barbecue, bbq, BBQ Rub, cooking, Dining, Food, Gluten Free, grilling, grills, recipes, Smoking food, Superfoods, Valentines Day

TasteeBQ Saves Valentine’s Day- 5 Sizzling Hot Romantic Dishes for the Grill

Originally Posted 

#GreenBeans #GrilledVegetables #Bacon #Recipe
Fresh Green Beans with Grilled Veggies and Smoked Bacon. An awesome treat for your favorite Valentine.

Well, it is not an interplanetary mission this time. However, our SuperHero managed to save a very special couple from the clutches of his evil nemeses, BoreN’GFood. The ever-popular Romey is known worldwide as a famous Singer/Entertainer. Young female fans can’t seem to get enough of his abs and puffy undergarments. And, of course the hair. But Romey has a deep secret that he has been hiding from the world, lest it ruin his wildly successful career.

It seems, Romey’s in Love, much like his favorite cousin Chucky. …Not with Chucky. Romey has fallen hard for a young maiden named Julliette.

Valentine’s Day is coming. Our fair lady Juliette is bored with late night, clandestine forays to trendy diners. Juliette’s family is dead-set against her relationship, because famous lads like Romey aren’t known for treating damsels with much respect. They think she should start a career of her own.

TasteeBQ to the Rescue! Using a special Global Satellite Posting Device, a forlorn Romey was surprised to receive such a rapid response from our Hero. [The wonders of what they call “Email”.] Together, they developed a scheme that would not only please Juliette, but would prove to the world (i.e. her family and his fans?) the great Legendary potential of Romey and Julliette’s relationship.

#Smoked #Oysters #Toast #BBQRub #DryRub #HEROIC
Smokey Oysters perfect with a little Butter and flavorful BBQ or Spice Rub, plus Hearty Toast.

A menu was created of 5 SIZZLING HOT ROMANTIC DISHES for Valentine’s Day.

MENU:
-Smoked Mussels with Bacon and Spinach
-Spicy Smoked BBQ Oysters
-Green Beans with Grilled Veggies in Bacon Dressing
-Grilled Ribeye Steak
-Garlic Heart Toast

Our SuperHero proclaimed:

Grilling is an excellent choice. Couples have cooked over the open flame since the times of our ancestors. For some women, it was a hair-raising experience. In fact, Grilling is one of the first forms of Cooking. Prior to that, Cavemen specialized in preparing Sashimi and Tar Tar. Making such a Grilled Feast for your Beloved is surely more Romantic than signing a check at some overcrowded eatery.

Fortunately, Romey owned a shiny new Charcoal Grill with the best accesories: BBQ Tongs, Spatula, Charcoal, Lighting Fluid, Oven Mitts and Wood Chips. Not to mention Romey’s state-of-the-art Gaggenau Kitchen. [OK we did].

It had been decided that TasteeBQ should use his Powers of Disappearance before the arrival of Juliette. Otherwise it could be Awkward(!?). Plus, why shouldn’t Romey take credit for these dishes that would melt anyone’s heart? [Assuming they have one.] He and Juliette would have a romantic night alone. An unforgettable night, like a Love Song.

With mere hours to spare, our Hero flew to the store and returned with all of the necessary ingredients (which are Capitalized for your Shopping/ Pantry Checklist). In less than an hour, they were able to complete all preparations.

First he had Romey clean 8 Oysters and 1lb. Mussels and place them in one layer on a double plied Aluminum Foil basket. Then cut (1 each) Yellow and Red Bell Peppers, in half. Next he peeled 1 Large Carrot, and cut it lengthwise into 3 thick strips.

#Grill #Ribeye #Steak #BBQ
For Romantic Nights, be sure to eat lighter by serving lots of Veggies and smaller portions of Meat.

After rinsing and drying 2 (8-10oz.) Ribeye Steaks, he made a Marinate consisting of 1 cup Creamy Italian Dressing, 1 tbs. each Garlic, Thyme and 1 tsp. BBQ Seasoning (or Rub). He then Marinated the Veggies and Steak in separate Foil baskets. He was also sure to sprinkle Salt, Pepper and BBQ Rub on both sides of the Steaks.

