New Year's fun - Take a Risk?

Winter Grilling

Some homeowners refuse to let a little thing like a Maine winter – snow, ice, bone-chilling temperatures and all – get in the way of a well-cooked steak.

By RAY ROUTHIER, Staff Writer December 13, 2009

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The EZ Grill is being marketed as a no-mess, disposable winter grilling option. It sells for $4.99.

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WINTER GRILLING PRIMER
IF YOU WANT to be the kind of Mainer who embraces winter and even gets outside to grill in cold weather, here are some things to consider:
MORE HEAT: Gas grills with higher BTU ratings heat up quickly even when it's very cold, so if you're purchasing a gas grill and know that you want to use it in cold weather, opt for a unit with a BTU rating per square inch that is higher than 125.
SAFETY FIRST: If you haven't used the grill recently, check all gas lines, burners and jets for possible blockages. Insects such as spiders may pick these places to build cocoons for the winter, and their homes will prevent fuel from flowing freely to the burners.
AND ALSO: Avoid wearing scarves or wide-sleeved jackets that may dangle into the flames and catch fire. Instead, opt for snugly fitted sleeves and a turtleneck sweater or a fleecy neck warmer.
OUTDOORS ONLY: Although the garage may seem like a wind-sheltered, inviting spot to grill, the comfort is not worth the safety risk. Instead, set up the grill at least 10 feet away from the house to avoid the risk of a fire or an explosion that can result when grill flames and stray vapors from the gas furnace, water heater or the lawn mower's fuel tank meet one another in an enclosed space.
ICE FREE: If necessary, brush off all snow on the grill to speed preheating, and shovel the surrounding area to prevent a dangerously slippery skating rink from forming under and around your grill.
AGAINST THE WIND: Position your grill out of the wind to conserve heat.
HANDLE WITH CARE: Many metals and almost all plastics get brittle in very cold weather, so handle the knobs on the grill gently to avoid snapping them off.
KEEP A LID ON IT: To ensure that foods cook evenly and that cooking times aren't unreasonably long in cold weather, make sure the lid of the barbecue is closed during cooking. Peeking too often will allow heat to escape, and extends cooking time.
SOURCE: Dana McCauley & Associates Ltd., Ontario, Canada, www.danamccauley.com

Brian Desmarais just shrugs off the potential hurdles to winter grilling.
Freezing temperatures? He bundles up.
Snowstorms? He shovels a path to the grill.
Freezing rain? He pulls the grill close to the garage and ducks in there for shelter.
"Really, it's surprisingly simple to grill outdoors in the winter," said Desmarais, 47, a manufacturing engineer who lives in Kennebunk. "I'm surprised more people don't do it."
He's got a point. In Maine, people know they've got to embrace winter weather if they want to keep from going crazy. So all season long, you see people outdoors – walking dogs, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, hiking.
But for some reason, lots of these same people won't stand outside near their grill for 20 minutes when the snow starts to fall. In fact, Desmarais says he has no pictures of himself grilling in winter because no one will even go out there with him to keep him company.
"Grilling in winter is not a team sport," he said.
But there are some hardy folks, besides Desmarais, who don't see grilling outdoors in winter as a big deal.
"The only real difference is being willing to stand out there in the cold," said David Beaudoin, 54, of Windham. "And if there's too much snow, I snowblow a path to the grill."
FIGHTING THE FEVER
Beaudoin has done a lot of winter camping in Maine, and cooks outside during those excursions. So he doesn't think outdoor grilling is very different.
In fact, Beaudoin says one of the reasons he likes to grill outdoors all year long is that he considers it easier than cooking indoors. Not so many dishes.
"Plus, it's fun to go out there in February with some corn on the cob and some chicken, put on some Beach Boys music, and try to get rid of some of that cabin fever," he said.
Beaudoin says one downside of winter grilling is that charcoal is not always readily available at the supermarket, as it is in summer. Home improvement stores sell it year-round, though, and some winters, Beaudoin just stocks up in the early fall by buying 200 pounds of charcoal to last him through the winter.
Beaudoin also can't use his outdoor smoker in the winter. Smokers cook at a fairly low temperature, and this time of year, it's usually too cold to keep the smoker at its required temperature.
While any charcoal or gas grill will work in the winter's cold, there is a ceramic outdoor cooker known as the Big Green Egg that is supposed to be ideal for winter cooking, said Sebastian Milazzo, a salesperson with Finest Hearth and Home, a stove and grill seller with five locations from Portland to Bangor.
The Big Green Egg uses wood charcoal, and its ceramic body keeps the temperature constant while outdoor temperatures drop or winds whip up, says Milazzo. But they are more expensive than other grills, ranging from about $300 to more than $1,000.
On the low end of the winter grilling equipment scale is a product being marketed as a no-mess, disposable winter grilling option. Available at Walmart and other stores for about $4.99, it's called EZ Grill. In one box you get a foil grill pan, grate, a little wire stand, and some all-natural charcoal that lights without lighter fluid. It's supposed to cook for about 90 minutes. Then when it's cool, you just throw it away.
Sounds like it might be good for skiing or tobogganing trips, or tailgating.
But Desmarais likes to go more high-tech, when possible, when grilling during the winter.
On New Year's Eve a couple of years ago, Desmarais began cooking a prime rib on his gas grill outside, getting ready for dinner guests. Then the guests called and wanted him and his wife to come over for appetizers at their house, before coming back to Desmarais' house for dinner.
Desmarais at first wasn't sure how he'd be able to keep a roast cooking on his outdoor grill while he was not there.

