For BBQ Lovers
A
re you a BBQ aficionado who feels right in their element when they're standing behind a smoking, sizzling piece of meat? Well, get fired up, because it's time to BBQ! (Actually, for most it's time to grill.)
Confused about the difference? Grilling is what most people do when they make burgers, hot dogs or a steak — these cook quickly on high heat (like grilling rib steaks on a gas BBQ).
A really good, authentic BBQ takes time. Some people call it "slow and low" as it takes a much longer cook time and requires consistent, low heat.
Of course, your success will also depend on the quality of the meat you choose. Wagyu beef, Duroc and Berkshire pork are said to be the world's best (and probably most expensive) meats. The best way to ensure fresh, top quality meat is to make friends with your local butcher.
For info check out: pitboss-grills.com, and for more information the Manual.
If you're in the Philadelphia area, try the meats from Smoke 'n Dudes BBQ Company. They specialize in "competition meats". smokendudesbbq.com
Don't talk to true barbecuers about your electric or gas BBQ because these heat sources won't give you that essential wood- or charcoal-infused taste that these people love. Big Green Egg, Kamado Joe, Primo XL, BBQ Guru Monolith, and Green Mountain Grills are some of the most popular BBQ models and these cookers are able to grill, barbecue, smoke, bake, sear, or roast. Be careful with cheap models as these often aren't airtight.
- Always preheat your grill and don't use lighting fluid to start the charcoal as this will give you a chemical-like taste in your food.
- If you're new to BBQ, try cooking chicken or ribs as your first effort. They have a much shorter cook time than, for example, pulled pork (that could take over 10 hours).
- Don't pack food in too tight. The heat and steam should be able to get to the edges of the meat for even cooking.
- Close the BBQ lid if the meat is thicker than ¾ inch.
- Get an instant-read thermometer and make sure the food is cooked to the desired safe temperatures.
Test your knowledge of BBQ at this site. It's filled with all kinds of info: The Science of Barbecue at finecooking.com
Bon appetite!
Tired of giving aprons as a gift for the family's annual BBQ? There are lots of other products on the market:
Tired of food that tastes like lighter fluid? The Looftlighter Fire Lighting Tool generates very hot air that ignites wood or charcoal in less than 60 seconds (just don't get it confused with your hair curler). You won't have to keep running back to your local BBQ store to buy more fire starters.
Canada: amazon.ca, USA: Looftlighter
Bear Paws are the answer to perfectly shredded meat without the mess— ideal for making pulled pork (or any kind of pulled meat). They're melt-proof and dishwasher safe.
Canada: amazon.ca, USA: amazon.com
This burger press delivers perfectly shaped burgers every time and comes with 50 free papers for separation of burger patties. It's non-stick and easy to clean.
Canada: amazon.ca, USA: amazon.com
Eliminate food sticking to your grill and small items like shrimp falling through. These non-stick mats come in a variety of sizes and can even be cut with scissors. Frogmats can be used in any home oven or BBQ.
Canada: amazon.ca, USA: amazon.com
This basket's flexible wire design is ideal for grilling delicate food such as fish and vegetables. The design stays elevated off the grates to prevent food from burning and sticking. Dishwasher safe.
Canada: amazon.ca, USA: amazon.com
Now you've seen it all. This is the sauce mop (strings attached to a long wooden handle) perfect for slathering large (very large) cuts of meat with sauce in seconds. You can safely reach way back into a smoker or grill. It comes with two detachable machine washable heads.
Canada: amazon.ca, USA: amazon.com
By D Revelins
Photo Credits: See Acknowledgements