Who knew cooking was so easy? Romey then rinsed and cut the tips of 1lb Fresh Green Beans, placing the Beans in a Microwave-safe Bowl with 4oz. Water, and covering it with Plastic Wrap. Onto the Garlic Heart Toast. He mixed 1/2 cup Softened Butter with 1tbs each Garlic, Thyme and added a dash of BBQ Rub for fun. Using a Heart Shaped Cookie Cutter, he created 6 Hearts using Thick Sliced Sourdough Bread, spreading the mixture on both sides. Lastly, he coursely Chopped 1/2 cup Fresh Spinach and folded it into Butter Mixture.

Cook large portions of Vegetables on Grill. Chop afterwards, once cooled.

Romey proceeded to fire up the Grill with just enough Coals to heat one half. Then he immersed Wood Chips in Water, using a Small Bowl. Once the Grill was ready, he spread 1/4 cup Wood Chips over the Coals. As a final preparation they placed 6 Thick Bacon Strips (Turkey ok) on the Grill, on the end farthest from the flame. They Grilled the Bell Peppers and Carrots for 4 minutes on each side. Letting them cool, the Veggies were cut into short Julienned Strips.

Juliette arrived to Romey’s crib, expecting to be “surprised” with another typical restaurant reservation. She was pleasantly astonished by the aroma of smoked food, emanating from her Boyfriend’s patio. By now, our hero TasteeBQ was “in the wind”, as they say. There was no sign of BoreN’GFood to be found.

Romey greeted Juliette with a hug, Roses and a box of Chocolates. He started to woo her by saying “You’re Beautiful.” But Juliette interrupted with “Baby, Baby when are we gonna eat?”

 

Grilled Ribeye Steak

In a Flash(!), Romey replenished the Wood Chips (for smoke) and placed the foil basket of Oysters and Mussels in the middle of the Grill (near but not directly over fire) for 8 minutes. Then he put a pinch of the Spinach/Butter Mixture on each Mussel. While crisping Bacon over the heat, he quickly seared the Garlic Heart Toast (1-2 minutes, per side). Crumbling the crispy Smoked Bacon over the Mussels, Romey was able to serve a delighted Juliette in a short 12 minutes. Fresh Lemon Wedges and green Parsley garnish made the Plate.

As she ravished the Mussels, Romey returned to the Grill to fetch the Oysters, which easily popped open with the use of a Paring Knife and Oven Mitt. He sprinkled some Spicy BBQ Rub (w/Cayenne or Red Pepper) over the Oysters and added Lemon Wedges. Soon Juliette was swooning “What’s Next?.”

Not wanting to waste time steaming a pot of Beans on the Gaggenau stovetop, Romey popped the prepared Bowl of Green Beans into the Microwave on High for 5 minutes. In the meantime, he Grilled the Ribeye Steaks on the open flame, 4-5 minutes per side, closing the Grill to let them cook through for the final 2 minutes.

#Smoked #Mussels #Spinach, #Garlic #Bacon #Recipe
Smoked Mussels with Spinach, Bacon and Garlic. A closer view..

Romey returned to the kitchen to add crumbled bits of Smoked Bacon into the Italian Dressing Mix, then he folded it into the strained Green Beans, along with the chopped Carrots and Bell Peppers. The Bowl was covered and returned to Microwave to cook on High for 2 additional minutes.

Ding! Ding! Dinner time. After plating the Steaks, the Boyfriend placed the Green Beans in cute Heart Shaped Souffle Cups, and sprinkled them with bits of Bacon. He served it with Garlic Heart Toast and Julliette ate it up! Literally.

