4th of July Food | BBQ ONLINE EXPERT

Courtesy of http://www.TasteeBQ.com

NOTE: The following article details a home cooking experiment. It is not intended to insure the the safety of anyone who tries it home. To be sure your DIY Smoker is safe, you may want to have it inspected by Fire and Food Safety Professionals. This project is not recommend for those under 18, without parental supervision.

9/9/13- A big thanks to Marc Farris, Producer of the BBQ channel on YouTube. Thanks to his tip, we researched the latest FDA Guidelines on Terra Cotta. Until more testing is done, we do not recommend you do this at home. Otherwise, hope you enjoy reading about our little experiment.

Some “Lead-Free” Pottery Can Still Taint Food- FDA

http://www.fda.gov/downloads/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/UCM234334.pdf

#bbqrub #pulledpork — 11 Hour Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwich with Grilled Cabbage Broccoli Coleslaw. Smoked POWER Chips.

You love the smoky flavor of Pulled Pork, but are tired of the long lines at the local BBQ Stop? The wait is over. You can build your own Electric Ceramic BBQ Pot Smoker at home. It is fast, easy, environmentally friendly and affordable. The commercial Ceramic Giant Egg can easily cost more than $1000, with all the accessories. Even Lady Gaga could have trouble affording one. TasteeBQ was recently inspired by vintage 2007-2008 Alton Brown videos which made Ceramic Flower Pot Smokers for $50. Now, he hopes to take you to the next level.

The concept of using plain Terra Cotta pots didn’t seem so appealing to TasteeBQ. He needed something that could be presentable on the front patio next to his cherished Venus Di Milo. So TasteeBQ set a budget of $100 to see if he could build a Smoker with a little more visual appeal. In the end, he only spent $77.38 (tax not included) to build an environmentally friendly Electric Ceramic BBQ Pot Smoker, which uses less Wood and little to no Charcoal. Also, no Propane Gas or Lighting Fluid required.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR BUILDING CERAMIC BBQ POT SMOKER

#ceramic #bbqpotsmoker #bbqrub — Here you see set up. Burner is sitting on layer of Rocks, then Wood Chip Tray, Grate and your POWER Rubbed Meat. We lined inside of Pot with Foil for easier clean up.

Here are the Parts Needed, where we got them and for how much:

2- 19″ Wide Terra Cotta Vases from Home Depot $13.98 ea.= $27.96

1- Proctor Silex durable Fifth Burner from Rite Aid= $19.99

1- Weber Charcoal Grate (#7441) from Home Depot= $10.99

1- Instant Read Meat Thermometer from Target= $7.39

1- Decorative Terra Cotta Chicken (retail $19.99) on Clearance at Target= $5.98

3- Decorative Cobblestone Base Bricks from Home Depot ($1.69 ea.)= $5.07

TOTAL= $77.38

Additional Materials Needed (from around the house):

Wood Chips/ Chunks (Mesquite, Hickory, Cherry, or Applewood, etc..)

Metal Pan for Chips,

Aluminum Foil

2 Bricks (clean) to hold up Hot Plate,

Outdoor Extension Cord

Oven Mitts

BBQ Tongs or Poker for stirring Chips

Fire Extinguisher (Always good to have around whenever cooking.)

EASY 5-STEP SET UP takes less than 1 Hour. Of course, it is good to check that everything fits before doing final assembly.

1. Set Pot on Base Bricks in steady position, leave gap to run Cord through.

2. Line Bottom Pot with Aluminum Foil. Then place level Holding Bricks at bottom inside Pot.

3. Set Burner on top of Bricks. Position Control Knob in open spot where it can be reached. Run Cord through bottom hole. Outdoor extension Cord may be needed to reach nearest outlet. Be sure connection is at safe/dry location.

4. Place Metal Pan with Wood Chips on top of Burner Coil.

#woodchips #ceramic #bbqsmoker — An old Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Pan was re-purposed as Wood Chip Tray. Though centered, we cheated it away a little for Knob access. Also experimented with variety of Mesquite and Hickory Chips and Chunks. We found that the Chips eventually smoked, while the Chunks provided more of a smokeless incense while cooking the Pork.

5. Place Grate on Top of Bottom Pot. Now you are ready to get Smoking. First time starting it up, we checked that Burner was working before adding Meat. The Burner had to be turned up to Max to make Wood Chips smoke and heat entire oven.

