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They Were Smokin’: Championship Bbq Tips And Techniques From Two Time Memphis In May World Champions

March 30, 2010 By

Product Description
Billy Bob Billy has been involved in competitive BBQ for almost three decades. As a competitor with three-time Memphis in May Champions in Whole Hog and two-time Grand Champions, the Holy Smokers Too. He has served as a judge and instructor of Competition BBQ Cooking Classes at the University of Tennessee since 2002. Over 500 students have completed his class. His cookbook titled “They Were Smokin” serves as both a traditional cookbook and an in-depth t… More >>

They Were Smokin’: Championship Bbq Tips And Techniques From Two Time Memphis In May World Champions

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Bbq – Bbq Like A Real Man!

March 21, 2010 By

Want to be a real man? Then you need to know how to throw a BBQ like a real man. Throw away the soy lattes and the metrosexual lifestyle and get ready for your BBQ transformation. By following these simple steps to manliness you will come to realise where you have been going wrong with your BBQ.

Firstly: You need a BBQ. If you don’t already have some variation of a BBQ then shame on you, but fear not as you have come to the right place. A manly BBQ is simple yet sturdy, reliable, unpretentious, tough and strong and able to stand up to the harsh Australian conditions.

Secondly: You need the correct BBQ attire. If you’ve been hosting your BBQ’s in jeans and a collared shirt, or cargo shorts and a t-shirt then you have a long way to go to manliness. The traditional Australian BBQ attire includes stubbies, singlet and thongs (optional). Traditional BBQ attire is essential to comfort and exhibiting your true manliness.

Thirdly: A real man drinks beer at a BBQ. You may be tempted by the champagne cocktails going around but you must resist. Head straight for the beers and don’t forget to have your own stubby holder on hand. Remember to never be without a beer in your hand throughout the duration of the BBQ. As BBQ host you must always offer beer to those other real men that are without a beer or running low.

Fourthly: If you are a visitor to a BBQ then remember to maintain your manliness. This means that as a real man you take beer and steak to a BBQ and not champagne and an antipasto platter. Remember to follow each of the other steps to BBQ manliness even when at another’s BBQ.

Fifthly: As a BBQ owner a real man knows to treat their BBQ with respect. Like your home and your car your BBQ is one of the most important inanimate objects in your life and as a man you should know how to treat it. Be sure your BBQ is cleaned after each use, cover your BBQ against the elements and make sure your BBQ is fixed as soon as a problem is found.

Sixthly: At a BBQ a real man stands – they don’t sit. Real men will stand around the BBQ taking turns to cook the meat whilst discussing manly subjects, e.g. how the meat is cooking, what needs turning, the beer, football. There are many dangers involved in this step (spluttering hot oil, smoke, intense heat) but it will be a true test of your BBQ manliness.

Seventhly: A real man only cooks meat on their BBQ and doesn’t enjoy cooking any other type of food. So veggie burger wielders and chicken and fish eaters should be warned prior to the BBQ – “if you don’t want your white or faux meat touching real meat cook it yourself, preferable away from the BBQ and away from the meat”. As a man you must stand your BBQ ground.

Follow these simple steps and you will be on your way to true Australian manliness. If you are in need of a true Australian BBQ then you need to contact Lifestyle BBQ?s (Ph: 02 9773 6245) or visit their website. At Lifestyle BBQs they know what real men want from their BBQs.

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Make Bbq Ribs Like The Pros

March 21, 2010 By

To cook up great ribs, first you will need to peel the papery membrane off the back of the rack of ribs. It’s a little tricky if you’re not sure what you are looking for, but all over the surface of the back of the ribs there a this thin membrane. You can use a tine of a fork or something similar to seperate the membrane, and then just peel it off.

