Grilling Grate with GrillGrate

Grateful Days of Christmas Continued

2011-12-07T07:20:00.000-05:00

During the Thanksgiving holiday I made a promise to myself to start each day quietly and calmly thinking about the many things I have to be grateful for. Now I have a long list just like Santa!

Grateful Moments: Today is the perfect day to celebrate Peyton D. our customer service manager extraordinaire. Peyton joined us in February and quickly became a favorite of the gang at The Good Shepherd Foundation. Peyton has a background in occupational developmentally challenged adults so this is her dream job (so she tells me). Peyton- THANK YOU for all you do for GrillGrate and The Good Shepherd. It's especially pertinent today- Pearl Harbor Day to celebrate a great employee, a great American and this great country. Peyton, its people just like you who make this country grrrrrate!

Grateful to be an American: In my inbox this morning was this video clip. Made in the USA has always stood for quality and innovation- around the globe. Today it is also the road-map to restoring our economy and creating jobs. I am so proud that GrillGrates are made in Wisconsin, finished in Chicago and packed and shipped from Georgia. Lots of American's involved in getting GrillGrates to our customers. Thank you.

video platform video management video solutions video player

Grate Gift Ideas:

Made in the USA! Don't settle for anything less!

Today is a great day to be thankful for our armed services and how they have defended us and the world from tyranny. We are free because of their service and sacrifice! God Bless America!

Full disclosure: While GrillGrates are made in the USA, The GrateTool is made in China. I have renewed my commitment to get it manufactured in the USA.

Grate Days of Christmas- A lazy Sunday Morning with Meathead!

2011-12-04T11:52:00.000-05:00

This Sunday morning I started my day by not immediately diving into emails instead I enjoyed two cups of coffee while readying all Meathead has to say about grilling Prime Rib. Well, more correctly, a Choice Rib Roast (as Meathead points out). We plan on grilling prime rib for the family holiday dinner this Christmas and I want to be prepared! I realized when I got up for my second cup of coffee that I read every word including the reader comments. I'm grateful to Meathead this morning for getting my day off to a such a great start. I'm already salivating for the Christmas feast!

Grateful Moments: I'm grateful for Meathead on many levels going beyond his support and enthusiasm for GrillGrate:

amazingribs.com has become my grilling and bible and my crutch. Whenever I venture from my comfort zone I go to Meathead's amazingribs.com for guidance, solace and confidence! I hear that from a lot of our customers too!
Meathead broke me of my winging it when its done approach to grilling and now I feel lost without an instant read thermometer when I'm at the grill. Our grilled food is now near perfect and my family lets me know if I slip below 9.5 out of 10! And as Susan likes to say- "You can't send it back if its not cooked right!" Link to Meathead's Thermometer Buying Guide.
Meathead has helped me better understand the science of grilling including low and slow. I never truly barbecued until a few years ago. I ate plenty of barbecue though!
He's also helped me understand the scientific aspects of why GrillGrate grills food better.
And now we've collaborated to create a wonderful new gift! Meathead's Amazingribs.com Temperature Magnet- see below.

Thank you Meathead for all you do with amazingribs.com and for the science of great grilling!

A Stocking Stuffer for the Grate Griller!
Here's a link to Meathead's Temperature Magnet on Amazon.

JUMBO 5.5 x 8" magnet
Meathead's Chef Temps displayed
Further detail on doneness, temperatures, color and texture.
A Gem of a stocking stuffer!

Buy a bunch and save with $5 flat rate shipping. A portion of the proceeds go to Meathead.

What are you grilling for the holidays?
Do you have a signature recipe to share?
Have a question or suggestion for family holiday grilling?

Nothing like a Parade to Jump Start the Christmas Spirit!

2011-12-03T15:07:00.000-05:00

The Grate Days of Christmas got into high gear on Thursday night. The annual Christmas parade brought out everyone into town. The entire parade route was packed!

Grateful moments: Being with the gang from the Good Shepherd Foundation and walking with them handing out candy canes. The Good Shepherd Float won 2nd place in the parade. It was especially fun to walk with the guys who pack and ship GrillGrates.

Jared, Daniel, and Jerry- you guys rock!

Me and Abe in front of the Booth Museum Float

Watching Susan (and actually getting a picture) as Abe Lincoln on the Booth Museum's Float-priceless! Try saying Merry Christmas a thousand times and not get into the spirit! The Grate Days of Christmas are off to a great start.

Family Holiday Grilling Ideas and Traditions: Take the heat off the kitchen and turn your grill into a short order kitchen for vegetables, appetizers and dessert. We grill several different vegetables for family style vegetable plates. Often 3-4 different grilled vegetables at the table. Not so easily done in the kitchen but a snap at the grill. Family style vegetables- especially yams and sweet potatoes, squash have changed my eating habits. Grilled vegetables are the center-piece of my grillers diet and great holiday grill fare for your family. Gril more vegetables this holiday season!

Holiday Gift Ideas for the Grilling and Chilling Lifestyle: Rarely do you find a product that becomes a regular part of your life and actually changes how you do things. Nope- I'm not talking about the GrillGrate! I'm talking about STUFZ! The Burger Stuffer tool. Stufz makes a phenomenal best in class stuffed hamburger.


You can get a lotta stuff in there! Perfect stuffed burgers every time.

We're talking about a new breed of burger here!

A great gift for every griller!

The GRATE Days of Christmas

2011-12-01T17:09:00.001-05:00

I'm still full from Thanksgiving and I already feel overwhelmed with part two of the holidays fast approaching! My attention deficit disorder is in overdrive! I made a vow over the Thanksgiving weekend to start each day (calmly) focusing for just a few minutes on what / who / why I am grateful at that moment. So each morning I first will stop myself from diving in to take stock, maybe even write a few thank you notes and then saddle up! I'll share a few of them along the way this Christmas season and I would love to hear from you!

The categories for the Grate Days of Christmas are:

Grateful Moments
Family Holiday Grilling Ideas and Tradition
Holiday Gift Ideas for the grilling and chilling lifestyle
An Occasional Grate Funny!

Grateful moments: Being with our kids this past thanksgiving after not being together for nearly a whole year. Watching our 24 year old middle daughter cut her two siblings hair (26 and 21) before going out dancing- priceless!

Family Holiday Grilling Ideas and Traditions: Breakfast pizza made its debut in our house 4 years ago (with GrillGrate) and has become one of our all time favorite family grilling traditions. Gathering in the kitchen over coffee while making and grilling breakfast is a wonderful way to start the day as a family. No one rushes away from the Ultimate Grilled Breakfast Pizza! We usually make two- with MamaMary's Gourmet pizza crust- the thick lip style. The great thing is all the ingredients can be pre-cooked and prepared the day before- even the gravy. Just pile high the sausage, onion, potatoes, bacon, hard boiled eggs, gravy oh my! My son and I even made a video one of this pizza creation for some holiday- I forget which one! Got a family grilling tradition to share? Please leave a comment.

Holiday Gift Ideas for the Grilling and Chilling Lifestyle: Want to gift some of the best sauces and rubs in the business? Denny Mike's Cue Stuff is outlandishly good! This boy from Maine was Texas trained and his products are gaining national acclaim. The packaging of his gift boxes is every bit as good as his product. Fintastic has become our go-to fish seasoning.

Funny Caption Winners: We held a little contest on Facebook for captions to this cartoon. We'll do that again it was fun to see how creative (and perverted) everyone is!

Winners win Meathead's Temperature Magnet!

My nuggets are burning! My nuggets are burning! - J. Giametti
Cool your tail feathers with GrillGrate- J. Cole
Burned does not mean better - P. Heistad
No Angry Birds on the Grill- F. Evans
Me, BGG- before GrillGrates - J. Askew

GrillGrate, Eat Well, Be Safe, Give Thanks- ME! I wanted to end on a grateful note!

Special AMAZON Sale through Midnight Monday!

2011-11-27T12:14:00.002-05:00

Free Shipping and Meathead's Temperature Magnet FREE with every order. Now that's a deal! Through Midnight Cyber Monday 11/28/11.

Http://www.amazon.com/shops/grillgrate

A big thank you to Meathead of Amazing Ribs for allowing us to create this very handy reference tool.

Chef Temps for quick reference
Temperatures for all stages of doneness with color and texture detail
Jumbo 8 x 5.5" size.

Magnetic 4 color laminated

Free Temperature Magnet with Every Amazon Order through 11/28/11.

You've Found the Perfect Gift for Every Griller!

Http://www.amazon.com/shops/grillgrate

Introducing the 10-10 -15 Plan!

2011-11-16T17:40:00.000-05:00

Ok it was funnier last week but our web elves worked so hard to put together this year's Grate SALE! Introducing the 10-10-15 SALE!

10% OFF ALL GrillGrate Sets

Problem solved! GrillGrates are the perfect gift for every griller. GrillGrate puts a chef in every backyard! Even competition pro's and restaurants have discovered how much better and juicier food grilled on GrillGrates tastes. Several steak champions including the 2011 World Steak Cook-off were won using GrillGrates. You'll score juicy points with GrillGrates.

Gift sets starting at $39.99 for Two GrillGrate panels and The GrateTool.
Lays on top of any grill.

10% OFF ALL Accessories

Find unique grill gifts!


15% OFF When you Buy BOTH GrillGrates and Accessories					!

Bundle up some grate savings when you buy GrillGrates and two accessories.

You have found the perfect gift for any griler!

Problem Solved!.

Every order gets Meathead's Temperature Magnet- FREE!

mygrillgrate.com/gratesale

And You'll Score with the 10-10-15 Sale!

GrillGrate, Eat Well!

Offer expires 12/1/11

An Extra Special JACK Daniels World Championship Barbecue Invitational for Mike & Chris Peters

2011-10-21T09:50:00.000-04:00

Hats off and congratulations to the hardest working couple in Barbecue! Mike & Chris Peters are in their 3^rd year of crisscrossing the United States promoting barbecue and the KCBS at major events and competitions.

They even manage to squeeze in a little competing as Here Piggy Piggy Barbecue Team. And they won a Grand this year gaining them entry into the draw for The Jack! As luck would have it and they surely deserve it- they got the draw!

So in addition to their demos and KCBS responsibilities they’ll be in the field competing with champions from all over the US and a distinguished group of teams from around the world. Mike and Chris are the real deal and an asset to the sport of competitive barbecue and the KCBS. They’ll be a little busier than normal at this year’s Jack.

Congratulations Mike & Chris! Good luck and pick up an extra magic walnut from Ardie Davis!

PS- If you are not a member of the KCBS- your should be- join here.

An Open Letter to Candy Weaver of BBQr's Delight

2011-10-04T18:02:00.001-04:00

Grateful for My Barbecue Education at the 2011 American Royal from Candy Sue Weaver

Candy preparing the baked beans turn-in with tour group watching.

I had the privilege of working the 32^nd annual American Royal in Kansas City with Candy Weaver of BBQr's Delight. Candy is also the current President of the KCBS so I saw her not only cook great barbecue but also saw her literally on her feet for 4 days representing this organization. The KCBS team and the staff of the American Royal ran a fabulous event and Candy was right in the thick of it.

Jeffrey Saad of Cooking channel and Candy really hit it off.

Her itinerary was non-stop too:

She entered all four sides contests- showcasing her talent beyond the standard meat entries
She participated in 3 “Tours of the Royal” where the public and VIP’s are led on a tour to meet and greet with certain teams for demonstrations, tastings and tips. The public got their money’s worth from Candy!
She cooked the open on Sunday
She was constantly greeted by team members and KCBS staff
She conducted business on behalf of the KCBS
She was even filmed by the Cooking Channel!

The smoke ring looks more like years on a tree. Candy was not happy, she thought it was over-cooked.

Talk about getting an insiders look at all that goes on at a major event like this. You couldn’t wipe the smile off my face all weekend—you still can’t! I don’t know how she managed it all and still cooked some great barbecue and we made every turn-in.

It seems everyone knows Candy—and loves her. She has a sterling reputation among the teams and her fellow KCBS members. Paul Kirk told me she is the best president the KCBS has ever had. Paul should know.

Candy- Thank you for inviting me to be your wingman and for allowing me to keep my nose pressed on the window to the wonderful world of competitive barbecue. I learned so much about cooking and competing from my ringside seat, but most of all I learned what a wonderful treasure you are to this great American tradition, and to the KCBS.

The dessert was a great way to end our day too!

Thank you Candy Sue for all you do for barbecue and the KCBS!

Sincerely,

Brad Barrett

PS- If you are not a member of the KCBS – you should be, join KCBS today.

