Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Jalapeno Pepper Poppers

20 halved jalapenos
1 pound jimmy dean  or your favorite sausage
1 cup cream cheese
1 cup parmesan cheese

Preheat grill to 350 degrees
Brown sausage in saute pan and break up until it is as small as possible
Once brown, add in both cheeses to make a "paste"
Fill each jalapeno half a little above the sides with the paste and cheesy filling
Place directly on grates of your grill/smoker
Cook at 350 for 7-10mins
 
In the meantime you might start cutting some more peppers because your guests will love them and they will disappear fast!
 
Extra Twist...try wrapping them in thin bacon!

ENJOY

Fire Up Your Grill for Breakfast- Breakfast Casserole

Breakfast Casserole

1 lb breakfast sausage (I use Jimmy Dean- use your favorite, or homemade pork or even deer sausage)
9 eggs, beaten
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup melted butter (1/2 stick)
24 oz frozen hash browns (30 oz package minus about 1/5 package. 30 oz is too much), thawed
12 oz shredded cheddar cheese
salt, pepper

Preheat your grill to 350°.
Cook and break up sausage just until most of it is no longer pink (don't brown - leave some slightly pink.) You can do this in your kitchen or on your grill top with a cast iron skillet

Then...
Spread sausage on bottom of greased 9"x13" pan.
Add milk and melted butter to beaten eggs and pour over sausage.
Mix thawed hash browns with shredded cheese and some salt and pepper. Spread over casserole.
Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until top begins to brown.

Variations:
Ham and Swiss: Use ham chunks instead of sausage and swiss cheese instead of cheddar.
Tex Mex: Use Mexican cheese (or Monterey Jack) - can also add jalapeños to the egg mixture for more heat.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Top 10 BBQ Gifts for Christmas

Christmas is just a few short weeks away and there isn't a great deal of time left to organize the perfect present for the BBQ'ers in our families.

Here are my top 10 BBQ products of 2010.

1) Traeger Tex Smoker...The Big Purchase

The classics never go out of style. Introduced in 1992, this grill has become our most popular model. Designed after the traditional Texas Style wood cookers, this unit brings old fashioned wood cooking into the 21st century by featuring a high-tech auger-fed burner, electronic autostart ignition, multi-position digital thermostat control, EZ-drain grease system, and a durable powder coat finish. Forget fire tending and temperature control problems. This unit automatically augers wood pellets to accurately provide the exact temperature you set.

Traditional design combined with "state of the art" technology deliver professional results every time you cook. If you’re serious about your outdoor cooking, this is the Traeger for you.

 http://www.traegergrills.com/grills/BBQ075

2) The Original Grillslinger BBQ Tool Belt

For the outdoor cook who finds that sometimes two hands just aren't enough, the Original Grillsliner BBQ tool belt makes multi-tasking between gourmet burgers, seared ahi, and marinated veggies a cinch.

This handy chef's aid features a wide, nylon belt with four deep, reinforced side pockets that can each hold a number of larger sized tools. Included is a starter set of three popular utensils: a wide spatula, an all-purpose knife, and scalloped tongs, all with long, sturdy rubber handles to keep hands safe and cool near the grill.

The belt adjusts easily with a sliding silver buckle engraved with the handsome Grillslinger logo, and the black and gray color scheme looks sleek while hiding those inevitable sauce stains.

Crafted of sturdy, heavyweight metal, the tools store right in the belt, and everything goes into a handy mesh bag between uses. This is a great gift for Dads,  BBQ enthusiasts, new homeowners, and RV campers.


http://www.grillslinger.com/the-grillslinger/

3) Grill Daddy Pro Grill Brush

The Grill Daddy Pro is a revolutionary grill-cleaning tool that sterilizes as it cleans to keep food tasting great. Just turn on the grill, fill the Grill Daddy with water, and begin cleaning. Steams away baked-on food, grease, and black residue.

It's fun and easy to use, eliminating hard scraping and dangerous chemicals with steam-cleaning and stainless steel bristles. The Grill Daddy Pro works on all BBQ grills, including stainless steel, iron, and porcelain enamel and is made from highly durable NSF-approved materials.


http://buygrilldaddy.com/

1) Oregon Scientific AW131 Grill Right Wireless Talking Oven/Barbeque Thermometer No need to wait by the grill to find out when dinner is ready--this wireless thermometer verbally alerts you when the meat has reached the perfect temperature.

