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How to Buy a Gas Grill

Gas Grill Buyers Guide

How To Buy A Gas Grill

First of all, put aside everything you have found out about gas grills. You will find lots of misconceptions out there, and I would like to let you know some more information about what to look for in a gas grill. It's going to make sense when we're finished, and ideally you will make an excellent gas grill buying selection. Initially, you have to select how you like to make meals on a gas grill. Do you like placing your meats on the grill and walking away till it's cooked, or would you like to cook meals quickly and very hot? Will you cook straight over the fire, or indirectly? After you have determined what you want out of a gas grill, you are prepared to start reviewing. Many guides on the market tell you to set your own price and after that start shopping. That isn't how you have to do it. To begin with, you might not have any kind of concept what grills cost nowadays. Secondly, you will get what you pay for. As Benjamin Franklin used to say, "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten." Should you follow the guide lines, you'll make a much more informed choice in getting your next gas grill.

Let me walk you through a typical grill purchase. A person goes into a mass merchant store and looks at a huge grill that has big warming racks, high BTU's,and a list of many other impressive features.  For more information... click here to read more!

Barbecue Grilling Tips

Barbecue Grilling Tips

Real barbecue involves cooking meat using smoke rather than direct heat. This can be achieved by purchasing a barbecue pit that is created to cook food in this manner. Or, you can achieve the same results with a charcoal, gas or propane grill, as long as it has a hood to keep the smoke in. Because that's the number one requirement of authentic barbecued food – it must be cooked using indirect heat (smoke) rather than having flame applied. Now, this can take an awfully long time. We're talking six to eight hours for ribs. If you just don't have that kind of time, check out our barbecue grilling tips that allow you to eat in a reasonable amount of time yet still experience great barbecue flavor.

Tip One: Choose a Good Cut of Meat

One of the most important barbecue grilling tips is to choose a good cut of meat. No matter how long you cook something or what method you use, you're not going to get good results without quality meat. When it comes to steak, choose a New York Strip or Rib Eye, both excellent when it comes to flavor and texture. If you're cooking pork, go for tenderloin all the way. Wild caught Alaskan salmon is the perfect fish for barbecue grilling, and if you want chicken, choose lean skinless breasts for a healthy poultry dish. Make sure whatever meat you choose is as fresh as possible. If you have questions, consult with your supermarket's meat department or neighborhood butcher.

Tip Two: Try a Smoke Box

If you're grilling with a propane or gas grill, you can impart a delicious smoky flavor by using a special vented smoke box filled with wet wood chips. Close the hood, turn down the heat, and let your smoke box do its thing. A packet made from aluminum foil and vented can work as well.

Tip Three: Make Your Own Sauce

You're not a real barbecue chef until you've created your own special sauce! Try this simple recipe to get you started. This flavorful blend works great on beef, pork, chicken and fish and will have your guests begging for the recipe!

1/8 cup white wine vinegar 1/4 cup molasses 3/4 cup tomato ketchup 1 ½ powdered mustard 1 tsp Liquid Smoke Assortment of spices to taste: Try garlic, sage, onion powder, red pepper and cayenne

With these three simple barbecue grilling tips, you can impart a smoky, authentic flavor to most any food in no time. Your guests will think you spent hours slaving over a barbecue pit – only you'll know better!

Outdoor Barbecue Patios

The Beauty of Outdoor Barbecue Patios

Outdoor barbecue patios serve as open air kitchens where everything you need is right there at your fingertips. These elaborate areas are perfect for people who do a lot of entertaining outdoors. Rather than heating up your kitchen by cooking or keeping your guests contained to one area while you're cooking, why not try an outdoor barbecue patio instead?

The centerpiece of your outdoor barbecue patio is definitely the grill. Whether or not you choose a charcoal grill or gas grill is a matter of personal preference. There are professional grade grills starting around $1500 that feature a plethora of convenient accessories in addition to lots of storage space and a large cooking area. Many of them offer rotisseries, griddles, smokers and even refrigerators in addition to the grill.

Good lighting is a must when it comes to outdoor barbecue patios. Overhead light is ideal and lets you see how the cooking is going. There are lights that clip onto the grill which let you keep a close eye on your meat and vegetables. For mood lighting, try a large citronella candle which will impart a nice light and keep pests away.

A sink is a good addition to any outdoor barbecue patio. This allows you to wash dishes, prepare dishes that need water, and so much more. The sink can use a hose or borrow from the house's water supply. Many sinks come with ice machines, but if yours does not, a large size cooler is ideal for keeping ice nearby.