EZ GRILL GIFT just for a creative name!!

EZ GRILL GIFT just for a creative name.  Come up with a catchy name for our spatula/fork combo prototype (not the word SPORK please as it is already known to be a spoon and fork) post it on the Fan Page.  If we use it (and you are the first one to come up with that name), I will send you a gift box with our "not in stores" Slather Me Up Grillin Sauce, Heat Me Up Dijon Hot Mustard and Spice Me Up Grillin' Seasoning.  ONLY TO USA RESIDENTS.  ONLY ONE GIFT BOX LEFT!

IN CASE YOU FORGET WHY YOU SHOULDN'T BBQ INDOORS....

FROM Seattle Pi blogs - December 14th, 2009

Fumes from barbecue grill used inside send 9 to hospital

Lynnwood authorities say nine people had to be taken to the hospital for possible symptoms of carbon-monoxide poisoning after a charcoal-burning grill was used to heat an apartment.

Lynnwood firefighters responded to an apartment in the 5900 block of 204th Street Southwest early Sunday. A 3-year-old boy woke up making noses and struggling to breathe.

The toddler and his parents were taken to Virginia Mason Hospital, where staff treated them in a hyperbaric chamber because they showed signs of carbon-monoxide poisoning. They were released later Sunday. Two other adults in who also lived in the apartment and four people who lived above the unit were taken to a hospital for evaluation Sunday and released.

Police have yet to establish why the family was using the grill for heat. But authorities note that you should never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. The unit should be away from doors, windows and vents to keep carbon monoxide from coming indoors.
You can also install carbon-monoxide alarms in your home.

EZ Grill Gets A New Look!

Take a look at our new packaging - to be in stores in the New Year!  Hope you like it.

Morton's Steak House tries out the Grills. News: Does a disposable grill really work?

Does a disposable grill really work? 

 Watch it live here!

 

by Gary Harper

Posted on December 9, 2009 at 9:15 PM

Updated yesterday at 9:34 PM

PHOENIX -- A popular product makes some pretty big claims in its advertisement, but does it actually do what it says it can do?
We wanted to see if a disposable grill has what it takes to get things done.
Steve Anderson is the executive chef for Morton's Steakhouse in downtown Phoenix. He cooks with nothing but the best. So, we thought Anderson would be the perfect guy to try out something called the EZ Grill.

According to commercials, it's pretty simple to use.
"You open, light and cook. When you're done, just toss it away," according to the commercial.
"I think it's a pretty good idea," Anderson said. "I hope it works."