Program your choice of eight entrées, choose the doneness desired and you're good to grill. Features include: Digital LCD screen with remote wireless probe to identify temperature/readiness of meat;

The Oregon Scientific wireless thermometer unit speaks in five different languages with corresponding display (English, Spanish, German, French, Danish); and Programmable entrée programs include beef, lamb, veal, hamburger, pork, turkey, chicken, and fish.


http://oregonscientificstore.com/oregon_scientific/product.asp?itmky=70477

5) Mr. Bar-B-Q 18-Piece Stainless-Steel Grill Tool Set

Serious barbecuers need serious tools, and this 18-piece set is about as serious as you can get. All the pieces are constructed of commercial quality stainless steel with wooden handles, and the six large tools feature textured rubber finger-grips.

The set includes four steak-house quality knives that melt through even the thickest steak; precision grip tongs that pick up even a small slice of onion; three-pronged fork; long-handled knife; eight corn holders; basting brush; grill brush; and a 4-in-1 spatula that cuts with a sharp serrated edge, tenderizes meat, drains grease while lifting foods, and opens bottles.

Held neatly contained in a durable plastic 23-by-12-by-3-inch carrying case, the set makes an impressive gift for the avid outdoor chef, and is covered by a reassuring five-year warranty against defects.


http://www.stainlessbarbecuegrill.com/mr-bar-b-q-18-piece-stainless-steel-tool-set.html

6) Weber 6433 Saucing System

For years I've been struggling with the whole barbecue sauce application process while grilling. Putting the sauce in a bowl or measuring cup and brushing it on with a brush was the best system I could come up with. I've been using a brush with silicone bristles for a few years, and that was a huge improvement.

But I still had the problem of the brush falling out of the bowl or cup of sauce. What a mess! This Weber Saucing System finally solves that problem!! The container is sturdy plastic and dishwasher safe. The basting brush is high quality, heavy stainless steel with silicone bristles.

It holds the sauce very well and is long enough to make applying the sauce very easy. And, of course, the best part: The brush rests perfectly across the sauce container, and any sauce left in the brush drains back into the container. No more brush falling out of a bowl full of sauce and onto the ground. No more mess. No more worries!!

The Weber 6443 Saucing System is a must for anyone who grills and uses barbecue sauce while doing so. A great product with a very sleek design!


http://www.northlineexpress.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=6WR-6433

7) Fulcrum Clip-On Work Light/BBQ Light

The Fulcrum's Strong articulating clamp attaches to a variety of surfaces Heavy duty metal gooseneck offers adjustability without bouncing Energy efficient LED's provide super-bright light and never need to be replaced!

Convenient hands-free source of light which makes it the perfect tool for BBQ's, hobbies, map reading and tasks around the home and office.


http://www.bbqsmart.com/fulcrum-clip-on-work-lightbbq-light/

8) Weber 6448 Style Heavy-Duty Grill Brush

Put simply, the Weber 6448 Heavy Duty Grill Brush get's the job done. It has a great design, is sturdy and is easy to handle. Long enough to use when the grill's really hot without having to worry about burning your hand. The scrapers on the sides are an added bonus since they're designed to fit over the individual grates on Weber grills -- for burnt-on remnants, and scrapes the grates clean quickly and easily with a minimum of fuss.

http://weber-grill.us/10-509232-B001H1JQB0-Weber_6448_Style_Heavy_Duty_Grill_Brush.html

9) Weber 6401 Barbecue Mitt, Black

The Weber barbecue mitt has come in very handy indoors this winter. With its longer sleeve, it has prevented several burns from the other racks in the oven. The mitt provides protection up most of the forearm, even to the elbow on smaller people. Durable, easy to clean, easy to use, improves grill function, perfect fit, and a great gift for the BBQ or kitchen!

http://www.bbqislandinc.com/store/bbq-tools-accessories/weber-6401-barbecue-mitt-black.html

10) Mr. Bar-B-Q 5-Piece Stainless Handle Barbeque Tool Set

Providing a good reach on the grill, the tools range in length from 15-1/2 inches (knife) to 18-1/2 inches (spatula). Most versatile is the 4-in-1 spatula, which not only lifts and drains meats, but also cuts with a sharp serrated edge on one side, tenderizes meat with prongs on the other, and opens bottles with its loop end. Extra-large at 8 by 4 inches, the flat surface of the spatula can lift several burgers at once.