Grilling Up Summer's Abundance

2011-09-16T07:19:00.001-04:00

What to Do with Extra Corn on the Cob and Ripe Tomatoes?

The abundance of ripe tomatoes and bushels of sweet corn is upon us at the end of the summer. Don't say no to that co-worker or friend who offers up a pile of vegetables- say YES and grill them!

Meathead's Grilled Marinara Sauce!
Meathead of Amazingribs.com grills his way to the best Marinara sauce possible! This recipe delivers wood-fired flavor and is a great way to cook up that pile of ripe tomatoes and other fresh vegetables into the best sauce you've ever made! Read the full article and recipe here.

GrillGrate CORN on the COB!

Grilling corn on the cob is easy with GrillGrates, just shuck it and grill it.

8-10 minutes at 400-450F lid down
Lay shucked corn lengthwise along the rails
Rotate regularly for 8-10 minutes.
Brush with melted butter at the end or at the table.

Grilled Corn Cakes with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce from Nibble Me This Food Blog:

This recipe is perfect for extra or left-over grilled corn. It's a two-part grill too. First grill the corn on the cob then grill Chris's Great Corn Cakes! I particularly appreciate Chris as he wrote me the most amazing letter! (An Open Letter to Brad Barrett)

Nibble Me This is a blog worth subscribing to. Chris's recipes and photography is mouthwatering!

Linda Orrison- aka Mama Shed from The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint shared her great recipe for grilling corn.

Keep the husk on
Remove the silk fibers
Coat corn with mayonnaise and spices- we choose Cavender's Greek Seasoning
Wrap corn back with husk....grill on GrillGrate

Now that was some sweet, juicy corn with a perfect bite courtesy of Cavender's! Thanks Linda!

Stuffed Zucchini
Courtesy of Bob & Deb from Delevan Wisconsin, Stuffed Grilled Zucchini . This is my kind of veggie recipe! Add a little meat and rice to the equation to get me to eat more green and yellow.

Bob & Deb were Instant winners in our Grate Moments in Grilling Contest!

Yes you can grill more and eat less... At least I'm trying!
That's my promise to myself- call it the grillers diet! I'm often firing up two grills because one is filled with Vegetables! Vegetables are at their most delicious and most healthy with GrillGrates and a little olive oil and seasoning. The GrillGrate website gives you a complete run-down of grilling vegetables.

This 2 minute video on grilling vegetables with GrillGrate is the latest addition to the GrillGrate video library.

What a way to celebrate the end of summer by grilling up the best of summer's abundance! GrillGrate, Eat Well! and Eat Your Veggies!

August Winners of Grate Moments in Grilling Contest

2011-09-05T21:10:00.000-04:00

We have FIVE Grrrrrrrrate Winners in August:
1) Instant Winner Bob & Deb S from Delavan, WI who submitted a recipe for Grilled Stuffed Zucchini 1 & 8 Balls which we just published on grillgrate.com

Sausage & Rice Stuffed Zucchini

2) Julie H. with a top-notch tailgate using a Wally world disposable grill. Now that is using your GrillGrates Julie!

Disposable grill made fabulous with GrillGrates

3) Robert C. for his Chicken Ceasar Salad

4) A new twitter / food blogger friend Albukirky for his grilled halibut steaks.

Grate Grilling, Great Photography

5) Tim S. for his Top Sirloin Cap (Picanha) cooked with some mesquite chunks.

CONGRATS! and let us know the prize you'd like:

Please share your Grate Moments in Grilling with us.

TWO Ways to Win:

Share a comment or photos with us via email (info AT grillgrate.com) or on Facebook
Submit a recipe with photos and if its published on GrillGrate.com you are an instant winner.

GrillGrate, Eat Well, Share More!

Brad

The GRATE KAMADO JOE GIVEAWAY

2011-08-04T17:43:00.000-04:00

GrillGrate has teamed up with KAMADO JOE to give everyone a chance to upgrate their grilling game. One lucky person will win a Kamado Joe grill! Equipped with GrillGrates of course!

You have 4 Chances to Win a KAMADO JOE grill!

All four lists will be combined and a winner will be selected from by random drawing on December 1st 2011. US and Canada residents only.

I recently joined the Cult of the Kamado and will readily attest to the fact that this is the best grill I've ever owned or used. Not only is the Kamado Joe a great grill, its a fabulous smoker too. It will hold steady at 225F as easily as 600F. From low and slow to steakhouse hot searing the Kamado Joe does it all.

No purchase necessary to win or enter. Open to legal residents of 50 United States and Canada 18 years of age or older. Sweepstakes open 8/4/11 - 11/30/11. Odds depend on number of entries received. Void where prohibited.

Good luck to a future member of The Cult of Kamado Joe!

Grate Moments in Grilling- July Monthy Winners!

2011-08-04T06:52:00.001-04:00

We had over 30 photos and and even more comments submitted in July. A nice mix of winners: Three from Facebook, Two who emailed me directly and one from Twitter: Winners drawn at random via random.org.

"You and your grill grates are making me look good!" Walt S.

"I've been grilling for almost 40 years. Had Weber grills, Brinkman smokers, and my favorite..Ducane with a back burner/basket for wood smoking. But..... all gas grills flare up. I came across Grill Grate on the web, ordered them, and WOW! Best grilling access. I have ever owned! Every gas grill should have one! I cook anything and everything on it." Ed S.

From Steve F. "Just added 2 additional grates. Broke them in with sirloin tips and sweet potato. They came out GRATE!"

From Michael P. Spanish Adobo Style Chicken grilled on my new GrillGrates! Came out great! New to plating the food and taking pictures...my wife looked at me kind of funny but she humored me since I was having a good time.

From @MarolJ off Twitter. Grilled Salmon Burgers. I'm going after the recipe for this one!

From Allan R. "Salmon grilled to a perfect medium, paired with grilled zucchini, yellow squash, red onion and a chilled tomato infused with aged balsamic vinegar,sea salt and powdered Mediterranean spices. At serving the Salmon was covered with a reduction of Prosecco, honey, brown sugar, caper juice and whole capers. VERY Yummy!"

We've already had several AUGUST submissions. Please share your Grate Moments in Grilling with us.

TWO Ways to Win:

Share a comment or photos with us via email (info AT grillgrate.com) or on Facebook
Submit a recipe with photos and if its published on GrillGrate.com you are an instant winner.

GrillGrate, Eat Well, Share More!

Brad

New Products in The GrillGrate Store

2011-08-03T17:58:00.000-04:00

We just added three new products to the GrillGrate Store:

	Gift Pack of BBQR's Delight Smoking pellets. Just a few pellets in the valleys of the GrillGrates is instant smoke. I find myself putting pellets on almost y GrillGrates all the time and using them in my Kamado Joe's lump charcoal too. The SUPER SMOKER SET has 4 one pound bags of their best sellers including Jack Daniels, Apple, Mesquite and Hickory. Meathead of amazingribs.com called GrillGrates and BBQR's Delights peanut butter and jelly we go so well together.
Four 1 lb. bags of best selling flavors

STUFZ Gourmet Burger Stuffer. There's a new breed of burger at the grill! It's BIG, BAD, STUFFED and TOO BIG FOR A BUN! We used to make stuffed burgers infrequently as they are hard to make, huge, and they often slide apart like a melting cake. STUFZ has changed that. Now its 50% of the time we're filling the pocket with something- even macaroni and cheese. We called it the Mac Daddy Burger.
The Sauce Tool is a great way to sauce chicken, ribs, and food on the grill. No muss, no mess and no waste. And with GrillGrates you can sauce away! Two brushes are included, one for thicker sauces, one for thin sauces even thin marinades.
Attaches to most squeeze bottles

We've had so much fun testing and using these products AND giving them away as prizes in our Grate Moments in Grilling Contest that it only makes sense to sell them too. Most time shipping is free when ordered with GrillGrates! Add these great gifts to your next GrillGrate order!

GrillGrate, Eat Well!

P.S. Thank you to the more than 100 people who took our survey and shared their thoughts, recipe interests and ideas with us. We appreciate our grate customers! We'd love your feedback too.

June GRATE MOMENTS in GRILLING Winners!

2011-07-07T18:56:00.001-04:00

Perfect Steak Plate from Robert C

Copper River Salmon from Mike B

Grilled Kangaroo in Turkey by David B

Marty R fills his grill

Mike B. for his copper river salmon Looks more like a zebra fish- beautiful markings!
Robert C. for his perfect steak plate. We love grate plate shots as they really show off the entire meal. This is my idea of a perfect plate: steak, potatoes and asparagus!
Marty R. for his filling the grill photo. We love to see people filling the grill! Without GrillGrates this is a fireball! Way to maximize your grill space and output Marty. I want to grill and fish with you! ( I saw all those fic pics on your Facebook page)
David B. for his grilled kangaroo (you read that right) from Turkey. David is on assignment in Turkey and sent this shot from his apartment balcony. Way to take your GrillGrates with you David! How was the kangaroo?
Ken & Patti Fisher of the blog Date Night Doins! Winner for several video contributions including grilled fruit kabobs. Ken chose the STUFZ gourmet hamburger stuffer.
Scott G. A repeat winner whose recipe for Atomic Buffalo Turds was just published on grillgrate.com. Scott even included a video! All recipes published on grillgrate.com are automatic winners! Scott joins Andy S. and Fourie from New Zealand in the repeat winners circle of Grate Moments in Grilling. Thanks Scott!

Congratulations to our JUNE 2011 winners.

Lady & Gentleman collect your prizes!

Share your Grate Moments in Grilling and win cool prizes:

Use recipe submital form
Post pictures on GrillGrate Facebook page
Email us photos and recipes to infoATgrillgrate.com

Father’s Day 2011: New Memories and a Traditional Grilling Recipe

2011-06-12T21:30:00.000-04:00

Father’s Day is a lot more special for me this year. My father moved into a senior living center after several hospital stays and a stint in an assisted living center right across the street from our house. Fortunately his health has improved and he is adjusting well. Even more fortunate is the fact that I’ve been able to spend more time with him in the last 6 months than I have in the past 10 years. It has been a blessing to be there for him—after all it is my turn.

And now I have a whole new set of memories of my father:

· Delivering a short snort of scotch to dad every afternoon at 4:30 PM

· Sitting in rocking chairs on the front porch of the living center enjoying our scotch. We were Denny Crane and Alan Shore of the TV show Boston Legal.

· Breakfast at the local diner with dad—7:00 AM sharp

I feel lucky that my father shared his passions with me while I was growing up because they are now the core passions of my life:

· Fishing

· Cars

· Scotch

· Love of Sales

· And of course, GRILLING!

My father jump-started my grilling career by giving me his old Weber Kettle as I went off to college. I quickly turned it into my “date night machine.” London Broil was his signature dish and it soon became mine. We dusted off dad’s old recipe for London Broil which he marinated overnight in Kraft Catalina dressing. I loved seeing that in the fridge, growing up, because I knew great grilling and eating was ahead. This 50 year-old recipe is perfect for Father’s Day every year!

We'd love to hear your father's favorite grilling recipes.

It's ASPARAGUS Season! It's an Artform to Grill Asparagus with GrillGrate!

2011-05-01T10:35:00.001-04:00

Photo by Darren Warth of Smokey D's BBQ

Did you know that Asparagus is from the LILY family? And that it can grow as much as an inch an hour? ALL I KNOW is that there is nothing better than grilled asparagus! Spring grilling around our house almost always includes asparagus. I put them on the grill after the meat or main meal is finished.

Grilling asparagus used to be quite a challenge not to lose those spears into the grill or have them shrivel, dry out, and blacken. GrillGrates solves the problem and elevates grilling asparagus to an artform.

Here's the Easy Formula for Grilling Asparagus with GrillGrate:

Prepare by putting asparagus in a flat dish, coat with olive oil and cracked pepper
Place on hot GrillGrates across the rails as shown above
Using The GrateTool, lift 1/2 or 1/3 of the stalks and hold them with your free hand and flip them over. You may want to invite your guests to watch you deftly handle this part!
Use The GrateTool to lift and plate after 5-7 minutes on the grill

TIP: The 5 minute grilling time is a perfect resting period for steaks and many meats. Rest the meat, grill the asparagus!

This one minute video demonstrates the technique. See GrillGrates and The GrateTool take center stage with Asparagus! Our neighbor Suzanne calls the money shot! I love spring!

PS- Here's Meatheads ode to asparagus and a great recipe to try.

The ART and SCIENCE of Grilling Perfect Hamburgers with GrillGrates

2011-03-18T16:33:00.000-04:00

I've opined about grilling perfect hamburgers before. The quest of every grillers is to deliver that perfect, juicy hamburger to family, friends and guests. Thousands of recipes, books, videos and websites honor the mouth-watering grilled hamburger.

