The act of Barbequing or Grilling has been around as long as humans. Cavemen quickly realized that food tasted good after it was cooked over an open fire. Barbequing has become a standard American tradition for families. The reasons as clear as to why, not only does the food that comes from barbequing have a taste that is unmatched by other cooking methods, but it also gives a family a reason to gather outdoors. Today, over 90% of families in the united states hold or attend barbeque at least once a year. About 70% of all of the barbeques are held on a gas grill.
Gas grills work by a spark igniting the gas within the grill. Gas grills typically have a knob or button in which you push, which in turn activates a small hammer. The hammer hits the top of an ignition crystal. Then the burner mixes the gas with oxygen and spreads it all over the cooking surface. This makes the gas grill one of the easiest, and fastest grills to use.
Gas grills come in all shapes and sizes, which makes then ideal for just about any type of barbequing party. Smaller gas grills give you the portability needed to plan barbeque parties away from home. Larger gas grills are handy and efficient for cooking larger amounts of food quickly, and without the mess of other types of grills.
So after deciding that you indeed are in the market for a barbeque grill, there are several factors that you must consider when you purchase your first gas grill.
Weight
Gas grills literally come in all shapes and sizes. The type of grill you get should really depend on what you plan on using the grill for. If you foresee camping trips, barbeques at the beach, or tailgate parties, you may want to consider getting a smaller gas grill. Smaller gas grills can range from anywhere from 10 to 40 pounds. Portable gas containers are also available for these types of grills.
If your plans are move focused on home cooking, then larger grills should suit you fine.
Cooking Surfaces
Gas grills, unlike some of the other grills types, have the ability to come with many different types of cooking surfaces. These different cooking surfaces include a BBQ surface, a flat grill, and a ribbed grill. Some grills even offer these types of surfaces as none stick, which allow you to cook a whole array of foods that you would not be able to cook on a grill otherwise. You will be able to cook your whole meal, including side dishes if you plan correctly.
Some gas grills even contain a Wok type surface for cooking pasta and rise dishes, or a full rotisserie set that allows you to cook rotisserie chicken.
Surface Area
Similar to weight, you should consider the amount of cooking surface area you will need, depending on the situations you will be in. If you will only be cooking for yourself or you and one other, you will want a gas grill with a smaller surface area, as it will be easier to clean. If you plan on holding parties or cooking for a larger family, then you will want to consider a gas grill with a larger surface area.
This surface area may also include different types of cooking surfaces. Look for the type that suits you best, or is interchangeable.
Cost
Gas grills are typically on the higher end of the cost scale, as they require more mechanical parts then other grills. You can expect to spend anywhere from $50 for a smaller grill up to $400+ for a large stationary grill.
You also have to remember that you must also purchase the gas for your grill. Propane can be purchased at your local grocery store, superstore, or from a dealer. Bottoms come in all sizes, including miniature versions for portable gas grills.
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Filed under Grills and Smokers by on Oct 3rd, 2009. Comment. 
If you have never entertained in your home before, you may be wondering how you can wow your friends with a party they will never forget. When the weather is nice the answer to that question is a classy backyard barbeque. You may have cooked out with your family before and be asking yourself how you can turn a barbeque into a world class dinner party. The right food and a few fabulous touches will turn your soiree into the talk of the town. Barbeques are becoming so much more than a cheap evening in the backyard. You can find high end recipes for the grill on the internet. Many famous chefs are sharing their favorite recipes and tricks.
The first thing to take into consideration is bug control. Even if you are serving the best food in town, your guests will be very unhappy if they are constantly being bitten by mosquitoes. You will need mosquito repellant candles and possible mosquito repellant torches. Make sure you calculate the amount of space that your guests will occupy and buy enough protection. Instructions will be on the packaging of the products you buy. IF you are hosting a big event or you want to step up the atmosphere, consider renting tents. If you can, serve food inside and then allow your guests to go outside and eat. A mud room or sun porch can easily be turned into a make shift serving station. This will ensure that no ants crash your party.
What drinks to serve should be next on your list. It is your decision whether or not to serve any alcohol at your barbeque. If you do try having a limited selection of beer, wine and you can whip up a quick mixed drink or two. Try finding a recipe for a mango margarita or a strawberry daiquiri; both are guaranteed to be popular with your guests. Pinot Gringo and Merlot are two good wines to choose and you should offer two domestics and one imported beer for your guests to choose from. Ice tea and lemonade are good non-alcoholic choices. Guests will really appreciate a cooler stocked with regular and diet sodas.
