you can make — these are just a few. You can host your Superbowl party with appetizers alone, but if you’re looking to cook more, read on!
Ok. Let’s consider a few items you can cook for your “main dish” or dishes. You can smoke a Boston butt for pulled pork, BBQ ribs or beef brisket if you have the time on your hands. Or you can stick with quick and easy. This is Superbowl Sunday you know! I’m going with quick and easy (but great-tasting of course).
Here are a list of quick & easy main dishes for you to consider (and no baking is required!):
Everyone loves Philly cheese steak sandwiches along with everything on the above list, but I will supply a recipe for cheese steak sandwiches for you.
Directions
Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. When hot add the oil, onions and bell peppers, and cook, stirring, until caramelized, about 6 minutes. Add the garlic, salt, and pepper, and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Push off to 1 side of the griddle.
Add the meat to the hot pan and cook, stirring and breaking up with the back of 2 metal spatulas, until almost no longer pink, about 2 minutes. Mix in the Sauteed vegetables. Top with cheese slices and melt. Spoon the cheesy meat mixture into the warm buns and serve immediately with condiments of choice or Put the meat in the bun and dip the spatula in the cheese whiz and then wipe the spatula down the inside of the bread.
Recipe compliments of foodnetwork.com
Now that I have given you plenty of ideas for appetizers and main dishes, lets think about dessert. Remember, we are talking easy here. No need to bake a football cake yet you have plenty of choices of some excellent desserts. There are plenty of non-baked desserts to choose from such as:
Directions:
Set aside 3 strawberries for garnish. Slice remaining strawberries. Whisk milk and pudding mix for 2 minutes. Let stand for 2 minutes. In a large bowl beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually beat in 2 tablespoons coffee. Beat in pudding then fold in whipped topping. Brush remaining coffee over ladyfingers. Line bottom of 3 quart trifle bowl with 1/2 of ladyfingers. Top with 1/2 of sliced berries, grated chocolate and pudding mix. Make another layer in the same sequence. Slice reserved berries and arrange on top.
Notes: This is also fun to serve in individual trifle bowls for showers and get togethers.
Number of Servings: 8+
Recipe compliments of betterrecipes.com
So there you have it from appetizers to dessert. I didn’t get into the whole barbecuing thing yet there are plenty of things in this article that you can throw on the grill. For many people January isn’t the best time of year for them to hop outside and grill up a storm or sit there babysitting the smoker. This is the main reason why I chose lots of easy (but tasty) items to inspire you. Besides, when you have a bunch of friends over isn’t it all about enjoying your company and the game rather than slaving away at the grill or oven?
Many of us like our chicken wings deep-fried and doused with lots of hot sauce, however there are other methods of cooking our feathered friend’s appendages. I have in the past barbecued wings on the grill but I don’t recall marinating them first. Here is an tasty and a healthier alternative to deep-frying chicken wings.
Ingredients:
To Prepare:
Grill, Sauce & Serve:
Note: This recipe is easily customized to change the flavors for your own taste. Marinate wings with your favorite Mojo and baste with Caribbean BBQ or Jerk sauce for the Islands flavor. For a more traditional flavor, replace the BBQ sauce with a bottled Buffalo wing sauce to baste.
Recipe credit: Chef Dave Del Rio
Printer-friendly versions: Word Document, PDF
Since many of our friends are in places where it is either too cold to grill outside or they have a blanket of snow on their patio, I thought this was a good time to post a few indoor electric grills.
I did not put them in order of greatness because I think they are all great indoor grills — I did post a couple that I liked out of this bunch at the end of the list. Without further ado, I give you our list of Top Indoor Grills.
With its extra-large 200-square-inch nonstick cooking surface, this indoor barbeque grill provides ample space for everyday use or entertaining year round. The grill features adjustable temperature control with an indicator light, and its powerful 1300-watt heating element is built into the bottom of the grill surface for even heat distribution. The grill not only sears those tasty grill marks onto food, but its design also keeps food above and away from grease, fat, and other excess liquids for healthier cooking. The removable drip pan catches run-off fat, and by filling it first with water, it’s easy to enjoy virtually smoke-free grilling. The unit’s cool-touch handles and base provide added safety, and its nonstick surface and dishwasher-safe drip pan make for quick and easy cleanup. A bilingual instruction manual and a recipe guide are included. The grill measures 23-5/8 by 3-7/8 by 14-1/2 inches.