GrillGrate is adding a new chapter to this body of knowledge by elevating the art-from of grilling hamburgers to near perfection. The results are visually dramatic with noticeably better taste. I realize that is a bold statement. It comes after 4+ years of near weekly practice and constant feedback and ratings from my family and my 85 year old mother-in-law who loves her hamburgers grilled rare. This chapter is dedicated to you Jean!

Chapter One: The formula for Grilling Perfect Hamburgers with GrillGrates:

The MEAT of the Matter: Grind your own round or sirloin for the freshest possible burgers. 80 / 20 is most common blend although GrillGrates allow you to reduce the fat content without sacrificing juiciness. Turkey burgers will surprise you with their juiciness too.
Treat Her Gently When you Patty Her! Loosely formed patties allow juices to flow in and through the meat. Forget the burger presses unless you are making a stuffed burger.
Grill Hot and Fast with GrillGrates without Fear! The added protection of GrillGrates tames the flames while still allowing that flame grilled flavor. No need to set up hot and cold zones or move burgers around the grill.
Lift and Twist (put don't press) Get perfect steakhouse sear marks with the trick the restaurants use. After 3 minutes, use The GrateTool and lift the burger and twist 45 degrees and sit the burger back down. In 2-3 minutes, lift and turn. The presentation side is now facing you and grill to finish. Design your own sear mark patters by the angle of the twist. Never squeeze out the juices no matter how tempting.
Toast Your Buns! Crispy on the inside? or the outside? You choose. Place bun halves face down to crisp the inside, OR leave the bun intact to crisp the exterior so that first bite to is crunchy crisp.
Grab a Napkin- this is going to be juicy!

Here's to Grilling Grate Hamburgers with GrillGrate!

Tricked out Traeger Pellet Grill

2011-02-28T17:32:00.002-05:00

Arthur H. is the perfect choice to be the first winner in the Show Us Your Grate Moments in Grilling Contest. His thread had me salivating and really showed how GrillGrates had enabled him to get to 650F at the grill surface. From a pellet grill! The steak photos were fabulous and had me calling our first winner! Art, aka Savannahsmoker choose a Streaming Grill Brush from Grate Chef as his prize and has since sent some fantastic pictures.

I was ashamed when I saw his Valentines meal setting. He's been married a little longer than me. Click here to see the full album of how Art tricked out his Traeger and his Valentine photos. Art loves his Traeger, photography, good food, and his wife. What a formula!

Many more winners to come! Show us Your Grate Moments in Grilling and Win!

Thanks Art!

Brad

BLOG Interuption: Letter to the Editor, Wall Street Journal

2011-02-27T10:41:00.002-05:00

Letter to the editor, Wall Street Journal Feb 27

GOOGLE Algorithms Won’t Stop the Gaming of the System only People Can

Google Revamps to Fight Cheaters (WSJ 2/26/11) gave me hope, but when I read that all Google is doing is modifying their Algorithms I realized that they don’t really want to clean up search. Taking the low road is more profitable. Trying to stop the gaming of the system by real companies like JC Penny and Overstock.com is not even the core issue. It’s the bogus shopping sites and content mills that steal original content and hawk products via the accomplices at Amazon. Google and Amazon have enabled this gaming of the system and profited magnificently from it. Companies bid up search words, SEO becomes a huge industry and Amazon cleans up by providing commissions to pirates.

If Google truly wants to clean up their search and make page 1 relevant again here’s how to do it in 90 days:

Staff a group of entry-level interns into a department to root out and black list content and information piracy.
Create a system for legitimate companies to submit to Google content pirates and sites that create neighboring urls to divert traffic. It will take a new hire 5 minutes to know that www.grillgrates.org is ripping off my company www.grillgrate.com. Weber (the king of grills) would have a list 2 pages deep of leaches drafting on their brand!
Contact the offending firms and the reporting firm of your decision and allow rebuttal.

An algorithm can’t do that and I doubt Google will either. Fortunately the market is sending loud signals to Google themselves to stop gaming the system by enabling and rewarding pirates to steal content, divert traffic, and reap commissions from affiliate sites such as Amazon. I’ve always viewed Google as a high road company, but now that my livelihood depends on ‘being found’ on the Internet my perspective is a lot different. It truly is Somalia in cyberspace and the pirates are everywhere, and they could be banished in a few clicks.

We now return to Great Grilling with GrillGrates!

Grate Moments in Grilling Contest!

2011-02-04T12:06:00.000-05:00

Who better to show and tell why GrillGrates grill food better than YOU The GrillGrate customer! We want to include your best moments at your grill in new videos we're creating featuring sizzling footage right down the food chain of grilling: Hamburgers, Steaks, Chicken, Brats and Dogs, Fish & Game and more. Show and tell us why GrillGrates grill food better . Attach pictures, recipes, grate stories and video clips.

Grate Prizes for Sizzling Footage and Photos!

We're giving away some grate prizes for all photos and footage that makes our videos!

STUFZ- Hamburger stuffer gadget
Peace, Love and Barbecue- Mike and Amy Mills
GrillGrate Aprons
Johnsonville Brats T Shirts
GrillGrate Panels

Show us YOUR Grate Moments in Grilling! We're especially interested in short video clips (less than 30 seconds).

Stay up to date and see the entries on the GrillGrate Facebook Page

First up is grilling perfect hamburgers. Help us finish this video with your sizzling footage and photos of grilling grate hamburgers.

The Best of GrillGrate

2011-01-02T16:32:00.004-05:00

2010 was a grrrrrrate year for GrillGrate! Thousands of new customers are grilling better, more often and grilling more types of foods with GrillGrates. Many customers have ordered multiple sets as gifts they are so pleased. This feedback and enthusiasm sustains us! Please keep those recipes, emails, and pictures coming! I think today is the perfect day to recall the Best of GrillGrate 2010 and share what has become regular grill fare for us: Signature dishes so to speak. Some old and some new. We want to hear about your signature dishes too!

HAMBURGERS are the most frequent grill fare at our house. I prefer 80 / 20 if I can get it by the boss but 83 /17 or even leaner is still juicy with GrillGrates.

Courtesy of Paul Crump- BGE Fanatic

Hamburgers grill perfectly with GrillGrates: I use the lift and twist method for perfect sear marks while only turning once and cooking to finish. We often fill the grill with hamburgers and don't forget to toast the buns just after you take the burgers off while they sit for a minute. Caterers are using GrillGrates to grill 50 hamburgers at one time while controlling flare-ups.
Stuffed Blue Cheese Burgers: It's a bit of work and the burgers are bigger but you can definitely skip the bun with this treat. A puddle of blue cheese mingles with the burger juices to create a flavor that puts stuffed burgers on the regular hit list. Stay tuned for exciting new developments on the stuffed burger front!

STEAKS:

Ribeye: The king of steaks with deep marbling that delivers juicy wet steaks. We only use salt and pepper to prep and grill 'em hot and fast! Add a few sliced onions 5 minutes ahead of the steaks.
Sliced Sirloin: Thick sirloins are ideal for cutting into thick slices after grilling. Costco's sirloins are always on the list along with Ribeyes and the occasoinal tenderloin.
Tenderloin: We love doing Tenderloins for holiday meals and for larger groups. I try to use the Weber and actually took my Weber to a friends farm this summer to make sure we would honor this fabulous and expensive piece of meat. I always use BBQ'rs Delight smoking wood pellets in the valleys of the GrillGrates when we are grilling great steaks.

Try these old and new favorites too:

Steaked Prime (choice) Rib Roast: This was one of those accidental discoveries after missing my window to slow-cook a Rib Roast. We cut the roast into thick steaks, salted the heck out of them and let them come to room temperature. Normally this much marbling would cause a bonfire but not with GrillGrates. My mother-in-law ranked this as our best steak of 2010. Seared on the outside; firm and juicy red inside.
My Father's London Broil: A Father's Day grilling that I like to do on our Weber. This way my Dad's (and my) signature dish for years. This is an old recipe that deserves to be brought back- especially with GrillGrates. Bumper to bumper red rareness as Meathead from Amazing Ribs.com likes to say.

View Low and Slow Sunday video

HONORABLE Mention!
Tommy Boy's Pork Shoulders and Brats and Beer. on low and slow Sundays. We mastered Tom's honking huge gas grill to get down to 225F for an entire day while we drank beer, grilled and chilled. I agree with the recent survey that showed smoke from grilled meat has a calming effect on men! We need to establish a winter grilling and chilling routine Tom!

FISH:


Breaded talapia from COSTCO

Breaded Talapia from Costco: Every Costco run includes a couple of fish items for the grill. We particulary like how flaky and light the breaded talapia grills. The crust gets very crispy on medium heat and sears nicely sealing in the fish so it is moist and flaky inside. Great with salsas as toppings.
Seared Salmon from Costco: How many ways can we grill salmon filets? Our favorites are seasoned with Denny Mike's Fintastic or slathered in Rikki's Soy Ginger sauce.
The Whole Fish and nothing but the fish! Rainbow Trout, Snapper and other grill size fish: We prefer to grill smaller fish in the whole if they are freshly caught. David B from Montana used to grill trout in foil- not anymore! David says "fish in foil is not grilling its steaming". David also grills fresh killed Elk and sent fantastic high mountain camp grilling photos. I got to visit David! We've got a lot of customers in Montana!

Honorable mention shrimp and scallops. Large scallops are fantastic without skewers. Rotate and turn by hand for perfect searing. Skewered shrimp only needs 5-7 minutes on GrillGrates.

POULTRY:

Spatch-cocked Chicken: Cutting out the backbone and flattening the bird has become our favorite way to grill chicken and turkey. The grilling is faster, more evenly cooked and juicier. GrillGrates again provides the key to a hotter yet juicier grilling with crispy skin too. Stay tuned for a video of Susan teaching our daughter's boyfriend the art of spatch-cocking. And yes Bon-Appetit magazine-- there is a difference between spatch-cocking and butterflying.

Sauce Wings last 10 minutes on grill

WINGS! I learned how to do great wings on GrillGrates courtesy of Randy Branch of Moe's BBQ Sauce. Randy and I grilled together at our daughter's graduation from University of Georgia this spring. He showed me how to low and slow wings on GrillGrates for over an hour for the ultimate spicy, crispy, juicy wings.

PIZZA:

The Ultimate Breakfast Pizza: We grilled a bunch of these piled high breakfast creations this year. Pre-cook the fixings makes it easy to pull together a couple of breakfast pizzas even when you are a guest! You'll delight your hosts when you bring the fixings of a great breakfast! Don't forget to bring your GrillGrates!
Kitchen Sink Pizza: We keep a package of MamaMary's gourmet crusts on hand and find great uses for left-overs to make a fast lunch or easy dinner.

Happy New Year and Grrrrrrrate Grilling Ahead in 2011!

Brad

PS I see from the above recap we have a few recipes to add to the GrillGrate recipe web pages... and we'll get right on it because I know we'll be adding more signature dishes to the list in 2011!- YOURS!
Please tell us about your signature dishes! We'd love to add them to our website.

Life is what happens while you’re making other plans!

2010-12-16T15:22:00.007-05:00

John Lennon ‘s refrain seems appropriate, as it would have been his 70^th birthday last week. I’ve been thinking a lot about this year as it wraps up and making plans for next year; and I’ve thinking of Lennon’s line and the things that happened this year that weren’t in the plan!

Never in my wildest dreams

Doing Infomercials on TV was never in the business plan! I want to thank Tom Dollnig who consulted us to change strategies. Tom brought Mr. Coffee to market and hired Joe DiMaggio so I listened to him!

Social Media was not in the plan either. I especially like the customer interaction and the community aspect. My daughter told me I had to create a blog, get on Facebook, find a voice- none of that was in the plan. Now it is.

Grillers love GrillGrates!

Active customer engagement was not in the plan either. The grilling industry is the best business I have ever worked in. Grillers are passionate, active and fun people! That fun is multiplied when customers take the time to express their pleasure with your product. Active customer engagement was not in the business plan, but it drives us now.

Fishing and grilling as good as it gets!

Nor was appearing in a Fishing Show. A call out of the blue from a producer hooked me to fish and grill in an episode. Twist my arm! It was a great experience all around and now we’re a sponsor and a fan of LipEm and RipEm hosted by Lefty Larsen.

Pittmaster star Moe Cason and his wife

Getting a call from Moe Cason who starred on BBQ Pittmaster as a contestant and finalist was a great highlight too. Thank you to Darren Warth of Smoky D’s for suggesting GrillGrates to Moe. We had a blast cheering Moe on. But Moe, why did you plank that chicken in the finals?