Next thing is to rinse the ribs with cold water and dry with a paper towel. Then put the ribs in a large baking dish. Put in enough apple cider to cover the ribs. Let it marinade for at least 3 hours, up to 24 hours.

setup your grill for indirect cooking (if you have charcoal then put 1 small pile of lit coals on one side of the grill, place a 2nd pile of lit coals on the opposite end). If you have a 2+ burner gas grill then just light one of the burners. The goal is to have it so the ribs don’t cook directly over the coals (or burner)

Place the ribs on the grill (not over the coals or burner) Every 1/2 hour or so spray the ribs down with apple cider to keep them nice and moist. The ribs will take about 1 1/2 to 2 hours to cook. during the last 1/2 hour baste the ribs heavily with your favorite BBQ sauce.

Once your done do a final basting. (I often see people start out by putting BBQ sauce on the ribs before cooking, then they wonder why the ribs come out burnt really fast. It’s because the sugar in the BBQ burns, not the ribs)

You will know the ribs are done when the meat peels back from the bone about 1/4 inch.

You can also use wood smoke and smoke the ribs while you are grilling. I always use hickory.

The above is pretty darn basic, but should net you some tasty KC style ribs with a good consistancy.

Sometimes during the last 1/2 when I put BBQ sauce on, I then wrap the ribs in aluminum foil and let then finish in there. That will keep the ribs really moist (but not too moist)

I hope you enjoyed this guide on how to cook BBQ ribs. If you would like more tantalizing recipe ideas for your next barbecue, head over to Barbecue Party for hundreds of varied and delicious barbecue chicken recipes and much more. They have a wealth of BBQ guides, recipes, how-to’s, hints, tips and reviews on their BBQ news blog that is updated daily, so don’t forget to subscribe to their feed.

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Themed Bbq Ideas To Help You On Your Way

March 20, 2010 By

Sick of the normal BBQ’s? Then why not turn give your BBQ’s a theme! BBQ’s are perfect for adding a theme too as you are with family and friends who are there to have a good time. Add some variety and turn your everyday BBQ’s into BBQ’s people will remember. Below we have compiled a list of themed BBQ ideas to help you on your way:

Hawaiian BBQ’s

Hawaii is the island of sun, surf, surfing and sharing so why not bring a bit of that to your own backyard BBQ’s? Decorate your home or backyard with old surfboards, summer floral arrangements, palm trees (real or fake), raffia and get the summertime music playing (think Beach Boys). Make sure BBQ guests are dressed for the occasion, so there should be plenty of Hawaiian shirts, grass skirts, flower leis and strategically placed coconut shells. Fresh fruit and coconut drinks are definite menu items but when it comes to Hawaiian BBQ’s the BBQ is the perfect food preparation surface. Some Hawaiian BBQ suggestions for food include:

-          BBQ hamsteaks with pineapple

-          Macadamia nut crusted chicken and honey mustard dip

-          Char siu pork (this is a favourite amongst Hawaiians)

-          BBQed fish

-          BBQed Kebabs

Accompany each of these summer inspired dishes with lots of fresh salads and cold drinks and you’ll forget all those boring BBQ’s from the past.

Wild West BBQ’s

Wild West BBQ’s should be inspired by John Wayne movies, games of cowboys and Indians and a bygone era that is great fun to replicate. If you choose a wild west theme for your next BBQ’s then make sure there are plenty of cowboy hats, costumes (e.g. cowboys, Indians, sheriff, dancing girls, the bartender, the barber), straw, hay bales (make your own by gluing hay onto cardboard boxes), tee-pees, cactus plants and don’t forget the wanted posters (use your friends faces to make them more interesting). Wild West BBQ’s are a great excuse for eating lots of tasty BBQ food, for example:

-          Sausages and steaks are perfect western foods

-          Fried food, e.g. chicken, hash browns, grits

-          Have a pot of chilli, baked beans or a stew simmering away on your BBQ’s wok burner

-          Bake a damper on your BBQ and serve with dip

-          Bake potatoes on your BBQ by washing them and wrapping them in foil

-          Hamburgers and hotdogs are also perfect, as long as they’re served with lots of chilli and BBQ sauce

For dessert why not create something with Wagon Wheels – perfect for all Wild West BBQ’s.