Building your outdoor barbecue patio on concrete is ideal because it can withstand any embers that fall to the ground. If you're placing your outdoor barbecue patio on a wooden deck area, check to make sure that the deck is not only fire resistant but can hold up under the weight of your grill, refrigerator, sink and other accessories.

Good seating is another part of outdoor barbecue patios. You'll want a large patio table and chairs that are attractive, comfortable and weatherproof. A large shady umbrella is an ideal addition to keep the heat of the sun away while dining. For nighttime cooking and dining, try some tiki torches or some automatic lights, both of which are simply staked into the ground.

How To Build A 55 Gallon Drum Barbecue Pit

How to Build A 55 Gallon Drum Barbecue Pit

If you love good barbecue, then you need to learn how to build a 55 gallon drum barbecue pit. Building your own barbecue pit isn't as hard as it looks. The first thing you will need to do is gather your supplies. You will need:

Two 55 Gallon Drums Wood Stove Kit 22 x 15 Grilling Surfaces Fire Bricks Smokestacks Hinges Heat thermometer Fire safe paint

The first thing you'll want to do is paint the barrels with fire proof paint. You'll need to use a saber saw with a fresh blade. If you don't have one, then you can rent one from a home improvement store. Cut one hole for the fire door, and matching holes in both barrels where they will be connected. Then, cut the top barrel horizontally in half.

Now it's time to break out the wood stove kit. Do all the mounting and nailing as directed in the directions of the kit. First you'll be putting the lower barrel on the legs, then add the fire door, supports and flues. Then you'll want to add the top barrel and connect it to the bottom one using the flues and supports.

Next you'll want to cut holes and install the smokestacks. Make sure you create the dampers and drill a hole for your thermometer. Put fire bricks in the bottom barrel and add the grill brackets. Stick the grill surfaces in place, and you're good to go!

When it comes to using your 55 gallon drum barbecue pit, you'll want to choose a surface like hard packed dirt or smooth concrete. Operating your new barbecue pit is a snap, just make sure you're using real wood, not charcoal. There are a variety of woods that can impart a wonderful smoky flavor and nice, even heating. They include oak, mesquite, and hickory.

Building a 55 gallon drum barbecue pit is a labor of love. Yes, it takes time and effort, but the result is an amazing professional quality barbecue smoker that you and your family and friends will love!

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Wood Fire Barbecue

The Benefits of Wood Fire Barbecue

Many barbecue enthusiasts swear that wood fire is the only way to cook food outdoors. While gas, propane and charcoal are commonly used heat sources for preparing food outside, wood fire provides the indirect heat that is needed to create what connoisseurs consider true barbecue.

One way to accomplish this is by purchasing a wood fire barbecue smoker. These pieces of equipment range in price from cheap to extravagant depending on manufacturer and size. Some people choose to make their own, using two fifty-five gallon drums and some additional accessories. This process is not as difficult as you might think, especially if you're able to locate a good set of plans.

If you want the taste of wood fire barbecue but all you have to work with is a charcoal or gas grill, you can still accomplish this using what is known as a smoke box. This box is ventilated and filled with soaked wood chips. Or, you can make a container for the wood chips using an aluminum foil packet with vent holes. Simply insert the smoke box or packet and close the hood. The smoke will bring a traditional barbecue flavor to your food, and different woods impart different flavors. Try hickory or mesquite wood chips for great results.

One traditional way to get real wood fire barbecue is by installing a barbecue pit in your backyard. When cooking food on one of these, you'll want to have plenty of time. To smoke ribs using in the wood fire barbecue method, you can expect the process to take six to eight hours. Definitely not something you want to do on a busy day, this technique is perfect for the weekend when you've got all day to hang out in the yard.

If you're new to the world of wood fire barbecue, you can start off with a miniature or small smoker. Or, try the smoke box method with your existing grill. This will introduce you to the taste of this type of food and give you a chance to decide if you want to invest further. If you have the space and budget, a real wood fire barbecue in your backyard is a definite asset!

Barbecue Sauces For Chicken

Barbecue Sauces for Chicken

Chicken is one of the most commonly grilled, barbecued and smoked meats. If you're planning on cooking your poultry outdoors, then you'll need some great sauce. Check out our recipes for barbecue sauces for chicken. Each one of these can be used as a marinade and basting sauce to take your chicken from plain to amazing in no time!

Sweet and Tangy Classic BBQ Sauce

2 cups tomato ketchup ½ cup minced onion 1/4 cup white wine vinegar 1/8 cup molasses 4 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons mustard 2 teaspoons Liquid Smoke ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 tablespoon real butter 1/4 cup minced white onion Salt and pepper to taste Juice of one lemon In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and cook until they're soft and beginning to brown. Slowly stir in the rest of the ingredients and cook over low to medium heat for approximately thirty minutes. Let sauce stand for ten minutes to allow flavors to meld, then stir and serve.