Where to buy: Amazon.com
Forget charcoal, smoke and the possibility of rain: This West Bend electric indoor grill lets you barbecue right on your kitchen countertop. The 1500-watt appliance has a versatile nonstick cooking surface, with grease-draining ribs on one side and a solid griddle on the other. Also features an adjustable temperature control, drip tray, glass lid and heat-resistant handles. Grill plate and drip tray are dishwasher safe. Cooking surface: 15Lx11W”. Complete grill: 7Hx14Wx21-1/2L”.
Where to buy: Amazon.com
Ideal for grilling steaks, chicken, fish, burgers, and vegetables indoors, this 1300-watt countertop appliance has a big, family-size grill surface of 12-1/2 by 9-1/4 inches coated with nonstick for low-fat cooking and easy cleaning. A variable heat control provides precise cooking temperatures, and the grill’s handles and stylish, dark-gray plastic base stay cool during operation for safety. Another safety feature prevents the heat control, which provides power to the appliance, from being inserted unless the metal drip tray and cooking grid are in place and prevents the grid from being removed during operation. The appliance disassembles easily for cleaning, and the drip tray is dishwasher-safe. Overall, the unit measures 20-3/4 inches wide, 6-1/8 inches high, and 14 inches deep.
Where to buy: Amazon.com
With four separate cooking options, it can handle everything from pancakes to sausages to grilled cheese to steaks, hamburgers and panini. It helps you prepare more servings of more kinds of food in less time, so you can cook for a crowd — no one has to wait! Simply change the cooking plates and adjust the floating hinge to use the Griddler as a Contact Grill, a Panini Press, or your choice of an extra-large double Open Grill or Griddle. Convenient cord storage keeps extra cord out of the way and makes storage easy.
Where to buy: Amazon.com
Sporting a sleek, contemporary design, this electric grill features 84 square inches of cooking surface and endless cooking options. Five removable grill plates allow for making waffles, cooking Paninis, and grilling veggies, along with baking and griddle cooking. The appliance’s appeal lies in its simplicity and countertop convenience–not to mention its fat-fighting ability. Exclusive George Tough triple-coated, scratch-resistant, nonstick coating protects each grill plate, providing the option for low-fat cooking and ensuring easy food release.
Where to buy: Amazon.com
The DeLonghi Alfredo Indoor Grill utilizes an embedded heating element to deliver heat evenly throughout its cooking surface. The die-cast aluminum grill plate has traditional raised ridges for perfect searing of steaks, burgers, frankfurters, and more. The grease drips through slotted openings and is collected in a drip tray below the grilling surface. The grill itself is recessed in the unit to prevent excessive splattering, and a tempered glass lid also acts as a splatter shield, while keeping heat and moisture in the cooking area to prevent foods from drying out.
Where to buy: Amazon.com
The Grill’s arms are die-cast from molten aluminum, while the body is wrapped in high-grade, brushed stainless steel for ultimate durability and performance, and a refined finish. The 184-sq. inch professional-grade cooking plates are covered with non-stick Quantanium, blended with titanium to resist scratching and wear. The surface is completely food safe, allows cooking without oil or butter, and is incredibly easy to clean. Dual plate design enables you to cook everything from eggs to steak, with authentic BBQ results. The top plate can be adjusted to six pre-set heights. On the lower settings, this unique patented feature reduces the weight pressing upon more delicate foods like fish or vegetables. The higher settings are ideal for making open melt sandwiches or heating pizzas or breads, all but eliminating the need for a toaster oven.
Where to buy: Amazon.com
Enjoy the taste of grilled foods all year long with this easy-to-use countertop appliance. The unit provides 100 square inches of cooking surface for grilling summer vegetables or up to four burgers at a time, while its floating hinge accommodates thicker sandwiches or steaks. Unlike most grills that only go up to 400 degrees F, the searing grill quickly heats up to 500 degrees F for properly grilling steaks, capturing all the flavorful juices plus searing the meat with tantalizing grill marks. Most meats grill in 10 minutes or less, so dinner’s ready in no time. The appliance’s appeal lies not only in its simplicity and countertop convenience, but also in its fat-fighting ability. Its design channels fat away from food and into a large dishwasher-safe drip tray. Other highlights include a digital display, adjustable temperature controls, an illuminated sear button, a stay-cool handle, and a nonstick coating that ensures effortless food release and quick cleanup. The searing grill measures approximately 14 by 13-4/5 by 7-1/2 inches.