Hollywood BBQ’s

When you think of Hollywood you think of style, glamour, the rich and famous, paparazzi, jewels and more so why not treat your friends and family to a Hollywood inspired BBQ. Hollywood BBQ’s should be formal events where everyone dresses in their finest clothes. Decorate your home with lots of twinkling lights, table displays and don’t forget the red carpet.

Hollywood BBQs are perfect for games where the winner gets a fake award and must give an acceptance speech. Games that work well are singing competitions, celebrity head or best red carpet walk. Spoil your guests with finger food from the BBQ, including:

-          Gourmet BBQ pizzas

-          Mini sausages

-          Mini steak sandwiches

-          Mini hotdogs

-          Mini hamburgers

-          Mini fish pieces served with wasabi mayonnaise

-          Gourmet kebabs

To finish your Hollywood BBQ why not serve guests chocolate covered strawberries and champagne.

Christmas in July BBQ’s

Everybody loves Christmas so why not celebrate twice a year by having Christmas in July BBQ’s and celebrate your very own white (or at least winter) Christmas. BBQ’s in winter are great, as they allow you to take advantage of a BBQ’s many capabilities, e.g. roasting, slow cooking, smoking. Decorate your BBQ’s area as though it’s Christmas. Your BBQ can act as a communal fire where guests come to warm up while they’re waiting for the food. Play Christmas carols and maybe have Secret Santa so that everyone receives a small gift. Australian Christmas BBQ’s are usually full of seafood, salads, cold meats and sausages and steaks so Christmas BBQ’s in July are perfect for:

-          Roasted meats

-          Turkey steak burgers

-          Stuffed pork roll

-          BBQed corn

-          BBQ Apple pie

-          Roasted chestnuts

-          Glazed cooked ham

-          Roasted vegetables

BBQ’s with friends and family are always a good idea, so why not put a twist on your normal BBQ’s with a Christmas inspired get together.

Pool Party BBQ’s

Pool Party BBQ’s are very similar to normal BBQ’s except there is a swimming pool. So what do you do if you don’t have a swimming pool? Improvise. Inflatable pools, water slides, sprinklers, hoses and buckets of water are all great substitutes to a pool. Pool Party BBQ’s are great for kids and adults and can include a variety of summer inspired foods including:

-          Hotdogs for the kids

-          BBQed Seafood kebabs

-          Chicken burgers, fish burgers, Thai burgers and hamburgers

-          Kebabs, e.g. chicken, pineapple and haloumi

-          Macadamia crusted fish

-          Coconut prawns served with mango salsa (use your BBQ’s wok burner to deep fry)

-          Fried banana splits

-          Apple, pineapple, banana fritters with ice-cream

Why not turn your next BBQ?s into themed BBQ?s and see how much more fun they can be. All you need is the perfect BBQ for you. If you?re after BBQ?s that stand out from the rest, are Australian made and come with a 25 year warranty call Lifestyle BBQ?s today on Ph: 02 9773 6245 or find out more at www.LifestyleBBQS.com.

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Gas BBQ Grills | Buy Quality!

March 20, 2010 By

If you are looking at gas BBQ grills, you might want to be very cautious about which one you invest in. It pays in the long run to buy a good, quality one.  

Many of the cheap grills that are made today, look and have many of the features of the gas BBQ’s that cost hundreds and even thousands more. They are usually sold in big-box stores and on the internet. 

They may come in stainless steel, with one or more side burners, infrared burners. They look impressive and well-built, but most are not. 

They are not designed for heavy use and will not hold up, or perform as well as well-built gas grill. Remember you get what you pay for. 

If you are trying to save a few bucks, forget it, you’ll probably be sorry you didn’t spend a little more to buy quality a gas BBQ, maybe even sacrificing some features that you would have liked to have. 