#grate #weber #ceramic #bbqpotsmoker — The Chicken supervises as assembly is completed. Try to find a store that has a good selection of (both) Flower Pots and BBQ Grates. Otherwise, it is best to take Grate with you to find the right Pot. Can’t tell you how many combinations we had to try before finding the right fit.

We used the Terra Cotta Chicken to cover top hole and hold in the heat. Once it started to smoke, we placed Meat Thermometer in top hole until it topped 190 degrees, so we knew we had a hot Oven.

#meatthermometer #ceramic #bbqpotsmoker — Not gonna lie. It felt amazing to see Pots smoking for the first time. And watching the Temperature Gauge rise over the top.

Before moving on to the Pulled Pork Recipe, here are some general Pros and Cons:

PROS

– Smoker is electric and environmentally friendly. We only had to replace Wood Chips once, at the beginning (to get sufficient amount). After that, it did aromatic wood cooking with very little actual clouds of smoke. The Wood Chunks worked (sort of) like smokeless incense, while the smaller Chips seemed to smoke better. If you want more constant smoke, try adding Ceramic Charcoal and replenish wet Wood Chunks every hour or so, as needed.

#bbq #ceramic #bbqpotsmoker — Here is next day “Autopsy” photo of inside of Smoker. After 11 hours of smoking, Wood Chunks are still intact. Looks like they’d be good to go for another 10 hours. We do not recommend using them again, as they may have juice residue.

– It is easy to use as Slow Cooker, would be very difficult to overcook Meat. At least with our sized Smoker. It you build smaller one with 12″ Grate, your Smoker is likely get much hotter, so you may have to adjust heat accordingly.

-The Flavor- This is real deal Wood Smoking technique. Food came out tasting great. If you don’t like the flavor of coal, it is even better the the Giant Egg, which uses Charcoal.

– Cost: The $77.38 is less than you would spend for one Smoked HoneyBaked Ham. Smoke two DIY Hams and you have already saved money.

CONS

– The Lid can get a bit hot, awkward and heavy (our Pot weighs over 25 lbs). There are no handles so use Oven Mitts to pick up Lid. Be careful to clear it above the Meat, as to not knock it away. Once again, if you build a smaller 12″ Grate model, Lid should be lighter to handle. Once you get Recipes (and curiosity) down, You can do no-peek cooking for hours at a time.

– Smoker is for Low and Slow BBQ Only. Not for Grilling. One advantage of the Giant Egg is that it cooks at extreme heats as well as low temps. This Ceramic Smoker cannot replace your regular Grill for quick fire Hamburgers and Steaks. It would be next to useless if you are into Vegan Cuisine, which almost always calls for quick Grilling Recipes. (though we may experiment with Smoked Kale Chips). This Smoker is best for Chicken Pieces, Sausages, Roasts and Whole Bird Cooking. It could also used to smoke Fish.

#meatthermometer #bbq #ceramic #bbqpotsmoker — Meat Thermometer does double duty to make sure your Roast reaches proper temperature. Though Pork is technically done at 160 degrees, you want your Roast well done to at least 175 or more. Then Fats will break down and give up the goods.

-Emphasis on Slow. Our 5 lb. Pork Roast took 11 Hours to get well done (and probably could have gone for 3 more). We could normally Smoke a Pork Roast in 4-5 Hours on a regular Charcoal Grill. While experimenting with Smoker, give yourself extra time to be sure your Meat gets fully done. Make alternate back-up plans if you are on deadline for dinner. You can always transfer Meats to finish in oven. Even an hour on the Smoker will impart Natural Wood Flavors that you can’t get from Oven cooking alone, or from Liquid Smoke.

[Consider Smoking your Pork Roast the Day before your party. Refrigerate it after it cools down (1-2 Hours). Then reheat it in foil at 420 degrees in Oven for 40 minutes on day of Party, before pulling Pork.]

RECIPE: CITRUS PULLED PORK (Gluten Free)

Tender and juicy, Citrus Pulled Pork. The smoky aroma is impossible to describe. Remember how Emeril always wanted to create “Smell-a-vision”. TasteeBQ wants to do something similar for the Internet. Maybe he will invent #WebAroma or #WhatTheSmell? so you will be able experience these smells next time.