Romey had planned to enjoy the Chocolates next to the fireplace after Dinner. But Juliette had other plans in mind… The next day, Juliette wowed her family by texting pictures of the Valentine’s Day feast from her iPhone. Somehow, the photos were leaked to the Tabloids. Soon, the world learned the true story of Romey and Juliette. Instead of receiving “hate mail” from Romey’s fans, Juliette was surprised to read so many letters saying “Congratulations!”, “You go Girl!” and “Wow! He must really Love You to do all thatI” Most of them also requested, if she could find a way to steal the Recipes… She almost died!

LINKS

Smoking Food on almost any Grill- https://bbqrescues.com/2015/09/12/bbq-rescues-smoking-food-on-charcoal-grills-ceramic-eggs-or-gas-grills/

Smoking Mussels and Oysters- https://californiagoldbbqrubrecipes.com/2014/08/20/smoked-mussels-and-oysters-for-parties-or-a-light-dinner/

Grilled Vegetables Recipe- https://bbqrescues.com/2015/09/17/bbq-rescues-smoking-grilled-vegetables-recipe/

Smoking Steak Recipe- https://bbqrescues.com/2015/10/01/bbq-rescues-smoking-grilled-steak-recipe/

Video/ Grilling the Perfect Steak- https://bbqrescues.com/2015/09/23/bbq-rescues-tv-with-chef-mick-brown-grilling-the-perfect-steak-youtube/

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barbecue, bbq, BBQ Rub, Chips, cooking, Dining, Food, Gluten Free, grilling, grills, Humor, recipes, Super Bowl, Superfoods

Burgers And Beyond! TasteeBQ Goes To The Super Bowl II

5 Super Easy Grilling Recipes to Make You a SuperHero

What a difference a year makes. This was the very first episode of  “The Adventures of TasteeBQ”, released on BuzzFeed in January 2013. We are happy to bring it to WordPress, in an updated edited version. For the past year, the original article/short story has been shared almost everywhere. It is being used as a language learning tool across the world, like in the Bengali-to-English Dictionary. Hope you enjoy.

For Original Short Story on Buzzfeed Burgers And Beyond! TasteeBQ Goes To The Super Bowl!!

#grilledburger
Grilled Burgers may be the goal, but there is more you can do with the Grill on Super Bowl Sunday.

Our hero TasteeBQ was called to the Rescue by Jill, a Damsel in Distress. Tired of frozen burgers and salty hotdogs for Super Bowl, Jill was determined to do something more exciting on the Grill. Plus, some of Jill’s expected guests were from the Tribe of Vegan. On a lifelong Mission to defeat his longtime archenemy Boren’GFood, our Hero is always happy to lend a hand. TasteeBQ flew to Jill’s lair immediately and was amazed to see her Pantry, which contained everything needed. With an assist on the Grill from her husband Jack, Jill was able to make 5 Super Easy Super Bowl Recipes for the Grill.

5 SUPER EASY SUPER BOWL RECIPES FOR THE GRILL

1. BARBEQUE CHIPS

#smokedchips
Smoked Barbeque Chips- a quick and delicious recipe. Use whatever kind of Chips you like.

General Supplies: BBQ Grill (Gas or Charcoal), Wood Chips (Hickory, Mesquite, Cherry, and/or Apple), Grill Tongs and Spatula, Metal or Foil Pans and Aluminum Foil.

For Recipe: Chips, BBQ Rub or Seasoning

It’s not really a recipe, more of a Neat Trick or Technique. Use any flavor Chips you like, sprinkle with BBQ Rub (optional) and put them on the Smoker for 8-10 minutes. Use Indirect Heat Method to add a fresh, delicious Grill Smoked Flavor. This works especially well with Chips for dipping and served warm.

2. SMOKED NACHOS

#smokednachos
Take your Nachos on a Detour to the Grill for some amazing flavor.

Supplies: Tortilla Chips, Cheese, Salsa and a variety of Toppings which can include: Chopped Onions, Tomatoes, Jalapenos, Black Beans, Sour Cream, Guacamole and Bean Dip. For meat, add Taco Seasoned Ground Beef, Cooked Chicken, Steak Bits or Crispy Bacon.