Where to buy: Amazon.com
Italian-made countertop grill with adjustable thermostat lets you cook steaks on high and vegetables on low. Stainless-steel drip tray captures excess grease so there’s less fat for you, and no smoke. The 1,500-watt heating element duplicates the radiant heat/contact heat performance of outdoor grills. Enameled cast iron grill plate serves up plenty of deliciously healthy foods in just minutes – all right on your kitchen counter or tabletop. No more grilling in inclement weather or running out of propane! Grate and drip tray are dishwasher-safe. Made in Italy. One-year limited warranty. 11 1/2 lbs. 20″L x 11 1/2″W x 4 1/2″H.
Where to buy: Amazon.com
You can enjoy the flavors of the outdoor grill indoors any season with the Calphalon Removable Plate Grill. Steaks, chops and burgers sear perfectly on its premium nonstick surface – and they have the great-looking grill marks to prove it. Fats simply drain away into the internal drip tray, so our grill is ideal for healthy, low-fat cooking. Its extra large cooking surface makes preparing family meals a breeze, while a butterfly-shaped heating element and internal temperature sensors ensure even heating and cooking across the entire grill.Features: The OPTI-HEAT system for premium heating performance and even heat delivery. High performance bronze nonstick for excellent release and easy clean-up. Heavy-weight cast aluminum plates are removable for easy clean-up. Extra large cooking surface accommodates 6 pork chops or 4 panini sandwiches. Adjustable grill height to fit your favorite foods. Separate cooking controls for time and temperature. Removable internal drip tray. 1500 watts, temperature range 150 to 450 degrees.
Where to buy: Amazon.com
If I needed to purchase an indoor grill, I would pick either the Cuisinart GR-4 Griddler because of it’s ruggedness and the fact that you can do pancakes, sausages, hamburgers, panini and more! The cord storage sounds handy too – Or the George Foreman GRP90WGR. Yes, I laugh at my mother for having a George Foreman grill and told myself I would never buy one. But when I saw that it makes waffles I would have to put it up top of my list because my 2-year-old son would be so happy that I can make homemade waffles on it. The other reason — George Foreman grills have a pretty darn good track record.
There are two more indoor grills out of the list above that caught my eye: The Calphalon HE600CG for the adjustable separate temperature/time controls and the Hamilton Beach 25331 because the temperature goes up to 500 degrees.
Remember to read the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings. Be safe and enjoy grilled food even in the wintertime!
An ex-busboy at Southern Hospitality BBQ & Bar in Manhattan, has filed a lawsuit claiming that he wasn’t paid a living wage during the year he spent working there.
In a federal lawsuit filed Friday in New York, 26-year-old Felipe Ramales alleges that he and some fellow employees were not given their rightful share of automatic gratuity charges that were applied to tables of six or more. The plaintiff also says that he regularly worked more than 40 hours a week and received no overtime pay.
But while Ramales’ grievances are plentiful, a Southern Hospitality rep says that they’re baseless, as well.
Restaurant manager Chris Russell said that staffers took home every bit of their tips and that employee salaries were well over minimum wage.
Reps for Timberlake or his partners have yet to respond to the suit.
Source: E! Online
I found this gem of a recipe this morning. Three things that I love about this recipe: the green pepper, the fact that it does not use prepared bottled barbecue sauce (it does use Campbell’s Tomato soup however), and the simplicity of the recipe. Anybody can whip this up and it sounds really good! As a matter of fact, I think I’ll make this tonight with some homemade French fries. Stay tuned for my review!
Prep Time: 10 min
Total Time: 25 to 30 min
1. Mix hamburger, onion, green peppers and soaked bread in a bowl, save soup until later.
2. After mixing well, pat into oval burgers about 1/2 in thick, brown in oven proof skillet. When done, sprinkle in 4 tbsp flour and stir into the juices until the flour disappears.
3. Now mix the Campbell’s tomato soup with 1/2 can water. Pour this mixture over the browned and cooked burgers, stirring to mix well.
4. Bake in oven at 400 degrees for 25 minutes until good and bubbly. The gravy is very good on mashed potatoes or a slice or buttered bread, fast, easy and very good.
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
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