Now, the box says the EZ Grill lights with just one match and with one try Anderson gets a pretty good flame going in no time. But will it get hot enough and stay hot to cook a tailgating favorite, burgers?

"It's got a nice sizzle to it so that means it's hot," he said.
The heat seems fine, but after adding on a little cheese are they done?
"Beautiful," Anderson said biting into the burger. "Nice flavor."

OK, the EZ Grill may work on burgers, but what about steak?
We've got our 16-ounce rib eye steak," Anderson said.
Now, you definitely need heat to cook a steak like this.
"At home, on my personal grill, I like to get it at 500 degrees just so you can sear the meat," Anderson said.  So, is the EZ Grill up to the challenge?
Within a few minutes, Anderson says the rib eye is fine.

So, what's the verdict here? Does it work?
"It works," Anderson said. "I didn't think it would, but it works."
And don't forget the best part. It's disposable.

So, after putting out the flames with water, all you have to do is throw the EZ Grill away.
The smaller EZ Grill goes for about $6 and the larger party grill is around $11. You can buy it just about anywhere like Wal-Mart or grocery stores.
For more information on the grill, visit www.ezgrill.com.

PS - note from EZ Grill:  On the news video they say we are in Target in the video - we are not!

FOR THE HOLIDAYS

For food and wine enthusiasts, the holidays present a cherished opportunity to land a load of gizmos, gewgaws and goodies. With the EZGrill, have matches, will grill -because the pan, stand, grate and natural charcoal are all included in this portable item. Simply shake to distribute charcoal, light the starter sheet and cook for up to 1 1/2 hours.
www.ezgrill.com

Quick Beer Burgers

Change from just plain burgers.  Here's a tasty beer burger recipe from our website.  For more recipes, visit us on http://ezgrill.com/recipes.php

Beer Burgers

Ingredients:

• 1 large sweet onion, peeled and sliced thick
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
• 2 tablespoons beer
• 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 4 large sandwich buns
• Cheese if desired.
  

Directions:

1. Light up your EZ Grill.
2. In a large heavy skillet, sauté onion slices in butter over low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes or until onions are soft and start to caramelize; keep warm. (Don't rush this process or the onions will have an undesirable burnt taste instead of sweet and caramelized.)
3. In large bowl mix together ground beef, beer, hot pepper sauce, Worcestershire sauce and salt and pepper to taste. Form into four large patties, about 1/2 inch thick, handling as little as possible.
4. Your EZ Grill flames should have died down and you should be ready to cook.  Place burgers on grill and cook until nicely browned.
5. Serve burgers on toasted buns topped with cheese (if desired) and sautéed onions.
6. Yum!

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MONDAY SMILE - Back to Nature?

ANOTHER CONTEST TO WIN 2 PARTY SIZED EZ GRILLS

http://www.foammagazine.com/topleft/contest-ez-grills

December 5, 2009

CONTEST: EZ GRILLS

How come everyone likes eating the burgers but no one wants to clean the grill? Because it’s not fun. Well we like fun, so we love the EZ Grill. These things are 100% recyclable and come with grill stands, foil pans, grill grates and even the coal, which means they’re perfect for camping, tailgating and bonfire parties. Win your own set of party sized all-in-one disposable grills as part of our holiday gift guide giveaway. Best comment wins!

Fun pictures. Toolbox of meat!

THIS IS WONDERFUL AND EVERYONE SHOULD READ.

Not EZ Grill related I know, but worth reading!