If you have shopped lately for fresh Ribs, we don’t have to tell you how expensive they can get. Especially if you are feeding a large crowd. Serving Pulled Pork is an affordable alternative. One 5 lb. Roast will render enough meat for about 10- 12 sandwiches. If you are only serving a few (and can afford Ribs) you can also use Smoker to cook them. We will do Rib Recipe soon.

Many Pork Roast Recipes call for the traditional Salt and Sugar Brine. Our Brine uses Orange Juice, which contains enough natural Sugar and Acids to do the Job. Extra Sodium is in the Gluten Free Italian Dressing and Worcestershire Sauce. You can also try this with Apple Juice, Cider and Cloves for the Holidays. Or an Orange Juice/ Lemonade Combo might be nice.

INGREDIENTS-

Pork/Brine

1 5lb. Pork Picnic Shoulder or Butt Roast

1 1/2 Cup Orange Juice

1/3 Cup Gluten Free Italian Dressing

4 Tbsp. POWER BBQ Rub

2 Tbsp. Worcestershire Sauce

Salt & Pepper (if desired)

BBQ Sauce

1 1/2 Cup Orange Juice

2 Tbsp. Apple Cider

2-3 Tbsp. POWER BBQ Rub

1 Tbsp. Molasses or Raw Sugar (if desired)

#bbqrub #porkroast #pulledpork #recipe — Place Pork Roast in resealable Bag, with enough Orange Juice Brine to cover. Keep Bag upright and sealed tight in the Refrigerator.

In Large Ziplock, cover Pork Roast with Orange Juice, Italian Dressing, BBQ Rub, Worcestershire Sauce and Salt and Pepper. Shake Well and Refrigerate overnight. May place on Foil or in Bowl in case of leaking.

#bbq #porkroast #pulledpork — Note Roast is placed on side to avoid dripping into Pan. We leave bottom unlined so it can absorb smoke for first hour (or so) before juices start to flow.

Next Day- no need to rinse off Brine. Shake off extra liquid and move Roast to Smoker Place Meat on the Grate to the side, to reduce juice dripping into Wood Chips. After 1 to 1-1/2 hours place Foil underneath, leaving Meat open to absorb more smoke.

After 4 hours, wrap Roast completely in Foil to get it to heat up inside, and catch the oncoming flow of juices.

#bbq #porkroast — Completely wrap in Foil during last few hours of cooking, to maintain heat. Smoke will still get in.

Ours Pork Picnic Roast took 11 hours to get done, you may smoke yours for up to 14 hours.

#bbq #pulledpork #recipe #bbqrub — Once done, allow Roast to rest for about and hour. Then pull away!

#homemade #bbqsauce #glutenfree — Super simple Gluten Free BBQ Sauce Recipe.

You will have plenty of time to make this simple BBQ Sauce. Heat 1 cup of Orange Juice, mixing in 2 Tbsp. POWER BBQ Rub and 1 Tbsp. Apple Cider Vinegar. Once it boils, reduce to simmer and (you may) add Raw Sugar or Molasses. Stir frequently. Sauce will thicken as it simmers. It will be ready to use in about 15-20 minutes.

#bbq #pulledpork #recipe — First break Pork into chunks. Then use 2 Forks, to shred it to desired consistency.

Once Pork is done let it rest for about an hour. Pull Meat off bone and separate into chunks. Use 2 Forks to shred Pork to desired consistency. Add BBQ Sauce to drench (not drown) Pork. Add a little more BBQ Rub, as well. Stir and let Meat absorb sauce for a least a few minutes. Serve on your favorite Grilled Bread Roll with Coleslaw & Chips.

#bbqrub #pulledpork #recipe #glutenfree — Pulled Pork is mixed with BBQ Sauce & Rub

RECIPE: GRILLED CABBAGE BROCCOLI COLESLAW

#coleslaw #bbqrub #glutenfree — Grilled Cabbage Broccoli Coleslaw is the perfect companion for your Smoked Pulled Pork.

INGREDIENTS:

1 bag Trader Joe’s Broccoli Coleslaw Mix

1 Cup Sliced Yellow Cabbage

1 Half Cup of Gluten Free Mayo

1 Tbsp. Apple Cider

1 Tbsp. POWER BBQ Rub

Salt and Pepper (to taste)

#grilled #cabbage #coleslaw — Place Cabbage directly on Grill. Has enough moisture, no need to marinate. Chop afterwards for Coleslaw.