Food should be kept simple and tasty. On the grill you can have hamburgers, hot dogs and grilled chicken. If you really want to impress, you can try your hand at some surf and turf by offering steak and grilled lobster tail. You can also serve shrimp on skewers or kabobs. Make kabobs by alternating chicken or beef with vegetables on a skewer. You can also add a little Greek flair to your barbeque by using lamb meat on the kabobs. Serve snacks throughout your barbeque in cute plastic bowls. These snacks can include potato chips, pretzels, and vegetable trays. You do not need to buy expensive pre-made trays at the store. Go to your local party store and pick up a couple of inexpensive plastic trays and make your own. You just put a small bowl of dip in the center and then arrange the cut vegetables around the dip; this is easy to do with fruit, meats and cheeses too. Try broccoli, carrots, pea pods, cauliflower, cherry tomatoes and green pepper strips. Cole slaw and baked beans are easy to prepare and are usually crowd pleasers. Most people will also enjoy pasta, potato and macaroni salad. The ingredients you can include in these are diverse and you can really come up with some creative and inspired dishes. Do not worry about the mayonnaise spoiling; it is a little know fact that the mayonnaise actually makes these salads last longer.
It is the little things that will really impress your guests. Make sure that you have enough plastic silverware, paper plates, napkins and drink cups. Nothing ruins a party faster than not being able to find a cup or napkin. If your party has a theme you can find everything you need at the local party store. Place trash cans in convenient places and keep them emptied throughout your event. You may have to bus the tables a little bit but it is better than everything getting messy. Do not save all of the clean up for the end of the night. Simple flower arrangements will add the perfect finishing touch. Place them on serving and guest tables for a touch of color.
David Beart is the owner of Professors House. Our site covers selling a house, household finances, family forums, food and other household topics.Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/food-and-beverage-articles/hosting-a-fabulous-summer-bbq-1027624.html
Filed under Techniques by on Jul 10th, 2009. Comment.
The 4th of July should be more than just an outdoor party or activity, boom it up for America. Let’s start the morning by raising the American flag; it is Independence Day. This is the day the Declaration of Independence laid the foundation for the US Constitution and nailed down the fundamental principles of freedom we still uphold to this day. Show all friends and neighbors your allegiance to the United States of America.
Two hundred and thirty three years have passed since the United States declared its independence from Britain and from anyone else who threatens our beloved freedom. It is not just that one year, 1776, that we are celebrating; it is for every year since that date which we maintain our freedom. So lets’ celebrate with picnics, barbeques, and family gatherings.
As you are entertaining your guests on this precious day, enlighten them with some fun trivia about the Fourth of July. Did you know that only two people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776? They were John Hancock and Charles Thomson. The state of Massachusetts was the first to recognize this day as a Holiday in 1781 and the US congress waited until 1941 to declare it a holiday. The government sure does move slowly. The first anniversary was celebrated with fireworks and parades. Today, most states outlaw fireworks and you need a permit to organize a parade, but we can still have our barbeque.
It’s time to spruce up grill and prepare for the day ahead. Soon the guests will be arriving. Items not needed nor wanted are balloons that only get caught in the trees or fancy paper stuff all around your yard creating a cheap atmosphere; instead we need the true and distinctive look of America at its best. It does not have to expensive to impress your guests. It is the quality and thought provoking medium of your decorations that will empress. What you’re looking for is items of class and functionality that will set you apart from the rest.
What I have in mind is a functional decoration depicting the United States in its inception. This is, of course, coasters and coaster holders richly engraved with scenes from the Revolutionary War, the Old North Church, and of course, the Old North Bridge. Paul Revere’s Ride is always a hit. These coasters can be designed with engraved pictures of early Americana and include saying such as “One if by Land, Two if by Sea” or “The Red Coates are coming.” Everyone knows what that means. Then you can sit back and relax as the conversations begin from the first guest to the last.
Any old drab coaster will not be very impressive. I prefer to use cork coasters. They are light weight, slip resistant, absorbent and easy to clean. If you wish to spend a little more money and really get lavish; the black marble coaster will really catch the eye of the most unscrupulous observer. Let’s not stop at the coaster itself. It’s the picture and words will grab the attention.
The picture must clear and crisp. I find that laser engraved pictures can produce dramatic results. The image is burned into the cork or marble surface and will not rub off or wear off and can be very detailed. Then the words come into play. Choose an Independence Day getting phrase such as “The Old North Church,” or “Paul Revere’s Ride,” or even “Independence Day – 2009.” Whatever phrase you choose, the wording should complement the picture.
In conclusion, the theme on your coaster must match the theme of your party. This is true not only for the fourth of July, but for all celebrations. If you are having a fund raiser for breast cancer, you would choose the appropriate logos and sayings attributed to the cause. Religious gatherings are great; include biblical pictures or quote different Psalms. If you are having relatives over for an outdoor barbeque, funny pictures of hotdogs or chips on the run might work. Once you start thinking, the possibilities are endless and rewarding.
The author’s website has examples of just such coasters and coaster holders. Take a look at the true beauty of these coasters and let your mind start to wander.
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Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/food-and-beverage-articles/celebrate-the-4th-of-july-barbeque-in-style-983849.html
Filed under Techniques by on Jun 22nd, 2009. Comment.