Bourbon Chicken Barbecue Sauce

1 ½ cup tomato ketchup 3/4 cup packed brown sugar 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 3/4 cup favorite bourbon such as Jim Beam or Jack Daniels 5 tablespoons soy sauce 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper Salt and pepper

Mix all ingredients in a medium to large saucepan. First, bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer the sauce for at least thirty minutes, stirring frequently. When sauce is smooth and thick, remove from heat and allow to cool for ten minutes before serving.

Hot Apricot Barbecue Sauce

½ teaspoon dried and minced habanero pepper (or jalapeno, depending on desired heat) 1 tablespoon real butter 2 tablespoons brown sugar 4 tablespoons apricot preserves or jam 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar ½ cup water Salt and pepper Heat the water over medium heat until it is hot but not boiling. Slowly add the minced, dried pepper and allow it to distribute throughout the water. Add butter and allow it to melt, then shake in salt and pepper. Slowly stir in brown sugar, then add the preserves and vinegar. Stir the mixture over medium heat until it is thick, perfectly blended and evenly heated.

Plans For Outdoor Barbecues

Finding Plans for Outdoor Barbecues

Maybe you'd like to build an outdoor barbecue but don't know where to start. The first thing you need to do is find plans for outdoor barbecues. There are a variety of places where you can find these plans, as outlined below: 

Your Local Library 

There are lots of books on the shelves that can help you plan, design and build the outdoor barbecue of your dreams. One such title: Building Barbecues & Outdoor Kitchens from Sunset Books. This book will teach you everything you need to know and provide you with plans for outdoor barbecues. Another great title is Ultimate Outdoor Kitchens by Michelle Kodis. This book will not only teach you how to build an outdoor barbecue but also other outdoor kitchen areas as well. 

The Internet 

If you go online, you can find lots of great plans for outdoor barbecues as well. Some of them are free, and some of them cost money. Often, at home improvement message boards, you can exchange ideas and discuss plans for outdoor barbecues with other people interested in the same thing as you are. By talking to people who've been there and done that, you can learn what techniques work best when building outdoor barbecues and which to avoid. 

Your Local Home Improvement Store 

Check the shelves of your local home improvement store for plans for outdoor barbecues. Not only can you find books related to the subject, you can find individual plans for sale. Ask a sales attendant at the store for help. They can direct you to various plans and help you decide which kind of outdoor barbecue you want to build. 

Your Imagination 

While it's a little harder to get your plans for outdoor barbecues this way, some enterprising people can design and create the plans for their outdoor barbecue on their own. If you're good with construction projects and understand the basics of building things, you can probably design your own simple barbecue grill. 

As mentioned before, the first step to building the perfect outdoor barbecue is great plans. Once you've found or created the right plans for your barbecue project, then you can move on to gathering supplies and beginning construction. Building your own barbecue is a project that benefits your whole family, and any lucky guests that happen to come over!

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Mail Order Barbecue Sauce

Choosing a Mail Order Barbecue Sauce

When it comes to the perfect barbecue sauce, you could make your own. But then again, not everyone has the money and time to craft the ideal sauce from scratch. Another option is to try a mail order barbecue sauce. There are many different companies that offer mail order barbecue sauce to please every palette. Whether you like your sauce smooth and mild or full of heat, you can find a mail order barbecue sauce that suits you. Here are a few of our favorites:

Corky's Barbecue Sauce

Corky's is a popular mail order barbecue sauce that is beloved nationwide. In 1998, Southern Living Magazine named it the best barbecue sauce found anywhere. This sauce originates in Memphis, Tennessee and offers barbecue lovers a sweet, spicy and tangy flavor that can be summed up in one word – classic!

Buck Creek Barbecue Sauce

Buck Creek offers a variety of delicious mail order barbecue sauce choices that will impress even the most discerning connoisseur. For those looking for heat, there's Buck Creek Habanero BBQ Sauce, which boasts seven different types of spices. If you're not one for heat, then how about something sweet? Buck Creek Raspberry BBQ Sauce fits the bill, with its distinctive berry flavor. Then for a smoky, tangy flavor, there's Buck Creek Mesquite BBQ Sauce.

