About Barbecues & Grilling

What do you cook for the little cookouts?

2009-07-08T02:06:19Z

Last weeks question asked what you cook for the big cookouts of the years. You know, the stuff you throw on the grill or in the smoker when you have family and friends over for the big party (the impress the guest food). So this week I thought I would ask you about the foods you cook when it's just you and the people who live at your address, the typically stuff. So, generally:

POLL: What do you cook for the little cookouts?
1) Brisket
2) Burgers and Dogs
3) Chicken
4) Fish and Seafood
5) Pulled Pork
6) Ribs
7) Rotisserie Roasts
8) Steaks and Chops
9) Veggies
10) Other (Please Specify in the Comments)

Something New: Chicken Grillables

2009-07-06T02:48:28Z

Recently the mailman brought me the latest thing from Barber Foods. Chicken patties the size of a hamburger patty designed for the grill (cleverly called chicken grillables) and the bun. Being billed as a healthy alternative to frozen burger patties I was naturally skeptical. Dry and flavorless I figured, but always willing to try most anything.

So on the grill they go. I cooked them the same I would a burger patty, hot and fast, and without any additional seasonings. These grilled up just like any preformed, frozen patty. When cooked through I pulled the chicken patties off the grill. I dressed one up just like I would a burger and another one I cut up for taste testing.

What I found was that these patties were not dry and actually tasted like chicken. On the bun with lettuce, tomatoes, mayo and mustard they tasted very much like a burger.

Chicken Grillables sell in packs of 4 for between $7USD and $8USD at a variety of outlets. If you are looking for a quick meal solution that you can throw on the grill, while also trying to cook up something a little healthier then I would recommend these.

Photo: Barber Foods.

Are you getting cheated on Propane?

2009-07-05T02:53:13Z

Several months ago I asked readers if they Exchange or Refill their propane tanks. Several people commented that they were getting shortchanged on their propane exchanges. Tanks designed to hold up to 18 pounds of propane were only being filled with 15 pounds. The majority of complaints I received were directed at Blue Rhino exchanges (Blue Rhino is owned by a company called Ferrellgas). Now the Albany, NY the Times Union is reporting that the New York State Consumer Protection Board is warning consumers to beware of unscrupulous tactics by some propane suppliers. This practice, which started in 2008 when propane prices spiked, has lead to two federal lawsuits against large propane suppliers for violation of consumer protection laws. Amerigas, the exclusive supplier of self serve propane exchange units to Home Depot claims that they are no longer liable since they have changed labeling on their propane tanks to state that it contains only 15 pounds of propane.

Recently I have seen a few complaints from gas grill owners that their must be something wrong with their grill since they seem to be using more fuel than normal. Clearly this is caused by changes in refill volume that most grill owners are simply not aware off.

To insure that you are getting a full tank of propane you should locate a refilling station that meters the fuel amount they sell and charges not by the refill but by the amount of propane sold. I encourage you to talk with your local propane supplier to make sure you are getting what you pay for and help end this deceptive practice.

The Great American Cookout

2009-07-04T02:33:26Z

Celebrate summer outside by throwing the ultimate cookout. Get great ideas, recipes and information about entertaining in the backyard.

Common Gas Grill Problems

2009-07-03T02:30:16Z

You�d think that your gas grill is pretty straightforward and dependable. But then something goes wrong. Most times it�s actually something that can be solved quickly and easily. Try these tips to get your grill working perfectly again and avoid a ruined cookout.

About Hamburgers

2009-07-02T02:10:02Z

Probably the most popular grilled food, this most common of foods has a great history and endless versatility. Put down those fast-food burgers and put together a real sandwich that is more than just a meal.

What do you cook for the big cookout?

2009-07-01T02:17:12Z

We've all gotten used to the idea of grilling up some chicken or chops on a Tuesday evening, but every year there are those big cookout days, holidays when practically everyone fires up the grill or smoker to cookout for a family and friends. These are the times when we can show off our best recipes and dish up our best barbecue. So this weeks questions is about these special, nearly formal cookouts when our reputations are on the line and hungry people gather around to see what we have on the grate. So:

POLL: What do you cook for the big cookout?
1) Brisket
2) Burgers and Dogs
3) Chicken
4) Fish and Seafood
5) Pulled Pork
6) Ribs
7) Rotisserie Roasts
8) Steaks and Chops
9) Veggies
10) Other (Please Specify in the Comments)

Trouble at KCBS?

2009-06-30T20:30:15Z

Recently there has been a lot of rumors and accusations flying around about the Board of Directors of the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS). This all started with the sudden resignation from the board of Rod Gray, long time board member, KCBS supporter and head cook of the Pellet Envy Competition Team. Most recently an email has been circulated calling for the ouster (or resignation) of one of the board members.

Over the years that I have been a member and observer of KCBS I have heard many complaints. There are those who think KCBS could be much more than it is, while there are those who would like to see it maintain its focus on barbecue competitions as the largest officiating body in North America. Personally I believe that KCBS is a good organization for what it does. It is not the single controller of all things barbecue nor should it. I do believe that it could be a little more innovative and forward thinking, but barbecue is about tradition and I think they do a good job of maintaining the Kansas City way of barbecue (or barbeque). For those of you who know about this situation (and actually care) I am posting this email below. I am not privy to the inner workings of the KCBS board so I do not know the whole story. Hopefully those of you who do know more than I will be willing to hit that little comment button below and provide us all with more details (opinions are good as well but I will delete uncivil comments).

"Fellow KCBS members,

Based on recent events, it's become apparent that some change must to be made in the board room of the Kansas City Barbeque Society. It's obvious that our board and staff are crippled by the actions of one director. As members of this great society, it is our responsibility to effect change for the betterment of barbeque. The most powerful form of persuasion for this board in recent memory has been direct e-mails from the members. The very person creating turmoil and turbulence on the board has very effectively used this technique and it's time we turn the tables on him. The next board meeting is less than two weeks away. We must flood the members of the board with our request for Merl Whitebook to step down. Please keep your statements brief so they are heard. Call for his resignation. Be sure to include your membership number. Most importantly, forward this message to every KCBS member in your address book that feels as we do. Our collective voices must be heard. This is a very critical time for the Kansas City Barbeque Society and we need the board to hear the roaring voice of the membership.

Write the KCBS board at bod@kcbs.us"

There will be a discussion of this on Greg Rempe's (excellent) BBQ Central Radio Show at 9PM Eastern on LA Talk Radio.

Top 10 July 4th Recipes

2009-06-28T02:39:58Z

As Independence Day rolls around again it is time for the Great American Cookout. This year millions of households will be firing up the grill or smoker to celebrate the birth of the United States.

Top 10 Gas Grills between $250 and $500

2009-06-27T02:32:16Z

The top ten gas grills between $250 and $500 on the market in 2009. If you are looking to purchase a new grill for between $250 and $500 (based on typical selling price) then these are the one you should be looking at. In this price range look for a basic grill that can cook and last around 5 years.