No doubt some of life’s greatest moments are unscripted and unplanned. How boring it would be anyway. The planning will resume shortly after a birthday celebration with family and friends!

May your plans be aimed high and your heart (and grill) always be warm with the joy of friends.

God Bless and Blessed by God

December 2010

Thankful Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-25T09:51:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving 2010: Cribbing from Seth Godin:
"Wherever you are, you could celebrate Thanksgiving today. Not the Thanksgiving of a bountiful harvest before the long winter, the holiday of pilgrims and pie. That's a holiday of scarcity averted. I'm imagining something else...

A modern Thanksgiving would celebrate two things:

The people in our lives who give us the support and love we need to make a difference, and...

The opportunity to build something bigger than ourselves, something worth contributing. The ability to make connections, to lend a hand, to invent and create.

There are more of both now than there have ever been before. For me, for you, for just about all of us.
Thank you Seth for re-framing Thanksgiving for our time!

I want to thank my sponsors and partners who have been incredibly supportive this year:
Mike Mills and his team: Being discovered by Mike Mills was a milestone moment in our business. I'm proud to call Mike, Amy, Becky & crew friends. And a very special thank you to Mike for appearing in our first TV spot!
BBQR's Delight: Thanks to Meathead for introducing us! He calls us peanut butter and jelly we go so well together. I've had the pleasure of cooking with Candy- she's a real pro and a fixture in the BBQ community and a great friend.
Bad Byron's Butt Rub: It's true everything is better with a little Butt Rub! Butt Rub is one of those universal seasonings that works as well with pork, chicken, steak, even popcorn!
Mama Mary's Gourmet Pizza Crusts: Our first partner. We discovered their crusts grilling at our first trade show. It became our first signature dish. They just introduced an extra thin and crispy crust that is fabulous. We use it on dessert pizzas too.
KCBS: The gang at KCBS and MMA Creative are incredible. KCBS has over 14,000 members now and I'm proud to incorporate their logo in our packaging and our TV spots. Sponsoring the KCBS Backyard BBQ Tour was a grrrrrate move this year. Mike and Chris Peters have grilled over 35,000 food samples on GrillGrates- including hundreds of grilled pizzas!
Big Green Egg! What a great company! Thank you for sponsoring our contest and offering a Big Green Egg as the prize! There is still time to register! Name me another company that has a more rabid and enthusiastic customer! (not even Apple) Something for GrillGrate to aspire to!
The Good Shepherd Foundation: Finally and absolutely the best thing to happen to GrillGrate this year. I start my day there every morning I can. It is a pleasure and privilege to work with this great group of people. They pack and ship for us 5 days a week! Talk about grateful!

Thankful and Grateful This Thanksgiving!
God Bless!

Brad

Butterflied Turkey: Take Two

2010-11-18T07:26:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving 2010: A Bird and a Bag!

Grilled Butterflied Turkey is Fast and Easy with GrillGrates!

Bon Appetit Centerfold of Butterflied Turkey

Our local supermarket butterflied a fresh turkey for us and it was easy to prepare and grill. We did the recipe twice and nearly a third time until I relented and gave up on doing a spatchcock comparison. The game was on when Bon Appetit Magazine arrives with a centerfold shot of what else? Butterflied turkey!

Very nice rosemary rub from bbq.about.com

Thanksgiving Links

We chose a simple brine of 2 gallons of vegetable broth. A trash bag in a bucket worked well for an 8 hour soak.
I found a great rosemary rub from bbq.about.comhttp://bbq.about.com/. Derrick has well organized lists of brines, rubs, grilling methods,
Amazingribs.com is always a great resource. Here is a link to Craig's Thanksgiving ideas newsletter. Sign up for Meathead's newsletter. I read it bumper to bumper!
Here's a link to butterflied grilled turkey on GrillGrates! I've already had my hot turkey sandwiches too!
AND Yes Virginia there is a difference between butterflying a bird and spatchcocking it. This link takes you to Chris Lily's recipe that is truly spatchcocking. Next year...
What are you cooking up for Thanksgiving?

Customers and Friends First for a Grate Deal on Gift Bags!

A Grate Gift for your favorite griller!

We have 60 of the two-pocket bags left for this year and its only right to offer a grate sale to our customers and friends first. We've added a four pack sku as well.

3 GrillGrate panels, The GrateTool, Steaming Brush and Bag is $79.99 plus s/h
4 GrillGrate panels, The GrateTool, Steaming Brush and Bag is $89.99 plus s/h

A great gift for your favorite griller!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Grate Fish and Game Grilling

2010-10-28T08:05:00.000-04:00

In one week we've received some great fish and game pictures on GrillGrates:

Pheasant
Elk
Wahoo
Trout

Wahoo! One of the tastiest fish in the sea!

Rainbow trout caught and grilled in the wild!

Pheasant on the Big Green Egg

ELK on camp grill

The fish and game crowd sure loves GrillGrates! Thanks for sharing Bill, Clint and David. We have a lot of outfitters using GrillGrates- let us hear from you. Show us your great catch!

I've got a green glow this morning!

2010-10-17T12:42:00.001-04:00

Susan and I are recovering from non-stop grilling at Big Green Egg's Eggtoberfest! We grilled desserts on Friday night and had no idea what we were in for. Jonathan from BGE finally came over and fired up a second EGG for us. The line never stopped for 3 solid hours. The fun part was watching Susan prep and interact with the people while making sure I didn't stray from my grilling duties as I jabbered away. We finally ate at Waffle House at 11:00PM covered in chocolate and raspberry juice!

My hat is off to BGE! The way they set up the event and then turn it over to the crowd is brilliant. No corporate BS either. No Steve Jobs keynote speeches here! At the end of the day on Saturday several hundred new Egg'ers eagerly awaited driving home with their new EGGS. They had the green glow going on too!

Thanks BGE for a fabulous event- your customers are just as amazing as your product!

Brad

When this baby rolled up I grabbed my camera and then never touched it again.

PS- I'm reaching out to the EGGer's on the BGE forum for pics.

Susan prepping Fruit Pizza

Love our MamaMary's crusts!

Enter the Tell Us Your Grate Grilling Stories Contest

2010-10-08T11:22:00.002-04:00

Win The Greatest Book about Peace, Love and Barbecue!

The best part of my job is hearing from customers. I love hearing GrillGrate stories and particularly grate recipe ideas. Please tell us your grate grilling story by:

Every entry will be entered to win a copy of Peace, Love and Barbecue by Mike and Amy Mills. FIVE people will be drawn at random. Multiple entries are encouraged!

Every Picture Tells a Story

Penzey's Spices grills for their employees nearly every week

As Rod Stewart says: "Every Picture Tells a Story" Our new friends at Penzey's Spices sent me this picture and grate story. They purchased one set of GrillGrates a few weeks ago and then ordered 8 more sets. I called to make sure it wasn't an error and learned that Penzey's grills for their 200+ employees nearly every week. They bought 8 more sets to cover all their Weber Kettles. Now that's a grate story and a great company!

Tell Us Your Grate Grilling Story or Recipe

We'll post some of your stories here on our blog and some on the website. We've even got a few videos from a GrillGrate customer in New Zealand to share. Check out my new video (90sec) to kick off the Grate Stories contest and this new section on our website.

Speaking of Grate Steaks- How about a $2500 Steak?

2010-10-05T11:12:00.000-04:00

That is what the United Steaks of America BBQ Team won for their best steak in the 2010 OK Steak Championship! GrillGrates deliver more than just gorgeous steakhouse sear marks. GrillGrates bring out the best flavor of the meat while keeping meat tender, moist and evenly cooked.

Congratulations to the United Steaks of America for best steak in the great state of Oklahoma!

The Science of Grate Grilling: Grilling Great Steaks!

2010-10-05T11:03:00.000-04:00

Grilling Steakhouse Quality Steaks - "Grate" Lessons Learned

One thing we hear constantly is how much better steaks grill and taste with GrillGrates. Over the past year I have been on a personal journey to better understand the science behind grilling steakhouse quality steaks. Craig Goldwyn of Amazingribs.com has been my guide as I learned and improved. I pay a lot more attention to preparation, internal temperature, resting, and even proper slicing tips.

Preparation starts by allowing choice quality (and thicker) steaks to come to room temperature. SALT liberally and pat dry with a paper towel before grilling. Meathead calls it dry brining. Pepper moderately, with more pepper at grilling time. Ideally the entire steak is at room temperature when it hits the GrillGrates.

Good Product + Good Preparation + GrillGrates = GRRRRRRATE Steaks!

Lesson #1: Stop Winging It!

This has been a difficult lesson for me to learn. I've always winged it, stabbed my finger on the steaks and pronounced them ready. I got a thermometer as a gift and I'm trying to get in the habit every time I grill meat. Err to the rare and get steaks off the grill to rest so juices can settle back into the meat. I finally printed out the Amazing Ribs temperature chart and posted on our refrigerator. I find myself referring to it practically every time I grill.

* Download Meathead's Temperature chart

(suitable for laminating and posting on the fridge)

* Make sure to read Meathead's thermometer buying guide

Bumper to Bumper Color, Texture, Juiciness, and Flavor

I like Meathead's bumper to bumper analogy; juicy, evenly cooked from top to bottom, seared, not charred. (as opposed to a cross-section of sear, brown, tan, pink, red, pink, tan, brown, sear) GrillGrates deliver bumper to bumper beauty.

Now we're onto trying out an Argentina technique of corn starch and salt glaze, followed by a trip to the freezer for 30 minutes before grilling- stay tuned.

GRATE Grilling for LABOR DAY!

2010-09-01T12:49:00.001-04:00

Labor Day grilling is an American tradition. When there is a crowd to feed, America fires up their grills! Labor Day grilling is all about production. Ideally, you'll want to grill at a house with at least 3 or more grills in the yard, otherwise round up your neighbor's grills! It's called a cook-out another All-American tradition. With production in mind, think BIG, big bags of chicken wings for example, a case or two of hamburgers and hot dogs etc.

Here are a couple of grate menu suggestions when you are grilling for a crowd!

Burgers, Brats and Beers with a GrillGrate twist, give your brats a beer bath on your GrillGrates. Gather round to see, smell and hear the sizzling, steaming beer!
BBQ Chicken is great for production grilling. The trick is to grill as low as you can to not burn the skin (or bbq sauce). Under 400F is ideal and with GrillGrates, bring on the marinades and sauces. BBQ Chicken qualifies as at least a two beer grill too!
WINGS are great for crowds. Wonderful finger food and easy to grill. Again grill as low as possible as long as possible. Sauce them for 10 minutes at the end.
PIZZA Even pre-made store bought pizzas are wonderful on GrillGrates. Spy a pre-made pizza deal? GrillGrate them! You'll probably never put pizza in the oven again!
CORN on the COB Shucked and naked corn on GrillGrates at med/low for 15-20 minutes. Turn and roll every 5 minutes. Butter as soon as you remove the corn from the grill, the corn will suck it up!
CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY YUMMY Cap off your Labor Day with this outstanding quesadilla with ricotta cheese, chocolate chips and raspberries.

What are you grilling this Labor Day weekend?

Finally a wiff of Fall in the air

2010-08-28T16:03:00.001-04:00

Finally the early mornings have a tint of coolness. Soon we'll have deep blue skies and we'll be turning off the AC! I can't wait to open the windows again! It's been a HOT summer and we've developed a new grilling routine that we'll be perfecting for many summers to come!

Low and Slow Sundays (link to 2 min video) has already become a summer tradition at Tom and Bev's house, and I think always will be. Between the pool, the keg and his mojo grill, it's about as good as it gets! We learned to do pork butts (shoulders) on his honking gas grill. 6-8 hours of grilling on a Sunday is a nice way to spend the day.

Last weekend was the first Sunday we grilled over 400 all summer! You can't imagine weeks of rendering from butts and wings that had built up on Tom's GrillGrates (link to pictures). But I digress.

We grilled steaks while the girls were away, school has started, and TAILGATING season is here! I think our tailgating will consist mostly of game day home grills at Tommy Boy's hang! I keep telling him he's running out of time to get a flat screen in there!

I have fond memories of big time tailgates at the 'old' NY Giants Stadium in New Jersey. Now WEBER has a tailgating pavilion set up at the 'new' Giants stadium. Grilling is a great business and it's tailgating season! Here's a sneak peak to some great tailgate recipes.

Great to see them fly off!

2010-08-18T09:53:00.001-04:00

Three generations involved in helping our daughter get herself to Austin to begin law school. We've had her and Will's college apartments stuffed into our living room and dining room all summer; and thats on top of all my GrillGrate stuff! Last week our son drove to Mojave CA in record time to start a new job. Two move-outs in two weeks. All three kids in the SW now. Guess we'll be traveling more.

