Archive for September, 2010

\”Let\’s do a barbecue\” has often become another way for Americans to say, \”Let\’s party.\” Whether the fired-up grill is in celebration of the 4th of July or in preparation for the big game at a tailgate party, we do love a BBQ.

So what exactly is BBQ? It is traditionally defined as cooking meat for a long period of time at a low temperature over an indirect wood fire. The origin of BBQ is most commonly credited to indigenous Caribbean peoples. When the Spanish explorers arrived in the West Indies, they found the indigenous people preserving meat by drying it in the sun. In an effort to combat bugs and spoilage they built smoky fires around the meat and put it on racks (the first BBQ accessories!) over the fires – and barbacoa, as they called it – was born.

This concept came to what is now the United States via the Spaniards. They also introduced pigs to the wild, which provided an abundant protein source to the locals. Americans\’ love for pulled pork came from this time period. The widely loved BBQ recipe got its name because the pig shoulder meat is actually pulled apart by hand and served on buns with a thin vinegar-based sauce.

Every region of the U.S. provides different specialties. In Texas, we find beef – and lots of it. The Carolinas are partial to pork, whether it\’s the whole hog or just the tender meat from the shoulder. Kansas City loves their ribs both beef and pork. Meanwhile, the folks in western Kentucky are unique in their love of smoked mutton.

Except for the extreme purists, who insist barbecue means smoke with the meat never coming in direct contact with a heating element, the average American uses the words barbecue and grilling interchangeably. Genuine smoking of food can take as long as 18 hours.

A BBQ rotisserie for a real \”smoker\” generally needs less heat and yields a juicier, self-basting meat. Rotisserie grilling, on the other hand, can be done even on a charcoal grill with the proper accessory. The coals need to be pushed around the edges, though, so there is no direct heat. When using a gas grill, the burners need to be kept on very low heat and a drip pan is recommended to avoid flare ups.

Nowadays, our BBQs are full year-round with meat, juicy Portobello mushrooms and even fruit. There is no limit to the things that can be grilled, smoked, heated and baked on a grill, so explore your options!

Reproduction permitted only when all active hyperlinks are included. 2010 All Rights Reserved.

Stephen Daniels is an acclaimed SEO 2.0 researcher. For award-winning grilling accessories and tools, he recommends BBQ Innovations. These experts offer the Rib-O-Lator rotisserie attachment, a mouth-watering variety of sauces, unique smoky wood chips and more, promising to bring big flavor to barbecues of all kinds.


BBQ Charcoal Grill Related Blogs

If it\’s winter and you\’re chillin\’ instead of grillin\’, you might want to listen to what many BBQ enthusiasts have discovered – winter grilling is way cool – in a good way.

Now there aren\’t any big time BBQ contests going on from fall to winter in the northern half of the U.S. However, those hardy souls who venture out into the rain and snow to slap some meat on the grill will definitely impress their families and friends with the unexpected taste thrill. So, dress for the weather and exercise these precautions for successful al fresco cooking:

* Store your grill and BBQ accessories in a protected area, away from temperature extremes

* If you haven\’t used your grill for some time, check first for any freeloading critters that may have set up housekeeping. Then, if you didn\’t clean it after your last BBQ bash, do so now. Removable grills can even be put in self-cleaning ovens for a nice short cut.

* Make sure all parts are in good working order. Hire a pro if you\’re not sure how to do this. Think of this step as equivalent to servicing your car before a long road trip.

* Ensure good ventilation when you fire up. Those luscious BBQ fumes contain carbon monoxide.

* Store your parts and accessories altogether in a convenient place. Imagine a world famous surgeon reaching out for a scalpel – and there it is.

The ongoing argument about whether it is better to grill with charcoal or gas grills is still relevant in cooler climes and times. A gas grill warms up more quickly; a charcoal grill takes longer but produces more of that wonderfully enticing smell. Those who intend from the get go to be year round grillers should consider purchasing a BBQ that produces more BTUs, or even one with infrared parts, conductive rods or lava rocks – more direct heat on the grilling surface, regardless of the air temperature, speeds up the process.

Speaking of air temperature, to avoid excessive opening and closing of the grill hood, which will allow the cold air to seep in and extend your time in the cold, use a timer and determine your cook time based on weight, not good looks. This is particularly important when smoking Mr. Cow instead of grilling him.
Once the grill is ready for take off, it is just as important to dress for success. Avoid any loose and flapping clothing that may dip into the fire and make you part of the incineration system. This is not a good way to be the life of the party – perhaps the opposite.

So, clear a path, get out of the wind and fire on.

Reproduction permitted only when all active hyperlinks are included. 2010 All Rights Reserved.

Stephen Daniels is an acclaimed SEO 2.0 researcher. For award-winning BBQ accessories and tools, he recommends BBQ Innovations. These grilling experts offer the Rib-O-Lator rotisserie attachment, a mouth-watering variety of sauces, unique smoky wood chips and more, promising to bring big flavor to barbeques of all kinds.

categories: BBQ accessories, BBQ contests

BBQ Charcoal Grill Related Blogs