The toothed tongs taper to a needle-nose point to grab or spear even the smallest piece of food; however, a strong grip is needed to hold these heavy-duty tongs together. Sharp, 3-1/2-inch tines on the fork spear everything from a whole chicken to thin hot dogs, while the knife with its seven-inch blade cuts through thick steaks with ease.

The brush features a 1-1/2-inch wide basting surface and all pf the tools can be hung, and are dishwasher-safe.


http://www.mrbarbq.com/premium-barbecue-tool-sets.php

Friday, December 3, 2010

4 Dry Rub Recipes- Mix It Up and Make It Your Own

Rubs are considered by many as the heart and soul of BBQ. It is a unique combination of seasonings, spices and herbs. It offers an excellent texture and flavor to meat and transforms an ordinary piece of meat into a heavenly delicious work of art. There are hundreds of over the counter rubs, but it is a very gratifying experience to make your own.  Try following barbeque dry recipes and prepare mouth-watering food.  Mix and match and add your own favorite seasonings to make it your own.  Keep a log of the amounts added so you can easily recreate your masterpiece time and time again.

Recipe #1

Ingredients
1 Tbsp coriander seed
2 Tbsp sweet paprika
1 Tsp dried oregano
½ Tsp garlic powder
1 Tbsp black peppercorns
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 Tbsp dry mustard
1 Tsp cayenne pepper
2 Tbsp chili powder
1 Tsp brown mustard seeds
1 Tsp dried thyme
½ Tsp onion powder
½ Tsp whole cloves

Preparation
In a small skillet, heat coriander seeds, mustard seeds, peppercorns and cloves over medium heat. Keep the pan swirling gently, until all the ingredients become fragrant. Then, remove the pan from heat and let the ingredients cool. When cool, grind all the ingredients to a powder in a mortar or spice mill. Pour this mixture in a small bowl. Then, add all the remaining ingredients. Mix well. Store this mixture in an airtight container. You can use this mixture to rub on meats or ribs. It should be rubbed for at least 15 minutes prior to cooking.  You can also add olive oil to your meat before the rub to make it stick.

Recipe #2 A bit easier to make

Ingredients
¼ Cup paprika
1 Tbsp black pepper
¼ Cup brown sugar
1 Tsp chili powder (I like to add more for color)
2 Tsp onion powder
2 Tsp garlic powder
2 Tbsp kosher salt
2 Tsp celery seed
A pinch of oregano

Preparation
In a small mixing bowl, combine together all the ingredients. Stir them thoroughly to mix well. Using your fingers, break up the chunks of brown sugar, if any. Mix evenly to get a smooth rub.

Recipe #3

Ingredients
4 Tbsp black pepper, freshly ground
4 Tbsp thyme
2 Tbsp curry powder
4 Tbsp cumin
2 Tbsp cayenne pepper
4 Tbsp garlic powder
1 Tbsp onion powder
2 Tbsp salt
1 Tbsp MSG or other flavor enhancer (optional)

Preparation
In a small mixing bowl, combine together all the ingredients. Stir well to mix. You can immediately use this rub or store in a dark, cool place for several months. This rub is quite strong and hence, not recommended for thin cuts such as ribs.

Recipe #4

Ingredients
2 Tbsp chili powder
2 Tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 Tbsp brown sugar
1 Tsp dry mustard
¼ Tsp ground red pepper
1 Tsp ground cumin
2 Tsp salt

Preparation
Place all the ingredients in a mixing bowl. Mix well. Transfer this mixture to an airtight container. You can keep this container in a cool, dark place for up to 2 weeks. As this rub contains sugar, it is better to use on meats that cook over low heat for extended times, such as ribs, brisket, or leg of lamb. If used for recipes to be cooked on high heat, sugar in this rub may burn.

A final tip...combine fine bread crumbs (I like the Italian kind) to make your rubs go farther and get a create flavor combination.  Good luck and please share your results.