Saying goodbye to our middle one is always tearful and still is! They're almost to Austin as I type and and I've got a big house to get cleaned before Mama Bear gets home on Sunday!

It has been two weeks since I've blogged. I think I will post a trip report! There was some grate grilling involved to be sure! We squeezed in a family vacation before all this moving out stuff...

Thankful and Grateful This AM

2010-07-31T10:14:00.003-04:00

Each month we give away two sets of GrillGrate to our fans on Facebook and one to our customers and registered subscribers. I just finished up counting down Facebook fans to #187 and landed on Lauren K! A sorority sister of my daughters at UGA. We all grilled together at their graduation! It was a little easier picking out # 765 from our subscriber list! Frank S- you'll be hearing from me!

It was fun counting through our Facebook fans and customer lists, I'm grateful and thankful to have them. Its going be a grrrrrrate day!

Two winners every month and one lucky winner wins a Big Green Egg in December!

Going to be a 3 Beer Grill Today!

2010-07-25T13:28:00.000-04:00

It's going to be over 100F today! Afternoon checklist:

Pool
Beer
Hanging around the grill
Repeat

Heading over to Tommy Boy's for another low and slow Sunday!

Sharing a Little BBQ Love!

2010-07-24T09:42:00.000-04:00

We've been thinking how to 'inspire' more feedback, recipes and photos from GrillGrate customers and we decided that we just needed to share a little love-- Peace, Love and Barbecue that is! So we bought a bunch of Peace Love and Barbecue books, shirts and ball caps from our friends at 17th Street Barbecue to give to customers who share their Grate Recipes, photos and stories with us. Post them on our Facebook Fan page, email me your pics or even use our website recipe submittal tool. We're anxious to share your stories of Grate Q and a little Peace Love and Barbecue too! GrillGrate, Eat Well! Peace.

Peace Love and Barbecue is a trademark of 17th Street Barbecue

Another Park Another Sunday!

2010-07-17T11:25:00.000-04:00

A favorite Doobie Brothers song. Got me thinking about another 'low and slow' Sunday coming up tomorrow. Just hung up the phone with Tommy Boy to confirm the details:

Feeding 12-14 (the usual range)
3 Racks of Ribs
2 Spatchcock Chickens
Sides courtesy of the ladies

Eating 5:30ish, Start time 11:30ish to prep the ribs. A 4-5 beer grilling for sure! (Tommy Boy sprung for another keg of Stella which makes it much easier to lose count)

This video was from a low and slow Sunday a couple of weeks ago:

Feed 12-14 (detect a pattern)
1 Butt (pork shoulder actually)
Sausages soaked and bathed in beer
Cuban corn recipe (from Travel & Leisure)

GrillGrate, Eat Well!

Pleasant Surprise!

2010-06-26T11:04:00.001-04:00

Our oldest is home from AZ for a wedding. All three kids home for dinner this past Thursday and unbeknownst to me they had a belated Father's Day dinner in mind with me grilling of course. Well as usual I could not get out of my office in time and found that Susan had purchased a 'Choice Rib Roast' (as opposed to Prime Rib Roast) for me to grill for Prime Rib. After consulting amazingribs.com and learning a bit more about grilling Prime Rib (restuarant variety) at home, I realized I did not have enough grilling time- unless we ate way late.   The tribe vetoed that option.

So we decided to 'steak' the roast and seasoned them with Lawry's Seasoning Salt. We let the steaks come to room temp with the seasoning, now we had all the time we needed for a proper cocktail hour with all three kids and mother-in-law.   I grilled the well marbled steaks at 500F- not too hot. 10 minutes total for 1.5" cut slabs: WOW! The steaks were absolutely wet with melted fat and did not shrink up.   They were delicious. Our grilled prime rib was a huge hit that everyone was talking about the next day.

Why I didn't grab the camera I'll never know. We're already discussing our Fourth of July Grilling Menu and this little surprise will be one of the main meals we're doing.   What's on your GrillGrates!

New to Que

2010-06-16T23:49:00.006-04:00

I'm man enough to admit that I am new to barbecue! To clarify, I've been a griller for over 30 years, but never a low and slow guy. Is being from NJ an excuse? Not really since I've lived in GA for nearly 20 years! I love eating barbecue and lived in Texas for a while so my pallet became well trained but my grill skills did not include true barbecue. I've even been a loyal Weber owner since 1978 and it was right under my nose! But I still never considered smoking ribs, butts, or brisket on my grill. I stopped at thick london broils! Not anymore.

My buddy Tommy Boy and I have conquered his gas grill* and put out some smoking barbecue. We're on a mission this summer to turn his gas grill into a smoking barbecue machine!

This summer our theme is 'Low and Slow Sunday's

This past Sunday morning I showed up at Tommy Boy's house with a 1/2 Pork Shoulder, Byron's Butt Rub, print outs from amazingribs.com, and a cup of coffee. We were starting a new summer tradition. The week before we felt pretty proud of ourselves as we did ribs and wings that required more than three beers which brought rave reviews from our critics. What a nice way to wind down the weekend. On Monday we were all remembering the fabulous meal from the night before!

Welcome to the lazy hot days of summer and the best days on the grill!

DAD- Thank you for teaching me about grilling.
Meathead, Mike, and Tom- Thank you for teaching me about barbeuce!
Happy Fathers DAY!

*With all duerespect and deference to my charcoal / wood smoking / pellet toking pure-head friends, its too much work for me to tend the coals and besides Tom and I don't own a Big Green Egg or one of those fancy pellet grills, so the gas grill is our ticket. And we're making it sing!

Got any 1, 2 3 beer grilling recipes or stories to share?

Remembering Dad at his Grill and Me By His Side

2010-06-07T22:50:00.007-04:00

Last week I blogged about memories of my DAD. I talked about his passion for grilling and his gift to me of my first grill, a Weber Kettle. I remember hanging out with my Dad at the grill every time he grilled. It was our place and our time. It still is.

We decided to grill up Dad's signature dish- London Broil marinated in Catalina Dressing. It was fabulous and the taste and flavor was just as I remembered.

Happy Father's Day Dad! And thank you for your great grilling!

Do you have any grilling with your dad memories or recipes you'd like to share? Post them here or on our Facebook Fan Page.

Remembering DAD at His Grill

2010-06-03T07:39:00.001-04:00

What memories do you have of your Dad at the Grill? I have two: My Dad made the best London Broil, he would marinate it in Catalina Dressing (the sugar really softened the meat) overnight in the fridge. He kept a big horse syringe to battle flare-ups and the meat crusted beautifully. He sliced it thin on an angle very rare. For years I made that same London Broil recipe. My other memory is when my Dad gave me his Weber Kettle while I was in college. He had gotten his first gas grill (late 1970's) and I readily snapped up the Weber. I was a grilling fiend in college, and haven't stopped since. I think I need to pick up some London Broil! Thanks Dad!

Grilled Pizza 2.0 Fresh and Loaded High Pizza Pie!

2010-05-23T13:48:00.004-04:00

Tom and Bev invited us to come over for dinner- Natalie and Blake were cooking. Tom even bought Pigs Nose Scotch so I knew it was going to be great. I walked in the door and saw FOUR gorgeous pizzas piled high with fresh toppings and turned right around and went home to get my cameras. I should have known something good was going on the grill.

Natalie told me that she and Blake grill her favorite pizza all the time and I really got a lesson in healthier pizza building! We named it Natalie and Blakes Piled High Pizza and here are a few of the ingredients. Full recipe link grillgrate.com

Just a few secrets:

Ground Turkey with Fennel delivers great sausage flavor without the grease and thinly sliced pepperoni keeps the taste but eliminates the oil
Roast peppers, onions and garlic in shell ahead of time on the grill or in the oven
FRESH sliced mozzarella
GrillGrates!

So cool to see Natalie a MamaMary's Pizza Crust fan and for sharing her wonderful recipe with us last night! Glad I ran home to get my camera. Thanks Tommy Boy, Ralphie and Natalie!

Science of Grate Grilling 5.5 CINCO DE MAYO Grilled Quesadillas

2010-05-01T13:45:00.002-04:00

Break out GrillGrates to grill fabulous Cinco de Mayo Quesadillas. Invite your friends over for a real treat that you can make ahead of time and just add the toppings before grilling.

Two flour tortillas form a sandwich that becomes the platform for the quesadilla toppings. You can use several different fillings for the sandwich between the tortillas.

Just Cheese- 3 part mexican cheese or whatever you have in the fridge
3 Bean Mash or can of refried beans sprinkled with a little cheese
Even sliced pears and goat cheese

TIP: Make the flour tortilla bases ahead of time and separate with wax paper. Make two or three and enjoy putting the toppings on with your guests. Suggested toppings:

Salsa
Tomato slices
Mexican Cheese
Avocado slices
NONE- bring inside as chip for dips!

Links to quesadilla recipes:

Natalies Two-Fisted Quesadilla (basic cheese and salsa)
Laura's Austin Quesadilla (with pears and goat cheese)
Sweet & Spicy Quesadilla (brie or swiss cheese and pepper jelly)

GrillGrate TIP: Keep GrillGrate temp below 400F- no burning of the bottom of the tortilla- just crispy golden sear marks. LOW on Gas Grills- hood temp will read 300F. 10 minute grilling time required to thoroughly grill toppings and get tortillas crispy.

Science of GrillGrate Part 6 EZ SMOKING with BBQR's Delight All Natural Pellets

2010-05-01T12:40:00.007-04:00

It doesn't get any easier than this! Sprinkle a few pellets on the fringe area of your GrillGrates and almost instantly- smoke is wafting your way. Craig "Meathead" Goldwyn of amazingribs.com introduced me to their all natural wood pellets last fall and hooked me up with Candy Sue Weaver owner of BBQR's Delight- a serious pittmaster and bbq businesswoman. Craig called our products peanut butter and jelly because we go so well together. Now we include a sample bag of pellets with every GrillGrate order. They're that good! -and the scent in the backyard is just unbelieveable.

The Science of Grate Grilling Part FIVE: GrillGrate Grilled Pizza!

2010-04-24T10:40:00.037-04:00

Grilling pizza has never been easier! The raised rail design of GrillGrates provides the perfect platform to grill pizza and the GrateTool makes it easy to handle and rotate for perfect searing and crispy crust. Here are a couple of tips to grilling great pizza with GrillGrates:

Keep your grill temperature under control at or below 400F. This allows you to grill pizza long enough (10 minutes +) to thoroughly cook the the toppings and melt the cheese without blackening or charring the crust. The key is how long you can grill pizza, not how hot and fast- unless you like black bottom crust.
Use Olive Oil on the bottom side of the pizza crust. The olive oil helps the crust get super crispy. Even add a bit of seasoning to the oiled crust for more flavor!
Quarter turn the pizza after 3-5 minutes. Using the GrateTool slightly lift and peek at the crust and see the crust is searing and browning. Rotate 45 degrees when the sear marks are golden brown.
Watch Searing on Bottom of the Crust. If sear marks are black- you are grilling too hot and at risk of blackening the crust. Reduce heat. The sear marks are a great guide to determine your grill's best temperature for grilling great pizza. My gas charbroil is set on LOW, but the GrillGrate temperature is still 450F when the dome says 350F.
Lower and Slower is Better with Grilled Pizza because it gives you time to fully cook toppings to a golden brown too. Think bubbly brown cheese!
Use MamaMary's Gourmet Pizza Crusts. They are partially baked, find them in the deli section of your supermarket or at Walmart. They are fabulous on GrillGrates!

GrillGrates makes grilling pizza a snap! Pizza is a super platform for all types of grilled pies- even fruit, dessert pizzas and breakfast pizzas! And don't forget left-over pizzas, BBQ pizzas, white pizzas. The GrillGrate website has dozens of grilled pizza recipes- let us hear yours!

The Science of Grate Grilling Part 5 FRESH FISH!

2010-04-10T14:20:00.005-04:00

I recently had the pleasure of fishing with my college age daughter and we hooked up a pair of mahi mahi. Better yet I had access to a Big Green Egg with GrillGrates and I grilled the best fresh fish I've ever grilled. In the past I've overcooked or somehow managed to mangle a marvelous fresh caught fish. Not since GrillGrates!

