Guess #whatsfordinner tonight 7/25/2016 #food

When the temps start getting as high as they have been we will do anything possible to keep the heat out of the house.

Recently we discovered grilled foil packets because they don’t heat up the house. As it turns out the whole family loves them, and there is NO MESS (that is the best part, really).

There really isn’t much to them– they are so easy to do! You just throw all the food in, fold it up and put it over a grill, a campfire, or even in the oven

Tonight we tried a

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Guess #whatsfordinner tonight 7/12/2016 #food

After yesterday evening’s carnivore fest it was time for something lighter.

In fact, tonight we went vegetarian… no meat at all, and only a little cooking. Just a little blanching of some Sugar Snap Peas

This will really fit well into out Summer Electric Plan.

Tonight we had one of our  

Guess #whatsfordinner tonight 7/11/2016 #food

This week we are starting with another large cut of meat. HAM!!

It’s going to be hard to make it last. . . . . We love it so much.

This will really fit well into out Summer Electric Plan. True, we have to bake it which will heat the house one day but later in the week we will get a reprieve.

Tonight we had a truly delicious

Guess #whatsfordinner (well lunch) tonight 7/9/2016 #food

So at the beginning of the week we made Smoked Brisket.

The thing about brisket, though, is that you have to make so much. Ours was 12 pounds. Granted we had friends over but that still worked out to 2 pounds each. Way more meat than anyone needs in one sitting. So we set some aside for lunches and dinner Friday night.

Friday night though we ended up getting dinner out with family. So we shifted that meal to lunch today. It was a simple lunch

Bacon Wrapped Corn #Grill

On the 4th we had friend over for dinner and had Smoked Brisket. They brought the most delicious side dishes.

 

I promised to share what they shared with us. Well they did. YES, they were all fabulous!!

So here is the first:

Smoked Brisket

Brisket is a barbecue classic here. But it isn’t something that can be rushed. Brisket is rich in connective tissue, so it requires a low-and-slow process like smoking. Luckily, it is worth all the time and effort

What do you need?

Rubbing it in – Grilling Tips #barbecue

In the United States Grilling is a point of pride with everyone wanting their own signature twist on a rub or sauce. Usually they call it their secret and are unwilling to share. Some have even been known to take their recipe to the grave with them.

I don’t get it. I love grilling and I love sharing. Really what does it matter if someone copies a recipe. If you believe Charles Caleb Colton then you believe that “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.”

I’m still working on coming up with a “signature rub” of my own. In the mean time, I found this guide that provides a great starting place for developing your own. What follows is the gist of the article along with other information I found:

Bring on the Flavor – Grilling Tips #barbecue

For those of us who enjoy grilling one of the primary reasons we like it is the wonderfully complex flavors that can only be achieved via this method of cooking. Who doesn’t love that unique combination of sweet, smoky, and spicy that can only come from the perfect grilling session.

 

However, more is needed than simply dropping a piece of meat on the grill and slathering it with a little sauce. Sure you can get an acceptable burger that way but for a really great experience a little more technique is needed using marinades, rubs, and a good sauce.

Don’t forget the Sides – Grilling Tips #barbecue

 

For any grilling session to be a success it must be accompanied by great side dishes. The most succulent and perfectly grilled chicken or steak will ultimately fail as a meal with out great complimentary dishes.

Here are some sides we have found that we enjoy with our grilled items.

We have also included a few appetizer recipes to keep the party flowing while grilling.

Manage the Beast – Grilling Tips #barbecue

One area where a gas grill has a clear advantage over charcoal, is temperature control.

If you use a gas grill you’ve probably already got a handle, or dial,  on this beast.

If, however, you are like us and prefer the taste charcoal produces, this can be a bit of a challenge.