If you purchase a cheap one you run the risk of having to figure out a way to transport it to the local dump, or having to bribe your local garbage pickup person to haul it away for you after using only for a short while. 

And, you will ask yourself, “Why didn’t I buy a good one to start with?” 

In 1989, I invested in a top-of-the-line gas BBQ that I had converted to natural gas. At the time I paid top dollar for it.  I still have that BBQ. And, I use it all year around! 

I live in an adverse climate for barbecuing during the winter months. Of course, I have taken care of barbecue. It is kept under a covered area, and I put a heavy duty cover on it when not in use. Further, it is maintained and cleaned on a regular basis to keep it in tip-top-shape. 

Now, had I bought a gas BBQ grill from the local “big-box” store for a couple of hundred bucks, I don’t think I would have had the same luck. 

In essence, you may have to spend around five hundred dollars or more to get a good one that will last.  Plus, you will get more features and a better warranty. 

Cheap gas BBQ grills are more of a hassle than you may want. Read all the reviews, spend the money and get quality. You thank yourself for doing so.

Thom Richards absolutely loves to barbecue for family and friends. Please join me at Barbecue Grills for more information about barbecuing.

Filed Under: BBQ Tips Tagged With: ,

BBQ: The Budget Beating BBQ

March 19, 2010 By

The best things in life are free, so in this tough economic climate its time to re-embrace the freer things in life:

-          sightseeing

-          friends

-          family

-          parks

-          food

One event that embraces all these elements is the BBQ! The BBQ is a great Australian tradition that can take place in any location and is a celebration of friends and family that takes place in the great outdoors. The food served at a BBQ is generally easy to prepare, easy to eat and has a menu that has had something contributed to it by every member of the BBQ. Australia might not be known for its etiquette but all Australian’s know that you never turn up to a BBQ empty handed.

The communal BBQ menu is embedded in the psyche of socializing in Australia and reflects the true nature of Australians- generous, thoughtful, considerate and contributors. The BBQ is a great way to socialize and celebrate during these harder economic times. The communal contribution to a menu means that no one person is burdened with the cost of food and drink. It also creates a great topic of conversation as people admire, taste and compliment each others culinary wares. A BBQ can replace any expensive celebration and is ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, engagements, christenings, Christmas and many more.

The return of the BBQ trend has even permeated into the retail and food industries. Many retail outlets today use a BBQ to entice customers to visit their store- who can resist a free or cheap sausage sizzle. Restaurants and catering companies are also embracing the BBQ and incorporating more BBQ recipes into their menus. BBQ catering companies are being used more often as people embrace and use the more sophisticated BBQ for their events.

The BBQs is a great option for any event and is cost effective. So whether you?re catering for one or hundreds think about having a BBQ. If you?re looking to get a BBQ or upgrade your existing Outdoor KitchenBBQ call Lifestyle BBQ?s who have been manufacturing and selling quality BBQ?s since 1976- they know about a good BBQ.

Ph: 02 9773 6245
Website: www.lifestylebbqs.com

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Gas BBQ Grills | Buy Quality Or Else!

March 19, 2010 By

If you are looking at gas BBQ grills, you might want to be very cautious about which one you invest in. It pays in the long run to buy a good, quality one.  

Many of the cheap grills that are made today, look and have many of the features of the gas BBQ’s that cost hundreds and even thousands more. They are usually sold in big-box stores and on the internet. 

They may come in stainless steel, with one or more side burners, infrared burners. They look impressive and well-built, but most are not. 

They are not designed for heavy use and will not hold up, or perform as well as well-built gas grill. Remember you get what you pay for. 

If you are trying to save a few bucks, forget it, you’ll probably be sorry you didn’t spend a little more to buy quality a gas BBQ, maybe even sacrificing some features that you would have liked to have. 

If you purchase a cheap one you run the risk of having to figure out a way to transport it to the local dump, or having to bribe your local garbage pickup person to haul it away for you after using only for a short while. 