GrillGrates takes grilling fish to another level entirely. No more fish baskets, aluminum foil, or fish coming apart and falling through the grill.
The Science of GrillGrates involves all aspects of the GrillGrate design:

Raised rails provide a secure platform for even delicate fish like trout and halibut
More surface area contact with the fish provides superb searing and helps keep the filet intact
The extra protection from the bottom plate keeps fish moist and protected from drying heat
Juices and marinades add to moisture and flavor as they vaporize in the valleys of the GrillGrates
Lastly The GrateTool makes turning and handling fish filet a snap

I took extra care with our fresh mahi mahi filets. I even washed the GrillGrates and used brillo on the raised rails to get them perfectly clean. It was my first experience grilling fresh fish on a Big Green Egg but I had the confidence that I would not mess up this meal!

I set the BGE to 400F knowing that I wanted it to sear a bit and have time to cook thoroughly
Lightly oil the raised rails with canola oil or grilling spray- I like Weber's grill spray
Lay the filets over hot GrillGrates and don't touch for at least 5 minutes- lid down
Using The GrateTool go under the filets and gently lift. If resistance from sticking give it another minute or two. FISH TIP: Gently wiggle the tool under the fish to help it release completely intact from the GrillGrates.
LIFT and TWIST the filets for another 3-4 minutes
LIFT and TURN brings the presentation side to the top and grill to finish
Total time 12-15 minutes

Daddy Daughter Fishing and Grilling- it doesn't get any better than that!

The Sorry State of My Grills...but I'm still grilling GRATE!

2010-04-10T11:37:00.002-04:00

Last weekend I cleaned up the outdoor patio after a long winter. During the colder months, I pull the grills closer to the back door and generally don't clean up too much. I admit to being pretty much of a slob, picking up after myself usually happens a day or two after etc. So after the first grass mowing of the season and cleaning up the patio, I turned my attention to the sorry state of my grills.

My Gas Charbroil has been the winter workhorse. The starter has been dead for over two years so I have to remove 1/2 of the rusty cast iron grate and a flavorizer bar to light the grill- no big deal (I like the whoosh effect) FIVE 13.75" GrillGrates fit perfectly on the Charbroil.
My Weber Kettle's vents are rusted shut- fortunately at mid-way open. I've lived with that for a while now, but used the Kettle sparingly over the winter- even with the new cut to fit GrillGrates on it!
My Weber Q is only 1 year old and has held up well to neglect. I use it when there is no need to fire up the Big Charbroil. Three GrillGrates fit the Q very nicely- I burred down the outside rail in the front on each end to allow the lid to close tightly.
Finally- My Kamodo still sits there never been lit with the lid cut off waiting for a welder to help me put it back together again. Nice lawn art!

Even with the sorry state of my grills, I'm still grilling grate! As grilling season kicks into high gear, here are a few tips and tricks we've gathered along the way:

GAS GRILLS with GrillGrate! GrillGrates make gas grills sing! Forget flare-ups, foods are juicier and more tender. No need to guard the food anymore either.

Turn your GAS DOWN! GrillGrates focus and intensify the heat allowing you to save money. My Charbroil at medium puts my GrillGrates to 600F. Cook chicken, pork and leaner meats on LOW. The longer they grill the better.
Skip HIGH HEAT BURN OFF- Warm your grill up to temperature like an oven. Don't set your grill to high heat and go have a beer. Your GrillGrate temps will exceed 700F and you are set up to burn your food. Save serious gas and preserve the seasoning on your GrillGrates
Experiment with LOW and SLOW- turn outside burners off and grill in the center on GrillGrates. The added protection of GrillGrates allows you to establish consistent grill temps.
GrillGrates will pay for themselves in a season with gas savings!

Weber Kettle & Charcoal Grills

Confidently direct grill more foods with the added protection of GrillGrates
Spread coals evenly under entire grill surface and grill hot hot or low and slow depending on the load of charcoal you use.
Direct grill at lower temps (350-450F) by spreading out fewer coals. Skinless chicken, pork, corn and other veggies
Direct grill at higher temps (450-600F) for faster / juicier grilling without fear of burning and charring. Super Crispy Chicken, Seared steaks and burgers.

Pellet Grills

Pelletheads are finding GrillGrates makes their grills sing too.
Concentrated heat to the raised rails improves searing and high heat grilling
The sizzle effect of GrillGrates combined with the flavorful smoke of pellet grills is a fabulous combination.

I enjoy your comments and encourage you to share your favorite tips and tricks with GrillGrates!

The Science of Grate Grilling Part 4

2010-04-08T09:54:00.036-04:00

I got this message from a customer the other evening and it prompted me to share some tips and tricks using GrillGrates with the Classic Weber Kettle.

" GrillGrates are AMAZING!
I received GrillGrates for my new Weber kettle (I seem to have a 5 year cycle between gas and charcoal…) and we were just blown away by the difference in flavor. Our first run was with burgers, and the family voted them the best we’d ever made. Nothing we’ve tried on them outside a pizza - that seemed cook just a big too fast - has been anything but outstanding."

Rob N.
April 6th 2010

I've developed some new grilling techniques for the Weber Kettle that I am prompted to share after hearing about Rob's pizza cooking a bit to hot and fast.
Use less charcoal and spread evenly after they are fully glowing
This keeps overall grill temps down and creates uniform heat
The GrillGrates provide superb protection allowing for DIRECT GRILLING at low temps
OR let the coals burn past glowing hot and grill on the downside of their burn.

The other evening I grilled boneless, skinless chicken breasts and corn on the cob using this technique. The chicken grilled for 30 minutes and the corn as well- which was fabulous

Pizza on GrillGrates is best at 400F or less so you can get at least 10 minutes on the grill which gives the toppings time to fully cook and melt without blackening the bottom of the crust.

The mighty Weber Kettle is even more versatile with GrillGrates!

Thanks for the feedback Rob.
GrillGrate, Eat Well!

The Science of Grate Grilling Part 3- Perfect Burgers

2010-02-25T15:04:00.008-05:00

If I had to list one food that grills exceptionally well on GrillGrates it would have to be hamburgers. GrillGrates grill perfect burgers! Everyone can be Bobby Flay!

I heard from a Big Green Egg Retailer yesterday who is evaluating GrillGrates. He brought in burgers for lunch the other day and asked his team to grill on the BGE with and without GrillGrates. He didn't even make it down for lunch before he heard from his team! The GrillGrate burgers were much larger and juicier compared to those not grilled on GrillGrates.

There are several reasons why hamburgers in particular are so much better with GrillGrates:

Flare-up Protection from the bottom plate keeps burgers from charring as they drip especially 80 /20 which can really drip up a bon fire. The added protection of GrillGrates keeps burgers from drying out and shrinking.
The Sizzle Back Effect of juices as they drip to the valleys, they vaporize, steam and sizzle back to the food. Dripping juices create a moist convection of steamy heat below the hamburger which keeps it juicy and moist.
Fats drain away from the burger and drip through the fat draining holes in the bottom of the GrillGrates where they burn up on the bottom of the GrillGrate, not on the outside of the food. There is a health benefit of no charring and no fats burned onto the food as well.
The GrateTool- reaches below the food for a gentle lift not a scape and break! No more broken or stuck burgers on the Grill.

I here about burgers consistently from customers and professionals such as Suzanne Benoit who is the Queen of Burgers hailing from the famous VORTEX Bar and Grill in Atlanta. Suzanne and I recorded this YouTube video last year. We've learned a lot since then and need to update it.

Grill the Perfect Burger Every Time with GrillGrates!

The Science of Grate Grilling- The Super Weber Kettle

2010-02-21T12:30:00.006-05:00

Another key aspect of GrillGrates is the added protection they provide from excessive flame and dry scorching heat. When BBQ Legend Mike Mills first saw GrillGrates sitting on my Weber at a BBQ contest he called it a 'flame shield' and asked if I'd ever done ribs on it? I sheepishly had to tell him no. Mike told me that one of the toughest questions people ask him is how to do ribs on a Weber Kettle? It's darn hard for most people. Hell, I never even tried! He challenged me to go home and barbecue (not grill) ribs his way. Mike also figured out quick that we were from 'Up North' and had little barbecue experience. That meeting in Douglas was another milestone as we were introduced to the wonderful world of Barbecue from one of the best. Mike Mills was just inducted into the Barbecue Hall of Fame at last months National Barbecue Association Conference which was a real treat to attend. I am honored to be friends with Mike and his gang from 17th Street. Mike has taught us a lot about GrillGrates and has been generous in his support and help.

Now we're introducing custom GrillGrates for the 22" Weber Kettle and it made me think of Mike.

The Science of Grate Grilling

2010-02-20T16:20:00.007-05:00

After two years in the market with GrillGrates, we are finally ready to better explain how and why GrillGrates work so much better. A lot of feedback from customers, some insightful reviews from foodies and barbecue pro's has helped us realize how truly different Grill Grates are.

Craig "Meathead" Goldwyn of Amazingribs.com has written the most thorough review of the dynamics of GrillGrates to date. We met recently in Memphis at the NBBQA conference and had the chance to discuss further.

Craig thinks GrillGrates grill more effectively for several reasons:

Conduction (direct heat) The heat is distributed evenly through the GrillGrate to the top of the rails making for not only outstanding searing but more surface area contact with the food for crispier chicken and crunchy sear marks.
Convection (hot moving air) The valleys between the rails swirl with heat. Juices from meat and vegetables vaporize for moist flavor that rises back into the food. For pizza, pasta, garlic bread this will be a dry heat making for crispy but not burned foods. Pizza crusts and flour tortillas are outstanding from the combination of conduction and convection.
Infrared (reflective heat). The panels themselves radiate heat because there is a lot of surface area that is heated up by the grill.

I need a Georgia Tech engineer who can get me some heat motion video! Shelley are you out there?
GrillGrate, Eat Well!
More Grate science to come.

GrillGrates: VIAGRA for the Grill!

2010-02-20T15:50:00.009-05:00

That statement is not a Bradism, that quote comes from Sterling Ball aka Big Poppa of Big Poppa Smokers. Big Poppa Smokers is a new entrant to the BBQ world and he's coming in with gusto. The company is born from Sterling's passion for better grilling and smoking. In his videos you'll also see his other passion, which goes perfect with grilling- music. Check out what Big Poppa has to say about GrillGrate- and check out some the other cool products he's carrying too!

Behind on Blogging & Twittering but not GRATE GRILLING!

2010-01-24T18:45:00.009-05:00

Happy New Year- a bit late! The holidays were a blur with Grate sales and a house full of guests and our returning children. Susan put out meals for 10 people or more for 12 straight days of Christmas and declared that next year we're going on a cruise for Christmas! I did contribute a good bit of grilling during this stretch including Christmas tenderloin. We've had a wonderful tradition of putting on Christmas for the past 20 years and its time to start a new tradition. I don't think they'll let me grill on a cruise ship though...

I finally got around to posting a bunch more recipes on our website. I went through my photos to come up with these favorites of ours:

I am particularly proud of how well I have learned to do ribs on our gas grill. The purists and smokers might cringe but the results speak for themselves.

* Grilling Ribs on a Gas Grill with GrillGrates
* Corn on the Cob
* Potstickers
* Breaded Talipia
* Garlic Bread
* Skewered Lobster
* Left Over Grilled Pizza

I may be late on my blogging, but I'm never late for Grate Grilling!

Pictures from Murphysboro "Praise the Lard" Cookoff

2009-12-10T14:06:00.021-05:00

In honor of tonight's 2nd episode of The Pitmasters (10:oopm est on TLC. This episode was filmed at the Murphysboro cookoff and we were there! Here are a few pictures to whet your appetite so to speak.

Susan and I attended this event (i.e. we did not vend or demo GrillGrates) so we really got to enjoy the atmosphere the entire weekend straight through to the award ceremony. Competition Barbecue is truly an interactive spectator sport. I learned a lot about "The Pits", careful preparation, and holy rituals. It also happened to be our 27th wedding anniversary- and a great weekend! I look forward to seeing how TLC spins it tonight.

Want a bit more? Here is a link to a YouTube video and a sneak peek of the Murphysboro Contest.

The Greatest Gift of All (Part 2)

2009-12-08T16:12:00.018-05:00

Now that I look back on it, I gave and received the same gift last year! Peace Love and Barbecue by Mike Mills and his daughter Amy. I met Mike and Amy at a Barbecue Competition just over a year ago. Mike, a legendary barbecue champion and restaurant owner comes by our stand and takes an interest in GrillGrates. He was anxious to try it and I gladly gave him a set. Next thing I know Rocky Danner (another colorful Barbecue Ambassador) is in our booth asking me for several more sets for he and Mike!

It turns out that Mike and Rocky were doing a series of demonstrations. Rocky was grilling bacon wrapped pork tenderloins and Mike was explaining how to do his championship ribs and had a stack of his books. He signed one for me and gave it to me in exchange for the Grates. Amy handed me a card and told me where to send more GrillGrates for Mike to “play with”. We received the gift of Peace, Love and Barbecue, last October and we gave the book as a gift this past Christmas to all our grilling friends.

