Amanda

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In case you’re wondering what those photos are all about, you’re seeing images of what you can do on your own barbecue by using the latest barbecue gadget - the BBQ Grill Mat. These handy items haven’t been around that long but they are gaining in popularity very rapidly because they provide a whole new world of possibilities with the barbecue grill. 

Before the grill mats came along I never would have dreamed that I could cook an entire breakfast on the grill and so I had never gone out on the deck in the early morning and used the barbecue before. It’s such a pleasant time to cook outside and I have come to enjoy it immensely.

I got these Chef Caron grill mats for a Fathers’ Day gift and wasn’t even sure what the purpose of them was or what use they would be at first. After reading the instructions on the back of the package I had the “ah-ha moment.” I know, they aren’t that complicated. But keep in mind, I’ve been using my barbecue the same way to cook the same things for longer than most people who are reading this have been alive. I’m not kidding. We do get entrenched in our habits, that’s for sure. Even when I understood that you were supposed to just put the grill mats on the grate of the BBQ and cook on them, I was a bit resistant. It just seemed like it defeated the purpose of the whole barbecue experience, or at least changed it so much that it wasn’t even the same process anymore. 

After I thought about it for a while I figured I’d better try it, since I didn’t want to offend my daughter who had excitedly given me the mats on Fathers’ Day. Nothing like guilt to force you into new experiences. 

 I do it every morning now. So you’re probably wondering what I cook on the BBQ grill for breakfast. Well, as you can see in the images, there’s eggs and pancakes. It’s pretty fun to fry an egg and end up with grill marks on it. Same thing with pancakes. But there’s also the hash browns, sausages, bacon, mixed vegetables, and omelettes. With the lid closed you can bake fresh biscuits on your barbecue grill, too. 

Obviously this isn’t Just a breakfast device and I do use it when making dinner meals too. I use a grill mat on one side of the barbecue and cook my steaks on the other side. My daughter is still insisting that I try the steaks on the mat too - she says I’ll like them a lot better prepared that way. But the fact is I like them just fine the way I’ve been doing it for forty some years. Anyway, for an old dog to learn one new trick is a big deal. I don’t need to push it. 

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I’m into the barbecue this summer big time. Later I’ll tell you about a cool new toy I bought from Chef Caron.

Everyone likes barbecue Ribs! Did you understand you can make fantastic tasting, fall off the bone ribs with a piece of equipment you most likely currently have. Yes, the trusty Weber kettle, or any old kettle, sitting in your garage, can be made use of to make excellent tasting barbeque ribs, and it is easy.

Zip-lock bags are ideal for marinating meat prior to grilling. You can even freeze the meats with the marinade, which allows you to do it all more quickly when the time comes.

For men who take pride in a dish well grilled (and you know who they are), take a look at the unique BBQ branding iron by Personal Creations. It can be customized with any three initials. Your other half or the barbecue in your life can just brand name his grilled masterpiece minutes before serving and - voila! Even the chef who has everything probably does not have this!

If it gets chilly in the evenings then you can consider getting some patio area heating systems. They are not expensive to purchase or to run and one basic patio area heating unit can keep an entire group of individuals warm. (By the word 'basic' right here, I mean upright, like a lamp post).

Quick cooking is still what Australian BBQ is all about. Australians normally choose flat-top, or open-pit BBQ grills. Trolly Barbies, which are portable grills on wheels, have actually become the most popular outdoor cooking appliances in Australia.

Here’s a bit on brisket. Using an "instant read" meat thermometer regularly, check the internal temperature of the meat. When the meat reaches approximately 140 degrees wrap the brisket in foil and place back on the smoker. At 140 degrees the meat will certainly not take in any more smoke. This should take about 2-3 hours.

If you make use of a folding grill, do not push the lid down too much as you'll squeeze the meat and force the juices out, which will certainly minimize the flavour and dry the meat. Cooking meat on folding grills takes about half the time that it does to prepare them on an open grill, as they are being prepared on both sides simultaneously. Next up, feedback on my new BBQ Grill Mat set from Chef Caron.

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Building a BBQ spit or a BBQ pit is not for the faint of heart. You could just order in and settle down with a nice wine cooler and call it good. Or… The BBQ Spit

You will certainly need a bbq spit if you want to cook a whole animal. There are several versions of the bbq spit, not to be...