And, you will ask yourself, “Why didn’t I buy a good one to start with?” 

In 1989, I invested in a top-of-the-line gas BBQ that I had converted to natural gas. At the time I paid top dollar for it.  I still have that BBQ. And, I use it all year around! 

I live in an adverse climate for barbecuing during the winter months. Of course, I have taken care of barbecue. It is kept under a covered area, and I put a heavy duty cover on it when not in use. Further, it is maintained and cleaned on a regular basis to keep it in tip-top-shape. 

Now, had I bought a gas BBQ grill from the local “big-box” store for a couple of hundred bucks, I don’t think I would have had the same luck. 

In essence, you may have to spend around five hundred dollars or more to get a good one that will last.  Plus, you will get more features and a better warranty. 

Cheap gas BBQ grills are more of a hassle than you may want. Read all the reviews, spend the money and get quality. You will thank yourself for doing so.

Thom Richards absolutely loves to barbecue for family and friends. Please join me at Barbecue Grills for more information about barbecuing.

Filed Under: BBQ Tips Tagged With: , ,

Planning your Outdoor Sinks, Bbq Islands and Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets

March 18, 2010 By

An outdoor kitchen is about bringing together various types of components like refrigeration, grills, outdoor sinks and counters. Also your outdoor kitchen cabinets should be able to put together outdoor sinks bases and other Accessories. Thus the outdoor kitchen cabinets should be so designed that all these work effectively without affecting each other.

If you are planning to do the outdoor kitchen by yourself, you may have to spend somewhere around $3000 to get your kitchen equipped with reasonable grill, cabinets and outdoor sinks. To build a top notch outdoor kitchen, you may need around $7000. The features you can add here would include a top quality grill, countertops, bbq islands, flooring and more. But if you want hassle free installation, you can simply order a pre-assembled outdoor kitchen, complete with outdoor sinks and bbq islands. However, this can be expensive. It is better to have a list of the stuff you need. Instead of making the island and then buying a grill, it is better to do the opposite. So first select the grill and make the bbq islands around the grill. Also, think about the stuff you want to add like outdoor sinks, cabinets, refrigerators, access doors etc.

Outdoor kitchen cabinets

Outdoor kitchen cabinets can be built with concrete blocks, welded steel, metal studs, or a combination of these. You can also go for pre-built outdoor kitchen cabinets and laminated outdoor kitchen cabinets capable of withstanding extreme weather. Also the outdoor kitchen cabinets should meet NEMA-4 standards. Outdoor kitchen Cabinets come with various features like Cooktop Cabinet, Lobster Boil, and Warming Drawers etc. You can use appliance back panels between any two outdoor kitchen cabinets, outdoor sinks bases or appliance outdoor kitchen cabinets. We also have Weather-Tight Outdoor kitchen cabinets and outdoor sinks bases. A good outdoor kitchen cabinet should have the door openings covered with seamless rain gutter for weather protection. This allows you to hose the outdoor kitchen cabinets clean without worry.

Bbq islands

Modular Bbq islands maximize profits by minimizing labor and equipment required. In the past, creating a custom Bbq islands required specialized labor. But now, modular Bbq islands are available and are too easy to install. These Bbq islands are prefabricated as modular units and arrive partially pre-assembled. The modular Bbq islands advantage is that you get a strong and durable installation. Also, everything you need for a modular bbq islands installation is provided. Tools required for such Bbq islands are also very minimal. The components of such Bbq islands can be easily carried by hand to the site. Traditional bbq islands construction would take double the time, but modular bbq islands can cut this down drastically. You can also think about ordering Bbq islands with modular faux stone, as this is a lot cheaper and lighter than regular flagstone. All the best!

I currently live in the San Francisco Bay Area and review and write articles on consumer products.