 

Regina Brett's 45 life lessons and 5 to grow on

By Regina Brett

May 28, 2006, 10:13AM

To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me.
It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolls over to 50 this week, so here's an update:
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.
17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.
18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Overprepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
36. Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.
38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
45. The best is yet to come.
46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
48. If you don't ask, you don't get.
49. Yield.
50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

EZ GRILL ON CHANNEL 9 WCPO NEWS

WCPO Cincinnati

For more media news, scroll down to the bottom of our blog: http://ezgrillblog.blogspot.com/

Crunch Gear EZ Grill giveaway

 From Crunch Gear:

 

Friday Giveaway: Some EZ Grills

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by John Biggs on December 4, 2009

Yeah, I don’t like the looks of this guy either. Anyone that fit and happy and still not in the possession of a proper grill is a suspect. However, if you want an EZ Grill for your own, read on. We have three to give away. This contest is to whet your appetite for some BOMBASTIC giveaways this weekend.

The EZ Grill is a portable grill. Straight up. You light it up and cook stuff. Might be fun for the winter if your house is repossessed and you’re outside. Trust me. I might end up there with you if things keep going the way they’re going.

Anyway, yadda yadda. Comment below. BANG. EZ FREAKING GRILL!

PRESENTS FOR TEACHERS, FRIENDS AND FAMILY

DUE TO IT'S POPULARITY - WE ARE CONTINUING THE BLACK FRIDAY SPECIAL DEAL FOR A LITTLE WHILE LONGER.  GRAB SOME FOR THAT SPECIAL GRILLER AND WHAT ABOUT FOR YOUR KID'S TEACHERS AS A THANK YOU?   IT'S EZ TO FIND SOMEONE TO WHO WILL LOVE TO RECEIVE THIS.

HERE'S THE DEAL:

GET 2 FREE REGULAR SIZE GRILLS WITH 2 PACK PARTY SIZE ORDER!

Our Price:
$19.99
List Price: $29.99
$10 SAVINGS!!

OR Check online at WWW.EZGRILL.COM for a supermarket in your area.

COMING SOON - COMPETITION WITH MICHAEL

 


IN MICHAEL'S OWN WORDS, click below:

http://ezgrill.com/waltrip/

MICHAEL WALTRIP LAKE NORMAN TURKEY TROT

Did you see Michael in the Turkey Trot 10k?  If not, here it is.  What a great guy!

Dieting after Thanksgiving and before Christmas with an EZ Grill

Did you eat too much over Thanksgiving?  Thinking of your waistband after Christmas?

Christmas is just around the corner and perhaps you are like me in that I am thinking about healthier eating before the next round of turkey and stuffing.  EZ Grills can be used for so much more than beef burgers and hot dogs and you get that wonderful charbroiled flavor without using butter or inappropriate oils which can significantly add to your calorie intake.  Try grilling some skinless, boneless chicken or turkey.  Turn your burgers into gourmet low calorie, but full of flavor specials: 

   

• 1 1/4 pounds Ground Turkey 7% fat
• 5 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce
• 4 teaspoons of Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup of low-fat ricotta cheese
• Kosher Salt
• Fresh Ground Pepper
• Olive Oil (a better choice of oil)
  

Had enough of Turkey?  Then try Fish such as salmon, red snapper or shrimp. 

Marinades are an easy way to add a lot of flavor but not a lot of calories.  My favorite for all types of burgers is adding some Worcestershire Sauce and of course, fresh onions and garlic.  Chili, mustards and ketchup are also great additives.  Make sure when you make a marinade that you include an acid such as citrus juice, vinegar or wine as this breaks down the protein tissues in the meat and will help to tenderize the food.

Keep it simple.  Many dishes such as sturdy fish steaks can be cooked and a touch of lemon or lime at the end is enough to give it a wonderful flavor but with none of the guilt.

Here's a yummy recipe for Chicken from Bon Appetit adapted for the ez grill and calories:

• 1 1/3 cups finely diced peeled seeded honeydew or other melon
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro 
  
• 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons finely grated lime peel
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped seeded serrano chile
  -------------

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breast thin slices  
• 4 cup cilantro leaves for garnish
  

Combine first 7 ingrediants in a bowl and season to taste with salt and pepper. 
Sprinkle the chicken breasts with some salt and pepper and brush with a small amount of olive oil
Grill chicken until fully cooked which won't take long!
Add delicious salsa on top and serve.

Need a laugh - Steak and Beer sold together in SA