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Grilling is Evolving

Joseph Coupal - Wednesday, June 29, 2011

With the arrival of summer’s sultry days, grilling season is fast upon us.

Everywhere you look there are great new grill recipes, grilling gadgets, grilling sauces and, of course, the grills themselves. But none of these will do us any good if we have no idea how to use them.

So we talked to grilling expert Jamie Purviance and asked him for some tips.

Over the past few years, he's noticed some big changes in the way we grill.

``The repertoire's expanding quite a bit,'' he says. ``It used to be that the focus was on the meat and the main course, and the deserts and appetizers and side dishes were done in the kitchen. Now people are trying to do more and more of that kitchen stuff on the grill.''

We're grilling more ethnic foods and more vegetables, and we're using the grill more than ever for all sorts of entertaining. And that ties into the fact that grills, especially gas grills, are changing. They're practically outdoor kitchens, with rotisseries, extra burners and built-in refrigerators.

Along with the sophisticated grills are a whole bunch of sophisticated toys, such as silicone basting brushes, grill pans, griddles, smoke boxes for fragrant wood chips and the very handy Looftlighter. Charcoal purists will love this gadget, which blasts charcoal or wood with air heated to more than 1,000 F, igniting it in seconds without the need for lighter fluid.

In fact, charcoal is another big trend, especially with smoking food.

“Grilling is as thrilling as learning a new sport.''

Charcoal Purists

"If you're a charcoal purist, it's only a matter of time before you're going to get into smoking,'' Purviance says. "Think about getting a smoker or a Kamado Joe.'' The advantage of a smoker is that it maintains a low temperature for a really long time without the need to feed the fire. Also, get to know your charcoal - briquettes give you consistent, long-lasting heat, while lump charcoal has a more natural aroma and higher heat, but is more erratic and faster burning. The best results are if you use both.

One of the hottest trends in grilling these days is going meatless.

Where not so long ago lighting the grill meant steak or burgers, now it can mean anything from salad to dessert. After all, our grills are becoming outdoor kitchens, so why couldn't you cook anything on them you'd cook inside?

Original article by Joanne Sasvari

Extend your Living Space with an Outdoor Kitchen

Joseph Coupal - Wednesday, June 22, 2011

The demand for outdoor kitchens is heating up as the sluggish economy forces families to spend more time entertaining at home.

Five years ago, outdoor kitchens were rarely heard of here. But over the past year, the demand has skyrocketed.

People are spending more money on their homes rather than taking elaborate vacations. They want to make investments in their homes that will increase the resale value later on when they can sell.

At its most minimal, an outdoor kitchen can consist of a grill, work surface, and dining area, but additional amenities can maximize its use and appeal.

An outdoor refrigerator allows you to keep cold food and beverages right next to the grill or pool area. A side burner is another handy option – you can grill kabobs and boil corn without having to run back and forth to the house.

When it comes to features, homeowners are tailoring their spaces to their lifestyles and including little luxuries. Cooks are adding ice-makers, pizza ovens, ceramic Japanese style grills, outdoor rotisseries, and smokers.

Another popular item is a 'kegerator,' ( by  Twin Eagles) a cold tap for a beer keg, and granite is the top choice by customers for countertops.

If you plan on using your kitchen year round, consider an overhang to shelter the area from rain. Overhead lighting and a firepit can create a comfortable atmosphere, even on chilly days.

When entertaining a big crowd, outdoor kitchens allow you to keep everyone outside, and let you to mingle with your guests while cooking, to be a part of the party.

Homeowners are also spending on decks and stone paver patios.

West Sport in Sudbury works with grill manufacturers, paving companies and contractors to help you design the best outdoor kitchen and living space for your needs and your yard. Complete with a stone patio, outdoor kitchen, deck, firepit and landscaping, West Sport can also help incorporate furniture placement.

Drive by West Sport on route 20 in Sudbury and see the beautiful built in grill by Twin Eagles on our newly built patio.

Original article on SiLive.com by Sharon Cohen

Summer Vacation is as Close as Your Backyard

Joseph Coupal - Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Your second home, that summer place, is no farther away than the backyard. And where better to spend an evening as the sun sets and a breeze cools down the overheated city?

Rachel and Joe Allen are in the process of turning their backyard into a suburban oasis. They’re putting in a swimming pool and adding a patio and outdoor kitchen, along with new landscaping. They’ll bring in deck furniture to sit beside the pool, casual seating pieces and a new gas fire pit.

“We’re looking to create an outdoor-living environment and expand our livable space,” Joe Allen said. “We had a nicely landscaped yard, but there was no feature to draw you outside.”

High gasoline prices and a halting economy may have some families rethinking their vacation plans for this year and instead investing in new patio furniture and other accessories for at-home leisure and dining.

Patio-furniture manufacturers have improved on recent trends. And, people are extending their homes by bringing more seating outside.

Outdoor living is definitely on the rise. Global Industry Analysts Inc. predicts that, by 2015, U.S. consumers will spend more than $4.4 billion on outdoor furniture.

Americans have long loved to picnic in their backyards, adding outdoor kitchens and barbecue islands to the landscaping. But more and more, they’re making the great outdoors their summertime living room, as well.

Another trend that continues to gain traction is the fire pit, a perfect gathering spot for chilly evenings. They’re fueled by wood or propane and are turning up in both coffee and dining tables.

And many outdoor-furniture manufacturers are going “green.” Telescope Casual Furniture has a line of outdoor furniture made from marine grade polymer (MGP), which is completely recyclable and quite durable.

Original article by Dixie Reid

Perfect Father's Day Gifts for Dad

Joseph Coupal - Tuesday, June 07, 2011

As Father's Day quickly approaches, many will search for the perfect gift to show their father just how special he is. As most people know, the "Gift for Dad" mission can be quite a challenge, it’s hard to find a gift for the one person who never asks or needs anything.

But no one loves to grill and relax outdoors more than dad. So here are some perfect gift suggestions:

  1. A new grill. If Dad’s favorite weekend past time is donning the chef hat and grilling up some steaks, than a brand new, shiny grill may be just what he is looking for. If he is a real grill aficionado, the Kamado Joe charcoal grill, which doubles as a smoker, oven and high heat roaster may be just the gift.
  2. A grill griddle. If dad loves to grill for a crowd, or uses his grill for every meal. The Griddle Q may be the grilling accessory for him. The Griddle-Q is a 12 gauge stainless steel grill griddle that fits easily and securely on your outdoor grill, providing dad with a whole new world of outdoor cooking possibilities.
  3. The perfect fire starter. Want to help dad light the fire? The Looftlighter  is the fastest, cleanest, safest, and easiest way to light your charcoal grill or wood fireplace. The Looftlighter ignites wood or charcoal in less than 60 seconds with its patented hot airstream process.
  4. Skeeter Vac mosquito killer. Is dad a hammock guy? The Skeeter Vac will open up a whole level of enjoyment in the backyard, eliminating the mosquitoes and making the yard more enjoyable. Help dad relax when he comes home. With a Skeeter Vac he can enjoy more time on the hammock and less time swatting bugs.


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