Layer the Tortilla Chips evenly across the bottom of Foil Pan. Sprinkle Chips with one layer of Shredded Cheese (helps prevent the Chips from getting soggy). Next, spread Black Beans (or Bean Dip), Chopped Tomatoes, Onions and a final Topping of Shredded Cheese. To the Grill! The Chips are smoked on Low Indirect Heat for 12-15 minutes. Guests can top their own Chips with Sour Cream and Guacamole. A choice of Mild Salsa, Jalapenos and Cholula (or Tapatio?) Hot Sauce would also be nice.

3. GRILLED CAESAR SALAD

#grilledsalad
Take some of the Romaine Lettuce to the Grill before mixing any Green Salad. It will add a Smoky new layer of flavor.

Supplies: Romaine Lettuce, Olive Oil, Caesar Dressing, Croutons and Parmesan.

Rinse and dry heads of Romaine Lettuce, then chop in half. Drizzle 1/3 portion (of all Lettuce) with Olive Oil and  grill on Medium Heat for about 5-7 minutes (until lightly caramelized). Then chop both Fresh and Grilled Lettuce into 2-3 inch squares. Toss in Caesar Dressing, (optional) Croutons and Parmesan. Add Chopped Fresh Basil and Cherry Tomatoes for even more flavor. Super Bowl Twist- Substitute large cracked Fritos or Doritos for Croutons.

4. SMOKIN’ HOT WINGS!

#bbqwings
The short cut Recipe is to use pre-cooked wings for the Grocery Deli Dept. If you want to Grill Fresh – Go For It.

Supplies: Precooked Chicken Wings, BBQ Dry Rub, Wood Chips 

Re-season the Precooked Wings with Dry BBQ Rub/Seasoning. Then grill Wings on Low Indirect Heat for approx. 15-20 minutes. Use Wood Chips for smoked flavor.

For Buffalo Wings- Toss wings in Franks Hot Wing Sauce, garnish with Celery and Grilled Carrot Sticks.
For Barbecue Wings- Toss wings in your favorite BBQ Sauce, garnish with Grilled Texas Toast.
For Teriyaki Wings- Toss wings in your favorite Teriyaki Sauce (Asian Sesame Dressing is also OK), sprinkle with Chopped Green Onions.
Serve Wings with Bleu Cheese and/or Ranch Dressing on the side for dipping.

For Fresh Chicken Wings, season overnight with BBQ Rub. Grill for 40 Minutes to 1 Hour before Tossing in Finishing Sauce.

5. BISTRO SLIDERS

Supplies: Ground Beef, BBQ Dry Rub, Salt, Pepper and Worcestershire Sauce.  Mini Hamburger Buns; optional Condiments- Cheese, Tomatoes, Lettuce, Onions, Pickles, and Jalapenos. Sauces- 1000 Island Dressing, Herb Mayo (Mayo mixed with Dry Garlic/Italian Seasoning), BBQ Sauce, Stoneground Mustard and Ketchup (for the kids).

Use 1/5 to 1/4 lbs. Ground Beef per Burger. Season with Salt, Pepper, BBQ Rub and Worcestershire Sauce. Make small Patties and Grill on Medium High Heat for 8-12 minutes, depending on thickness/desired doneness. Flip Burgers at 4-7 minutes, then add Cheese halfway thru second side.

Success!!! At no point throughout the Super Bowl Party did the villainous Boren’GFood dare rear his ugly head, to dampen the Fun. Those Burgers made Jack the King of the Hill. He and Jill celebrated with a Touchdown Dance after bidding “Farewell” to their guests. TasteeBQ did the Moonwalk, as well. Going back faster and faster, gliding backwards until he was Out-of-Sight(!). That is, until Valentine’s Day…

Stay Tuned for more of The Adventures of TasteeBQ…

For Long form Original Short Story on Buzzfeed Burgers And Beyond! TasteeBQ Goes To The Super Bowl!!