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Book Review – Bbq Secrets From A Legendary Barbecue Joint By Bob Gibson

March 18, 2010 By

Bob Gibson’s “BBQ Secrets” is so much more than you might expect, going beyond smoked meats, rubs, marinades, and glazes, and sides of beans, potatoes, and coleslaw (and those delicious recipes are all included along with the whole pig roast for the purist).

Keep turning the page and you’ll be treated to a wealth of appetizers or sides like Scallops with Burnt Ends; Grilled Fruit Skewers with Spicy Maple Cumin and Stuffed Red Bell Peppers with Maple Baked Beans.

The author’s attention to detail in the instruction of the most closely guarded secrets of the “Southern old guard” grill masters is what sets this book apart from any other BBQ Secrets book out there, and the many featured recipes range from meats to veggies to desserts.

Big Bob’s methodology has changed the way that we cook outdoors and it has given us a skill set that we can use to both look after our family and friends with great tasting BBQ, and and proudly pass this knowledge on to our grandchildren.

The “Getting Started” chapter which explores the creation of BBQ rubs and grilling strategies is, by itself, quite invaluable.

While almost every BBQ book available has a section on rubs, most of these books simply throw a few recipes out there in a vain attempt to copy and emulate.

What makes this chapter different is the breakdown of components in a rub with recommendations for  customization, and if that’s not enough, the charcoal placement strategies for cooking longer, or cooler opened really opened my eyes.

And I’ve been grilling for more than 15 years.

If you are from the foothills of northern Alabama and have ever visited Big Bob’s (in the 80 years of its existence) then this book is a “must have.”

The techniques and recipes in Bob’s BBQ Secrets are a bonus for novice to intermediate cooks, and Lilly’s engaging storytelling and method of writing will keep you turning page after page with keen interest until the end.

Any barbecue enthusiast out there will definitely benefit from having this superb BBQ book in their collection.

Find out how BBQ Pro’s like Bob Gibson win competitions time after time by reading his Competition BBQ Secrets.

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Smoker Grills For The Serious Outdoor Cook

March 17, 2010 By

Cooking is a favorite pastime for millions of people across the world, providing an outlet for creativity and a truly relaxing way to de-stress. There are many different ways to cook, such as baking, steaming, broiling or roasting. One of the most popular methods of cooking foods is by grilling in the outdoors. Having get-togethers in the spring and summer in a neighbor’s backyard is a great way to enjoy each other’s company while eating delicious meals. As there are thousands of types of grills on the market today, there are some grills that offer even more of a specialized approach to outdoor cooking, such as smoker grills. These grills are made for and purchased by the most serious grilling enthusiasts.

What Are Smoker Grills And How Do They Cook?

Smoker grills are exactly what the name entails; a combination of a smoker and a grill all in one piece of equipment. The smoker grill can smoke foods slowly over a firebox, or it can grill your favorite piece of meat, chicken, or fish over an open flame. The choice is up to you! Those who are truly barbeque enthusiasts typically buy these types of grills to use in making large amounts of barbeque.

The smoker gives the meat a certain blended flavor, occurring from the wood or wood chips within the firebox. This wood mixes with the meat and slowly meshes inside the juices of the meat, creating a wonderful aroma and mouthwatering flavor.

The size of these smoker grills may vary widely, as some are made for commercial use, such as at outdoor gatherings and conventions, and others are made for personal use at home. The prices can be quite expensive, depending on the size. Spending several thousand dollars for a commercial smoker grill would not be outrageous by any means. They are often made with quality components, such as heavy carbon steel.

Several of the smoker grills offer a built-in water reservoir to provide moist heat as well. Some smoker grills contain a firebox that is located directly underneath the smoking chamber, so that it is space efficient as well. Many smoker grills also allow you to grill at high temperatures without any effect on the smoker firebox also. Overall, for the avid grilling/smoking fan, purchasing a smoker grill can be a great addition to any home or commercial venture.

Ann Marier has written many articles on health problems and useful house and garden Topics. More articles on BBQ Meat Smokers and barbq tips and ideas

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