Our friends loved Mike and Amy’s book! The 5-bean side has become a staple in our circle, as have Mike’s ribs. Peace, Love and Barbecue is a fabulous gift and really conveys the spirit of the industry, the people in it, along with some fabulous recipes. The book also provides a history of the American BBQ tradition alongside colorful encounters with local barbecue haunts. It was a great gift last year, now what to give this year?

Instant Read Thermometer- This has got to be tops on my stocking stuffer list. I need to upgrade my cooking by temperature skills as evidenced by my half-cocked turkey on Thanksgiving! Glow in the Dark from grillfriends.com $6.99
BBQr’s Delight Gift Pack- This just might be the ticket for this Christmas. Craig Meathead Goldwyn of amazingribs.com called BBQr’s Delight and GrillGrates- "Peanut butter and jelly because we go so well together." These all natural wood pellets impart just enough smoky flavor- and work fabulously on gas grills—especially with GrillGrates; just lay a few in the valleys of the GrillGrates and they smoke and smolder in natural wood flavors. The gift pack comes with a cast iron smoker box too. $19.99 with free shipping thru 12/19.
KCBS Membership- The Kansas City Barbecue Society delivers a lot of bang for the buck. Contest and cook-off updates, product reviews and discounts and monthly Bull Sheet is packed with information and team competition updates. The Bull Sheet is up there with Salt Water Sportsman for me! $35 per year.
GrillGrate Gift Bag- Our best value and a Grate Gift in its own right. Use the KCBS discount code and save 25% on all GrillGrate products through December 18th. $75 with KCBS discount.

Keep your grill and your griller warm this holiday season!

The Gratest Gift for an Egger! Thanks EggHead Paul!

2009-12-04T13:20:00.005-05:00

As we were packing several gift orders of custom GrillGrates for the Big Green Egg and I reminded myself to thank EggHead Paul for helping me get GrillGrates into the wonderful green world of the BGE. This is a great lesson in product development:

A customer sends you a picture of how they took a hack saw to your product and modified it to fit their needs.
You show that picture to a BGE owner - in this case my buddie EggHead Paul
Paul says I'd like one like that too and gets out his saw.
Brad watches as Paul cuts GrillGrates. I take a few pictures...
We get invited to the Annual Eggfest in Altanta and I take EggHead Paul as Wingman (and borrow his Egg to practice)
Now I've been told that "We have the best gift you could give an Egger." That just came from an BGE owner who ordered two sets for each of his sons as Christmas Gifts.

And now as Paul Harvey says you know the rest of the story!

Thank You EggHead Paul!
and Thank You to all the loyal Big Green Egg customers out there who are grilling grate!

Oh, it didn't take a genius to figure out we needed to do this for rabid Weber customers too!

The Pitmasters Debuts on TLC Tonight At 10:00PM

2009-12-02T23:41:00.003-05:00

After playing groupie on the BBQ circuit for the past year I really look forward to seeing this show. Susan and I have met several of the fine folks featured in The Pitmasters. Barbecue is the next NASCAR and I really enjoy wandering around the pits at BBQ competitions. I also enjoy vending and demonstrating GrillGrates at these events... I would attend them all if I could! Susan has gotten into it too. You know you are a BBQ groupie when you spend your 27th wedding anniverary at a BBQ competition! We'll both be watching tomorrow night.

Santa- All I want for Christmas is a cool GrillGrate trailer to drag around of my own!

I almost fouled up the BIRD- Turkey Half Cocked!

2009-11-27T16:34:00.012-05:00

This post falls under the category of telling on ones self! Yesterday I was a little too cocky taking the bird to the grill and made a few mistakes, a not so quick recovery and heard plenty of ribbing from the clan.

First I forgot to check the gas tank and of course it ran dry sometime during the first hour. Swapping it out would not be that big a deal if my igniter still worked, it doesn't so I have to remove a half of the grate, one of the flavorizer bars to manually light my gas grill. Not that big a deal except when the grill is hot, and I managed to re-light the grill only losing a few hairs on my hand.

We turned the bird upright after an hour and it was looking good. Two more hours and several bastings had me cocky again and testing the thigh temp- off it came for a 40 minute rest. We were very pleased by the juices and my bright idea of mashing up the veggies we had under the bird to add to the gravy. Add a little OXO and man the gravy was on the money.

Time to carve and I was ready, I even boned up re-watching helpful videos. I began by removing the legs. The first came away nicely only to reveal a too red inner core- RUT RO! The bird was NOT done. Now what? I had already begun dismembering and decided to keep going. Remove the legs and wings and cut out the breast meat and re-start the grill- for the 3rd time...

I put the GrillGrates on the grill and had to let everything warm back up before this 'finishing touch'. I finally put the bird parts back on the grill for another 20 minutes. Needless to say I was now worried I had over cooked and dried it out. If I did, the family was easy on me. We enjoyed our meal an hour past schedule which does help elongate cocktail hour and improves hunger. Today's left overs were fabulous and I figured it was appropriate to tell on myself. The GrillGrates did a super job on my half cocked ( err half cooked) bird!

Get the Bird out of the Kitchen and Onto the Grill

2009-11-20T15:16:00.021-05:00

This will be our second year that we'll grill our Thanksgiving Turkey so I am no expert, but I am surely a convert! I doubt that Susan would let me do it indoors again anyway, she gets her kitchen back and I am in the game instead of watching it!

Here are a couple of very good resources to get your bird on the grill!
1. Bon Appetit did a really nice over-view of how to grill a turkey complete with good graphics for grill set-up for gas and charcoal. It was in this month's issue. I'm going to use my gas grill again since it has such good heat control and my Kamado is still an unfinished repair job...
2. AmazingRibs.com has the most comprehensive information on grilling a turkey that I have seen. Craig "Meathead" Goldwyn writes extensively on the art and science of great grilling and this is a superb read that I look forward to following along at the grill. Gobble until you wobble!
3. NY Times- A butcher's approach to carving a turkey. I discovered this gem last year and it really is the best way to carve the bird. Removing the bones from the meat makes such a difference! And forget carving it at the table!
4. Spatchcocking - Bitten Word with credits to Martha Stewart. We've just started doing this with chicken and really want to try with our Turkey.

KCBS Tour Grills Grate Pizza

2009-11-10T08:15:00.004-05:00

Our friends at KCBS just completed their nationwide tour of BBQ Cookoffs with their last appearance at Talladega, AL. Mike and Chris Peters do an outstanding job with the KCBS Tour demonstrating grilling techniques and products for their sponsors. Their samplings go fast and the crowds are always appreciative. At Talladega they grilled 50 Pizzas and had a sampling frenzy going on!

Chris and Mike took a page out of my playbook with MamaMary's Gourmet Crusts and GrillGrates! They used chicken that had been previously grilled, KC Masterpiece original sauce and the new Smoky Bourbon sauce, and in Chris's words the "FANTASTIC Grill Grates for quick, easy and DELICIOUS PIZZA!!!" Thanks for sending along the pictures and I look forward to seeing you guys on the road next year. Remember to use KCBS as a coupon code to save 20% on all GrillGrate products in our webstore. GrillGrate, Eat Well!

The Second Winner of Make Your Mark With GrillGrates

2009-11-07T10:49:00.004-05:00

"I love my GrillGrates. A Lot!
This is the best new product I have tested in years. The concept is so very clever on so many levels: The base blocks flare-ups and helps prevent burning. As a result, meats brown beautifully, and you get really crispy chicken skin without scorching. Juices drip into the valleys between the rails where they are vaporized and the vapors penetrate the meat enhancing flavor. The holes in the base allow some juices down and smoke and combustion gases up to reach the food adding more superb flavors. I have made my best steaks and burgers ever with GrillGrates."
Craig “Meathead” Goldwyn
www.amazingribs.com 10/31/09

After a review like that I picked up the phone and had an enjoyable discussion of grate grilling with Meathead. We discussed the physics of burger and steak grilling. The Hamburger is an iconic field for foodies and grillers in particular. Craig feels that GrillGrates are the missing link to The Perfect Burger! Thank you Meathead! and back at you as our 2nd Winner in the Make Your Mark with GrillGrates contest!

The GRATE STATE of TEXAS

2009-11-06T12:47:00.009-05:00

The United Steaks of America Cookoff Team continues to impress. Not only do they compete, but they put on a great time for the kids and adults. And they sample a lot of food- including MamaMary's Pizza- Gourmet Crusts which are super tailgating fare for hungry fans.

Now back to grilling great steaks which inspired this update. I need to update our YouTube video seared not charred to include all the great stuff we are hearing and learning about grilling the 'best steaks I've ever grilled'. Let me hear and see your story! I know its not easy to remember to grab your camera at the grill. We did enormous T-Bones the other night and I forgot to take a picture of one of the best steaks I've ever grilled!

We also received some grate photos from Smoking Asses Team hailing from Weatherford TX. They re-surfaced their Pit with GrillGrates recently and I'm looking forward to reports of their travels. I look forward to hearing more from the Grate State of Texas!

Grilling Grate at the JACK!

2009-10-31T09:06:00.011-04:00

Every avid griller and BBQ fan needs to attend the Jack Daniels Invitational BBQ Cookoff at least once. Lynchburg, TN (pop 261) is home to the Jack Daniels Distillery, and each fall hosts 25,000 visitors to THE JACK. This year marked the 21st annual cookoff, and my first visit. The town has one traffic light and a picturesque downtown. The contest is held in a public park complex just behind the town square. Every parking spot in town is vacated so vendors from across the US can set up shop on the sidewalks of Lynchburg. I got very lucky to jump in at the last minute and had a slightly hilly spot at the main entrance to the contest. The crowd was amazing, I met people from Canada, California, TX, Switzerland, and the UK all who came for a grand weekend in Lynchburg. I had a blast grilling pizza, quesadillas, and garlic bread. I ran out of food just in time to make the rounds at the end of the competition and visit friends before the winners were announced. This contest is an invitational, meaning only the best of the best are competing along with an international contingent that was especially impressive.

Put the JACK on your calendar for a fabulous October weekend in the TN foothills!

First Weekly Winner of Make Your Mark with GrillGrates Contest

2009-10-19T10:01:00.006-04:00

Brad,
I love to cook, and find it relaxing and fun. Sometimes my hobby gets away from me as I have 5 different grills and a pig cooker that I pull behind my pickup truck. I was watching a BBQ video and saw a link on YouTube where you are doing pizza on the grill. That sent me to your web site and I was very interested in your product for my 22” Weber charcoal grill. I figured this will fit my Weber and also park on my gas grill grate. I sent the web site to my wife, with the thought of getting them for Christmas. Well, she ordered them and I was there when they were delivered on Thursday so she said just go ahead, this Christmas gift is early. (Timing is everything!) My battle plan was to bake a stuffed chicken roaster in the oven on Sunday for dinner. Then I got the bright idea that I would test your “no flames” theory with a stuffed roaster. I figured if I had no flames with a greasy stuffed chicken, this Grill Grate would prevent flame up with whatever I put on my Weber. I fired up my Webber, and put my BBQGuru (draft control) on the grill, setting the temp at 350. I put two stuffed roasters on the grill and walked away. I checked it several times, and had no flames at all.
My roasters turned out great, and I have attached a few pictures. Just looking at the chickens, you would not know they were baked on the grill and not in the oven. The outside of the chickens were crispy, and the meat was juicy and tasted really great.
My wife and I are already referring Grill Grate to all of our friends, which already started Sunday evening!
Thank you!

Steve S.
Harrisburg, PA
Oct 13, 2009

PS- I love the fact that this GRATE Meal was not about sear marks at all!

Big Green Egg Bests Apple!

2009-10-18T20:51:00.007-04:00

My first Eggtoberfest this weekend led me to a not so startling conclusion. The Big Green Egg Company just may have the world's most happy and satisfied customers of any company- period. Apple has been the pinnacle of rabid, enthusiastic customers and I've been an Apple customer, fan and enthusiast for over 20 years. But nothing compares to the pure joy and celebration that owners and fans of Big Green Eggs displayed this weekend. Every Egger I know is an evangelist, and this weekend's 12th annual 2 day event was a customer celebration like I have never seen before. The product is certainly outstanding, and now I've learned that the company is equally as impressive as its product. BGE reminded me again what a pleasure it is to work in this industry.

I want to thank Egghead Paul for his help and cooking with me this weekend and a special thanks to Jodi Burson of BGE for including me in their outstanding event! Egg over apple, I'll have to try that one!

