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

Posted on February 8, 2017 by TasteeBQ

Originally Posted on Feb. 9, 2013; Updated 2/6/17

Courtesy http://www.BBQRESCUES.com

#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/

4th of July Food, barbecue, bbq, Chips, cooking, Food

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

Posted on August 30, 2013September 9, 2013 by TasteeBQ

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/

barbecue, bbq, cooking, Food, grilling, grills, recipes

Fun Restaurant Dining in Paris for Bastille Day

Posted on July 25, 2013July 31, 2013 by TasteeBQ

[This was originally published a couple of weeks ago, still hope you enjoy story, pics and Recipe for Grilled Steak with Pommes Grilles.]

beef, grilled, steak, garlic steak, bbq rub — Visit link for Easy Grilling Recipe.

Full article: Fun Restaurant Dining in Paris for Bastille Day (Buzzfeed via Stumbledupon)

4th of July Food, barbecue, bbq, Chips, cooking, flag foods, Food, grilling, grills, recipes

Happy 4th of July

Posted on June 25, 2013 by TasteeBQ

Happy 4th of July.

4th of July Food, barbecue, bbq, BBQ Rub, cooking, Food, Gluten Free, grilling, grills, recipes, Smoking food, Superfoods, Uncategorized

4 Easy BBQ Recipes for the 4th of July

Posted on June 22, 2013July 2, 2014 by TasteeBQ

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.