We grilled 1 Cup of sliced Yellow Cabbage. You can put it on Smoker to wilt for 30 Mins. Julienne Cabbage and add to Broccoli Coleslaw Mix with Mayo, Cider, BBQ Rub and salt and Pepper to Taste. Refrigerate for up to 1/2 hour before serving. We topped our Pulled Pork Sandwich with Slaw. Delightful.

#bbq #pulledpork #sandwich #coleslaw — One final look at 11 Hour Smoked Citrus Pulled Pork with Grilled Cabbage Broccoli Coleslaw. [Cue “Applause”.]

BONUS VIDEOS

Alton Brown’s original homemade video on How to Make Ceramic Flower Pot Smoker

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAydLWYGoJA

Original Episode of Good Eats where Alton Brown builds Ceramic Flower Pot Smoker

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtJ7nkslBv8

FROM OUR SPONSORS…

See the true story as it unfolded on Facebook, starting this past Monday (8/26/13)

https://www.facebook.com/CaliforniaGoldBBQRubs

For more about POWER Rub by California Gold BBQ Rubs visit website

http://www.californiagoldrub.com/products.html

BBQ Catering in Los Angeles at Tastee BQ Grilling Co.

https://sites.google.com/site/tasteebqcom/

TasteeBQ Reveals Secrets for Cooking Smoked Food

Courtesy of http://www.CaliforniaGoldRub.com

Has your BBQ Season already started? With the great American Holiday coming up, even “holdouts” will be firing up the Grill for the 4th of July. If you want to step up your food this year, consider converting your Grill into a Smoker. It is much easier than you’d think, and smoky natural wood flavor will add an all-new dimension to everything you cook. —TasteeBQ

Our superhero, TasteeBQ was recently summoned to a beautiful home in the Hills above a popular California Beach for a special Father’s Day grilling lesson. A really nice family needed rescue help for their Grill- which came with a French sounding name and lots of Infrared attitude. TasteeBQ offered the following Tips:

Wood Chips on Charcoal — If you have any sort of outdoor Grill, it can be used as a smoker with the help of Wood Chips. Use them dry for Gas Grills and wet for Charcoal. Be sure to use with Indirect Heat.

Easy Tips For Food Smoking:

1. The Key to Smoked Food Cooking is: “Low and Slow”.
2. Indirect Heat Method allows food to absorb delicious smoked flavor without overcooking.
3. For Charcoal Grilling- Soak the Wood Chips or Chunks for at least 1/2 hour in advance.
4. Gas and Infrared Grills may add dry Chips or Pellets to built-in or store bought Smoke Box or Tin. Or go “Hobo” and place the dry Chips into double-ply Aluminum Foil Pouch.
5. Either way, 1/3 Cup of Chips should be placed on Coals or Hot side of Grill. Use Low or no Heat on Smoking/Cooking side of grill. Replace chips whenever smoke runs out (30 mins to Hour).

You can use these Tips to add a new twist to some Traditional 4th of July BBQ Dishes-

4 EASY BBQ RECIPES FOR the 4th of JULY

1. SMOKED CHIPS
Rather than serving your Chips from Bag to Bowl, let them take an 8 to 10 minute detour to the Smoker. Put Chips in a tin, aluminum pan or homemade Foil Basket. Works with all kinds of Chips from Potato, Corn, Veggie or Pita. For a twist, sprinkle Chips with a Delicious BBQ Rub (like HEROIC! from California Gold BBQ Rubs) or Grill Seasoning before and after Smoking (stirring chips halfway through).

2. SMOKED HOT DOGS
Yeah, most of the packages say the wieners are “Smoked”, but you probably haven’t tasted a truly Smoked Hotdog until you try this. Cook Hotdogs on the slow, cooler end of Grill and let them warm up for about 12-15 minutes. Flip in middle of cooking once they start to plump up and take on color. When they start to blister or separate, it is their way of announcing “Done!”.

3. SAVORY BBQ BURGERS
Use this recipe for 1/2lb. Big Boys, to 1/4 Pounders or 3oz. Sliders (can cut hotdog buns into 2-3 sections to save on overpriced store “Mini Buns”).