Big Acres Barbecue Sauces

Big Acres offers an exotic and interesting variety of mail order barbecue sauce choices. Get adventurous and try something like Mango Peach Chili Sauce, Chipotle Peanut Sauce, Rich and Mild BBQ Sauce, or Hot and Spicy BBQ Sauce. Smokin Joe Jones

The sauce offered from Smokin Joe Jones is a balanced medley of spices and flavors which combine to make a barbecue sauce that's zesty, spicy, sweet and smokey all at once. Wild honey, garlic, molasses and onion are just a few ingredients in this down home mail order barbecue sauce that's used for marinating, grilling and dipping. This company also offers other choices like Blazin' Hot Barbeque Sauce and a three-jar sample pack that lets you try various offerings.

Maguire's Irish BBQ Sauce

Maguire's Irish BBQ Sauce is flavorful, zesty, and rich without being too spicy. This renowned mail order barbecue sauce is created from an old family recipe that was found written in an old family Bible. If you want to experience real Irish barbecue, then you need Maguire's sauce for your chicken, pork, beef or fish!

Mail Order Barbecue Meats

Finding the Best Mail Order Barbecue Meats

These days, you can get incredible barbecue meats without ever having to leave your home. Mail order barbecue meats are a growing trend in today's gourmet food market. More and more people are turning to mail order to get the best foods in the nation. Check out our top picks for mail order barbecue meats that you can have shipped to your home in a matter of days:

Clark's Outpost

When you order from Clark's Outpost, you are assured to get top-quality Texas barbecue. This mail order barbecue shop features beef brisket, barbecue sauce, spice rub, ham, ribs, and much more. Fast shipping, great customer service and delicious food make Clark's Outpost a must.

Willy Ray's Bar-BQ Co

Willy Ray's is yet another Texas mail order barbecue meats company. You'll get slow-smoked meats like smoked beef brisket, pork roast, honey glazed ham and more delivered directly to your home. They offer holiday gift boxes and much more to serve all your barbecue needs. Amazing variety and delicious down home food are two great reasons to check out Willy Ray's.

Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbecue

This Kansas City mail order barbecue is shipped nationwide to homes all over the United States. It's easy to see why this company is so popular. Choose from succulent favorites like sausage, ribs, chicken, beef brisket, pulled pork and so much more. Family packs, samplers and decadent cheesecakes for dessert are some of the fantastic features of this company.

Omaha Steaks Omaha Steaks is one of the leading providers of mail order barbecue meats out there today. Choices like filet mignon, beef roasts and specialty steaks, as well as other food items, make this company so popular nationwide. You can also order sauces, rubs, cookbooks, and other items from this leader in the mail order food industry.

Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn

You can have Moonlite's amazing barbecue delivered to your front door. They offer pulled pork, barbecue mutton, specialty sauce, and a delicacy called burgoo soup. A family owned business, Moonlite brings their years of expertise in the barbecue business to you. While the food offered from this restaurant is gourmet quality, the prices are extremely reasonable!

Jim Early Barbecue

Jim Early Barbecue Books

The Jim Early barbecue book ‘The Best Tar Heel Barbecue,' is to some people, the ultimate handbook when it comes to finding the best barbecue in North Carolina. Jim Early isn't just a barbecue enthusiast, however. He's also a lawyer and Superior Court mediator. Oh, and did we mention that he's an experienced hunting and fishing guide, a knowledgeable cooking teacher and a respected speaker on the subject of stress management? The man does it all – and he's a philanthropist. Jim donates a portion of the proceeds from his books to charities like Feed the Children and Special Olympics. Curious about the wisdom contained in Jim Early barbecue books? Read on!

The Best Tar Heel Barbecue Manteo to Murphy:

This book serves as a map that can help you find the very best barbecue in the state of North Carolina. You'll learn about North Carolina and the wonderful barbecue establishments found there from a man who's been to each and every one of them. This book takes you above and beyond – you feel like you're right there with Jim Early, exploring these restaurants, tasting this food and meeting these people. If you're a resident of North Carolina or you're going to visit there, you must have this book!

Reflections: The Memories and Recipes of a Southern Cook

In this volume, you'll find over 30 dips and spreads especially created by Jim Early for this book. As you read through the recipes, you'll feel like each one has been created with love especially for you. And it's true – the recipes in this book are the result of over 3,000 labor hours and $18,000 in ingredients and equipment. The dessert recipes in this book are a result of Jim's countless hours spent talking to Southern ladies of a certain age, who explained to him how their mothers and grandmothers prepared classic Southern desserts.

Secqola Seminars

You can also find Jim Early's motivational and inspirational seminars on CD and DVD. You can study ‘Ethics – More Than a Line in the Sand' and ‘Fourteen Steps to Balance.' These seminars bring Jim Early's 20 years of work in the mental health area to you.

Another option for experiencing the wisdom of Jim Early is to see him in person at one of his many lectures, seminars, classes and book signings. Whether you are looking for motivation, inspiration, or great barbecue, Jim Early can help you.

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