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BBQ Pits and Spits

Building a BBQ spit or a BBQ pit is not for the faint of heart. You could just order in and settle down with a nice wine cooler and call it good. Or... The BBQ Spit

You will certainly need a bbq spit if you want to cook a whole animal. This isn’t the kind of thing you can do on a bbq grill mat. This is serious barbecue stuff, for sure. There are several versions of the bbq spit, not to be confused with the bbq pit, which we'll discuss in a bit. In essence, the barbecue spit is a rotisserie, handmade or otherwise, that stands over the fire or the grill pit, and you can use it to prepare your meat above the fire. There are several various kinds of BBQ spits for sale, and the one you choose will depend highly on your setup. Many people build their own. It's a very simple device that only requires a way to hang the animal above the fire and turn it without having it fall off into the fire. Manufactured spits are adjustable in every direction, but you can make a simple one with metal pipe, held up with posts on either end.

The BBQ Pit – notice there’s no “s”

The bbq pit is another thing altogether and is popular in the South Pacific Islands. Obviously it's popularity has spread to other parts of the world, and everyone has their own take on the best way to do it. I've seen several of these, first-hand, and they were all different in their approach. My favorite was the beach barbecue pit. We dug and deep hole in the sand and built an enormous bonfire in it first thing in the morning. after a couple of hours it was all hot coals at least a couple of feet deep. The meat (a whole pig in this case) was wrapped in layers of gunny sacks and huge fresh leaves tied with twine. Once wrapped the pig was soaked down with water and then pushed into the hot coals. The hole was then filled back up with sand with several pipes inserted to allow the fire to breathe just a bit. Late that evening we dug it up. I have never tasted anything like that before or since. 

A Simpler Solution

If you’re not into all that work but want some great tasting food you could always just find a good recipe with a nice image that looks appetizing and just make yourself something in the comfort of your own kitchen. Or...

Why Not Just Purchase a BBQ Grill?

If you're not into building a spit or a pit you could just buy a barbecue. As you know they come in all sizes, shapes and prices. Barbecues aren't that difficult find these days and you can almost always get a great deal at one of the larger house and garden suppliers. However, the tough part is determining which sort you desire to purchase. There are so many choices. You just need to go look at the options and you'll know which one you want when you see it. Like with a television set. Let's take a look at a couple of them.

The Sports Connection

If you are a sports enthusiast, the choice about which barbecue to buy gets a bit simpler. You'll probably want a portable grill that you can use at home or put it in the back of your vehicle or pickup and head for the ballgame. Tailgating is a fantastic method to add to the fun and excitement of a game. Have fun chatting with family and pals while cooking chicken hotdogs, hamburgers, and wings, or whatever your favorite grill food might be. There is no doubt the odor of outdoor cooking will generate some new good friends who will stop by to comment on how great the food looks and smells and offer their predictions, stories, and camaraderie.

A Great Camping Tool

The portable grill is also a great choice for someone who loves camping. If you get a portable bbq for that purpose be sure to pick up a Chef Caron grilling mat so you can cook breakfast on the grill without lugging any cast iron pans or griddles with you. The grill mats roll up, so you can even carry them in a backpack and they are super easy to clean. It’s way less trouble than cast iron pans or griddles. Trust me on this. Here’s a grill mat twitter site with some great suggestions on that kind of stuff and more. 

I Like the Cobb

Another style of grill is the Cobb. If you've ever watched the 'Hairy Bikers' on TELEVISION you'll identify the Cobb because they include it in their shows, frequently. These 2 British Chefs have actually traveled the world cooking many different cuisines making use of the Cobb as their cooker of selection. Watching them, you can get an idea of how easy it is to cook on a barbecue grill and how much great food you can actually make with one.

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30th May - Eurodisney by *superhoop*

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SOFITEL SO BANGKOK

Let your imagination run wild in a world of visionary expression at the 5-star Sofitel So Bangkok. At the heart of it all, The Tree of Life - an emblem designed by famed couturier and design legend Mr. Christian Lacroix - combines the five elements of Water, Earth, Wood, Metal, and Fire into a uniting icon which sets the stage for the interior. Discover these elements reflected in the design themes of the hotels luxury rooms and suites. Four leading Thai interior designers each bring to life Water, Earth, Wood, and Metal with their own inspired vision and all with a mangifique view!

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OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Although a day of shopping around Beverly Hills is always a great option while staying at Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, if you enjoy an outdoor adventure, a hike in the hills is a must. There are three levels of hike to cater to anyone with the need for adventure. Ask your concierge for directions to the entrance of the Mt. Hollywood Trail (easy), the Canyon Blvd. Trail (moderate), or the Cahuenga Peak Trail (difficult) depending on your skill level. 

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VIZCAYA MUSEUM & GARDENS

With many a beautiful day in Miami, pottering around gardens makes for the perfect day. Built on Biscayne Bay and completed in 1923, the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens was originally the villa and estate of wealthy businessman, James Deering. The house is architecturally stunning both inside and out. The gardens are characterized by an abundance of architectural structures and details, elaborate fountains, and antique and commissioned sculptures. Just a 15 minute ride from Sofitel Miami, the entire day will be yours for exploring.