LINKS

Los Angeles BBQ Catering- www.TasteeBQ.com

Delicious new Gluten Free BBQ Rub with SuperFoods- http://www.californiagoldrub.com/

Daily Recipes/Updates on Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/CaliforniaGoldBBQRubs

Dining, Food, New Orleans, Restaurants

Dining in New Orleans- ROOT Restaurant: Taking Food and Fun to the Next Level

#Menageafoie #ROOTrestaurantneworleans
Menage a Foie at ROOT Restaurant New Orleans. Foie Gras three ways, including a savory Foie Gras Cotton Candy.

By Mick Brown

As Caterers, we can’t get all of our inspiration from Googling Recipes. Sometimes we need to travel around, in search of new flavors and techniques. Without creative new Chefs, food would be pretty boring. ROOT Restaurant in New Orleans is a perfect example. Thank you to Michael W. DeVidts, a chef from New Orleans School of Cooking, for recommending that I try ROOT during my current visit to the Big Easy. Tomorrow, I will have a chance to Sous Chef for Michael during one of his ever-popular Cooking Classes. Will share more details a future blog.

During our visit, the Chef at ROOT sent several complimentary amuse bouches, or tasting plates. Didn’t get to meet him in person, so I can’t credit who was cooking that Thursday night. Can tell you that Phillip Lopez is the owner and Executive Chef of ROOT, so we send him our “Thanks”.  The first tasting course was this pickled Cauliflower in Cauliflower soup. Cool, clean and refreshing.

#ROOTcauliflowersoup
Cauliflower Soup tasting bowl at ROOT Restaurant, New Orleans.

Next came one the restaurant’s most popular dishes, Menage a Foie. That’s Foie Gras three ways (Top photo). A very playful dish, the first part is a Foie Gras flavored Confetti, anchored by pine nuts and colorful mixed veggies. Next, there are house-made “Funyons” mixed with rich Pickled Onions. The Star of the plate of course is the Foie Gras Cotton Candy, not too sweet with a smoky sesame-like flavor. This is molecular gastronomy at it best, and tons of fun.

Image
The Glazed Pork Belly at ROOT Restaurant, New Orleans is simply amazing. Meat is seasoned perfectly with gorgeously Roasted Veggies.

We tried the Korean Style Short Ribs, which are hopefully a work-in-progress. They came out over-seasoned with too much gristle. Were sent back to from whence they came. But then- Hello! We got to encounter the Glazed Pork Belly. Amazingly tender and flavorful- accompanied by a perfect variety of Roasted Vegetables and delicious sauce.

#sorbetberrysauce #rootrestaurantneworleans
The tasting plate of Candied Cucumber, house-made Sorbet and Berry Sauce at ROOT Restaurant, New Orleans.

Another amuse bouche arrived with house-made Sorbet, Berry Sauce and a Candied Cucumber on top. An embodiment of refreshment. Though sated, I had to scan the Dessert Menu for something different, lest I miss out on the chance to have a treat that we could never find anywhere else. Think I found it.

#mintdessert #rootrestaurantneworleans
The Yorkie takes Breakfast Cereal to a whole new frontier. House-made Cocoa Puffs, Thin Mint Cookie covered Cookie, Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream in Mint flavored Milk. Did someone say “Mint”?

The Yorkie came with a house-made Chocolate Covered Cookie, Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, house-made Coco Puffs. They pour a Minted Milk into the bowl at the table right at serving. I am running out of superlatives for this dish. A truly tasty treat garnished with fresh Mint. A once in a lifetime experience, until we make it back there again. For sure we will- to try ROOT’s ever popular Charcuterie Menu.

Image

ROOT is located at 200 Julia St., near the New Orleans Morial Convention Center. Phone is (504) 252-9480. Website http://www.roootnola.com.

LINKS

Root Restaurant, New Orleans- http://rootnola.com/

BBQ Catering Confidential- http://bbqcateringconfidential.wordpress.com/

The Adventures of TasteeBQ- https://tasteebq.wordpress.com/