For each 1lb of Ground Beef or Turkey mix in:
2 Tbl. Worcestershire Sauce
1 Tbl. BBQ Sauce
1 Tbl. Paprika
1 Tbl. Ground Turmeric (may substitute Mustard Seed)
2 Tsp. Salt
1 Tsp. Ground Black Pepper
[Optional- Add 1-2 Tbl. of your favorite Grill Seasoning or a Delicious BBQ Rub (like HEROIC!), which can also be used to make Gluten Free BBQ Sauce]

Mix well and return Meat to Refrigerator until ready to cook. Separate Meat into desired size Patties. Sear on both sides using Hotter part of Grill. When they are just under desired doneness, move Burgers to cooler side and let smoker finish cooking (this is also good time to add slice of cheese). Serve with BBQ Sauce and/or Mayo, Mustard, Ketchup. [Cheese, Tomato and Lettuce Optional]

Bonus Tip-

Strike While the Fire is Hot. You can also use Grill to kick-up your Condiment Bar for Burgers and Hotdogs. Key is to prepare Veggies in large portion, then cut to size after Grilling. Coat with oil and herbs or use a really Delicious BBQ Rub (like HEROIC!). Try this with Onions (slice thick, then separate or chop), Bell Peppers, Pickle Spears. Tomatoes, Lettuce, Fresh Chilies or Jalapenos, etc…

4. SMOKED CORN
Prepare Fresh Corn- Remove hard outer husks from each ear of Corn. Trim stem to 1 inch. Leave a small layer of tender husk attached. Pull husks back and remove as much silk as possible (Run under sink?). Then replace husk back around Corn.

Soak Corn- Immerse Corn cobs in water for minimum 1/2 Hour to Overnight. This will tenderize Corn and moisten husk so it doesn’t burn (and protects Corn on grill). Also adds more corny good flavor.

Cook- In Smoker or Grill for 15-20 minutes on moderate heat, rotating to get some color on all sides. You can tell it is done when kernels feel tender. [No Grill?- Place Corn in microwavable dish, in shallow water for steaming. Cover with plastic wrap or glass lid. Cook on High for 6-8 minutes, rotating midway through, until tender]. When cool enough to handle warm Corn, pull back husk (and snip)

Seasoning Bar- Should include basic Butter, Salt and Pepper. For more variety, have available Mayonnaise, Hot Sauce, Garlic Salt, Italian Seasoning and/or a really Delicious BBQ Rub.

TasteeBQ wishes all of you a Happy Independence Day. Hope these Recipes help bring you independence from BorenG’Food, all the year round.

BBQ Chicken and Ribs Recipes

For those who gotta have Chicken and/or Ribs for the Holiday: The only “Easy Recipe” is to buy them pre-cooked and heat them up in the Smoker before adding BBQ Sauce or a Delicious BBQ Rub. To make them fresh, here are some links that may help with Baking and Grilling techniques. Feel free to substitute a Delicious BBQ Rub (like HEROIC!) if a Recipe calls for a ton of different spices.

The Splendid Table splendidtable.org

Recipe for Baked or Grilled Ribs

The Chew celebuzz.com

Chef Jason Robert’s recipe for Ribs.

Rachel Ray rachaelray.com

Great Recipes for Deviled Chicken, plus Deviled Egg and Potato Salad

Food Network foodnetwork.com

Their new Grilling Central section has a wealth of BBQ Chicken and Rib Recipes. Remember- you can substitute a really Delicious BBQ Rub if a recipe has a long list of seasonings and spices.

And from Our Sponsors:

California Gold BBQ Rubs www.CaliforniaGoldRub.com

Introducing HEROIC! a really Delicious BBQ Rub. Contains 9 Great Superfoods. Gluten Free. No Added Salt, Sugar or Preservatives.

Facebook facebook.com

Visit our new Facebook page, Like or Friend us for more New Recipes.

HEROIC! Rub at Amazon.com

Now available in 2.5 oz. and 5 oz.

BBQ ONLINE EXPERT

BBQ ONLINE EXPERT

The Adventures of TasteeBQ-Food Superhero

Category: 4th of July Food

MAKE DIY CERAMIC BBQ POT SMOKER in 5 EASY STEPS- TasteeBQ Uses Gluten Free BBQ Rub for Citrus Pulled Pork