Eggceptional Grilling with the Big Green Egg

2009-10-15T08:29:00.009-04:00

I am probably the only cook grilling this weekend at the Eggtoberfest who does not own a Big Green Egg. However, Egghead Paul- my grilling compadre took pity and brought me his BGE from home so I could practice, and I don't think he wants me to embarrass him in front of all of his EGG friends. First of all, I'll never call the BGE crowd a cult again! I'm hooked, totally sold and trying to figure out a way to keep Paul's Egg on my patio a little while longer.

We're both excited to be able to cook at the Eggtoberfest on Saturday. We'll be grilling grate along with 200 members of the BGE family. Thanks Paul and thanks BGE!

Kickin Chicken Thighs, Eggceptional Burgers, Garlic Bread and Steaks! I love my job!

Make Your Mark with GrillGrate Contest

2009-10-09T13:12:00.006-04:00

I love it when a customer has a brilliant idea! Audrey M from Maryland emailed photos a of grilled crabcake and the suggestion for a Great Grill Marks Contest! Audrey gets a T Shirt and an extra GrillGrate panel and MamaMary's Gourmet Crust coupons for that suggestion!

Make Your Mark with GrillGrate Contest- One weekly winner for the next 4 weeks will get the same prize as Audrey did along with Tweets and Facebook glory. The first winner will be announced Oct 18, the second Oct 25, the third, Nov1 and the last on Nov 7.

A grand prize winner will be announced before Thanksgiving and wins the Greatest GrillGrate Gift Bag, a T shirt, GrillGrate apron, and more.
Post pictures or Video on the GrillGrate Fan Page on Facebook
Post Video on GrillGrate YouTube Channel (post a video response to the featured video)
Email photos or video clips info@grillgrate.com

Contest Notes: All previously submitted photos may be entered, but must be re-submitted.

On your MARK!

Competitive BBQ Teams WINNING with GrillGrate!

2009-10-03T10:49:00.017-04:00

The secret is getting out! United Steaks of America BBQ Cookoff Team from Dallas has posted two recent wins using GrillGrates as part of their arsenal. Congrats Guys! They also were the first to purchase our new professional GrillGrates for the Weber Kettle. That was how I found out about their wins including a first in Steak and a 2nd and 4th in Tulsa last weekend.

Randy Twford- a veteran competitive BBQ is also using GrillGrates. He took 2nd in PORK at the Pork Expo using GrillGrates. Randy also uses GrillGrates for his steaks. Thanks for the pictures Randy and good luck at the Royal this weekend! I've got some GrillGrate SWAG coming your way Randy and thank you again for your testimonial last weekend- the background noise drowned us out, but I loved hearing about your success with GrillGrates!

A KCBS judge told me last week that he has suggested to a few of his favorite teams to use GrillGrates- not just for the fabulous searing but to achieve a juicier product as well. He only wanted to let his favorites in on the secret... well this is one secret I am anxious to get out!
GrillGrate, Eat Well! and WIN!

A Smoking GRATE IDEA from Craig 'Meathead' Goldwyn

2009-10-02T14:09:00.011-04:00

A few weeks ago I received this picture from Meathead who runs AmazingRibs.com. He introduced me to Candy at BBQRS Delight who manufacturers a wide line of hardwood pellets for smoking. He put a few of Candy's pellets in the bottom valley of the GrillGrates and reported a superb result. Meathead called GrillGrates and BBQRS Delights pellets peanut butter & jelly we go together so well. What a simple and effective way to add smoking to grate grilling!

Candy and I have exchanged products and now I am really impressed. The smoke flavor on our gas grill was amazing. I gave up using smoker boxes on my gasser because it was just a pain to soak em, hide the box and hope it smokes. These little pelets work- and what an assortment! She has a nice Christmas variety pack on her website.

Candy also competes and right now she is at the Mac Daddy of them all- The Kansas City Royal. Good Luck Candy! and use your GrillGrates for your chicken entry! And a special thank you to Craig Goldwyn aka 'Meathead' for your enthusiasm and support of GrillGrates! GrillGrate, Eat Well!

Getting Back to the QUE! Praise the LARD!

2009-09-23T22:13:00.005-04:00

We're making the trip to BBQ Mecca tomorrow- Murphysboro, IL. It will be our second trip. Our first trip was fabulous, getting into the kitchen with Mike and having a great meal with the 17th Street gang. Now we're just playing groupie and hanging out with a bunch of great people and looking forward to spending some quality time to enjoy southern Illinois, and some great BBQ!

On the same page with Bobby Flay!

2009-08-20T13:12:00.004-04:00

Page 22 of New Jersey Savvy Magazine! Nice Grilling and Chillin' article. Thanks for spotlightling two NJ boys. I grew up in Liberty Corner, NJ- aka Mayberry RFD.

I'm not looking for a throw-down with Bobby, but sure would love to grill with him!
Grill Grate, Eat Well!

Attention Big Green Egg Owners!

2009-08-13T17:44:00.015-04:00

We are now offering modified GrillGrates for the BGE Large and BGE X L. The standard rectangular grates work well on BGE's but I've heard from enough Eggers that want to cover more surface area and a couple of handy customers just cut off the corners and helped me see how nicely 3 GrillGrates fit on the large BGE and I figured out all by myself how 3 of the the 20 inch commercial GrillGrates fit beautifully on the XL. Just the corners need to be nipped. Over 300 square inches of GrillGrate surface on the XL.

Of course we're offering special pricing to customers who have already purchased GrillGrates for their large Eggs. Just email me a photo of your EGG with GrillGrates and I'll offer you a special low price on a 'Left and Right' to add to your collection! The left and right will list for $24.99 per Grate. Please email me: info@grillgrate.com or call 877.380.2527. The BGE XL set will retail for $129.99

There is only one way to improve on the best grill available: GrillGrates!

Using the right oils at right time, right purpose

2009-08-13T17:35:00.003-04:00

Here I've been suggesting olive oil as the best oil to season GrillGrates and I'm wrong. Our genius med school daughter emailed me this chart that is worthy of printing and laminating. Olive oil is perfect for low heat (up to 350F) but will burn and smoke beyond that. High-heat canola is better and its smoke point it 460F. That is also why PAM and Weber's Grilling Spray are better they are made of commercial grade canola oil. As it turns out that is just the beginning of all the information Spectrum packs into their Kitchen Guide.

The chart from Spectrum Organics is downloadable as a PDF is also a great guide to comparing OMEGA 3-6-9 Sources, and different oils for different uses. Now I know.

Fixed Up with FaceBook

2009-08-04T18:33:00.003-04:00

I've had several friends and customers strongly encourge me to be more active with Facebook. BUT -last June FB locked my account over a billing dispute, and I'll spare the details. One year later I get a survey from FB and I reply about my issue and all is forgiven and good. SO over the past couple of weeks I have been poking around FB and updating the GrillGrate Fan page, and seeing how much I need to learn again...

However, I get Facebook a lot better now. (Remember us over 50 year olds are a little slower with this social networking stuff) I need help updating our GrillGrate page and I am anxious to provide another place for GrillGrate customers, fans, and friends to interact. Heck even though the page was locked to me for a year we already have 60 fans. Thank you Facebook for giving me a second chance and thank you to our customers who want to see GrillGrate on Facebook.

All American Independence Day

2009-07-04T09:50:00.010-04:00

We display Susan's grandfather's flag every 4th of July and each year on 9/11. American patriotism, pride and values are what makes the 4th of July such a great holiday. And we chill by the grill with friends more than any other time of the year.

There is no better way to celebrate our freedom than a small town parade! We only have to walk a block and under cool blue skies, everyone was smiling and being American. I got up early and went fishing and caught one of the old men of the pond so the day got off to a good start. Then I had to snake my way around downtown and I got home just in time to walk down to the parade. I still had my camera in my pocket and enjoyed taking a few pictures. I wanted to email the bass photo to the owner of the pond so I figured I'd post a few photos.

Big-time grilling and chilling coming up this afternoon at Tommy Boy's house hanging around his Man Cave and lazing in the pool. Tom even got a fresh keg of Stella! Happy July 4th America!

Burgers, Beer & Brats for Grate Grilling for July 4th!

2009-06-30T09:35:00.007-04:00

Celebrate America’s Independence with Johnsonville Brats, burgers and your favorite beer! Over the past several weeks we've been grilling a lot at friends houses (mostly those with pools) and its always the same- "bring what you have to grill." We call that Kitchen Sink Grilling. Last weekend it was potstickers, quesadillas, corn and a couple of packgages of Brats. There never seems to be any brats in the left-over pile to divy up though!

Gathering around the grill with friend's over the 4th of July is an All American Tradition. If you are invited to a barbecue this holiday weekend, pick up a couple of packages of Johnsonville Brats, they are a welcome addition to any grill! Johnsonville has a fun contest going on too- create your own VILLE. Check it out

God Bless America and our Troops!
GrillGrate, Eat Well. Have a happy and safe holiday.

Update: Tips for Getting the Most out of your GrillGrates

2009-06-30T07:47:00.006-04:00

Twist First, Flip Second: It only took me 30 years to learn this one! Get killer sear marks and only turn the food once. Mike Mills from 17th Street Bar & Grill showed me how the restaurants do it. Lift the food, twist (i.e.from 10:00 to 2:00) and place back down on the GrillGrates. The GrateTool makes this technique a snap. Then turn to reveal beautiful cross-hatch sear marks (this gives you the presentation side) and finish to desired doneness and remove. One twist followed by one turn.
Warm up Your Grill to Grilling Temperature: Avoiding high heat burn-off keeps your grill from getting too hot (700F and higher) and the possibility of a burned meal. Gas Grillers tend to heat their grills to max temp (and then get a beer) and turn their grill into a blast furnace to burn off any debris and prepare the grate. A hot grill takes a while to cool down to 450-500F. Warming up the grill to grilling temps will save a lot of fuel and you won't burn off all that wonderful seasoning on the GrillGrates. The raised rails clean-up very easily during warm-up, so there is no need to burn-off the remains of your last meal. Warm up, clean-up, Grill Grate!
Use Grilling Spray: GrillGrates have more surface area than regular grills. With Hard Anodized GrillGrates, use Weber Grill Spray or Pam for Grilling especially in the beginning. The sprays are built for high temps and aid in the non-stick until the GrillGrates become seasoned. Olive oil can also be used to prepare the raised rails. Over time the non-stick of the raised rails gets better and better.
Clean Hard Anodized GrillGrates as little as possible in the beginning: This will aid and speed up the seasoning process. The entire Grate will blacken except for the raised rail grilling surface. Use a grill pad or brush to wipe the rails clean. Beyond that, just keep debris out of the valleys.
Bring on the Marinades and Sauces because you can with GrillGrates: No more starting bonfires with marinades. You can marinate early in the grilling process. The valleys sizzle and steam the marinade back up tot he food. Enjoy the sounds of a sizzling sauce and taste the difference too. Extra marinade burns on the bottom of the GrillGrates, not of your food.

UpGrated Tommy Boy's Grill!

2009-06-28T17:51:00.007-04:00

Tom & Bev graciously encouraged us to hang at their pool this weekend while they were out of town- which we did. Tom has a super man-cave / chilling shed with Stella on tap! Next thing you know we're grilling for eight! Friends brought chicken, brats, burgers, corn, pot stickers, and quesadillas which I grilled in a procession on Tom' new grill. This grill is the size of our Volkswagen and I finally got the opportunity to upgrade Tom with new GrillGrates for his new grill. I've tried to swap out his old testers that he's had for over a year but he kept saying they were just breaking in! I went back to our house and picked up 5 new GrillGrates and my camera.
Tom's signature dish is wings, he grills them several times a week- every week. His teenage daughter is seriously addicted to her Dad's wings. Wings are like that annoying tree in your yard that drops junk year round, but is just too beautiful to chop down. The grease that comes out of wings is amazing and so were the condition of Tom's GrillGrates! I bet that Tom has grilled several hundred pounds of wings on these grates dating back to his old grill. The grates were some of our first test products, they were stuck together, most of the holes were plugged up. I got my chance to UpGrate Tommy Boy's grill and hit the reset button. We ate well and I even let Ralph (the hound) have a beer! Thanks Tom and Bev! I did clean the pool while we were relaxing with Stellas!

Finally GrillGrates for the cult of the Big Green Egg!

2009-06-26T10:13:00.003-04:00

It only took two customers to lead me to this very nifty solution for the large Big Green Egg. Cutting of the corners on two GrillGrates creates left and right halves that allow for three GrillGrates, not 2 on the large BGE. All that is involved is cutting 2" triangle off of four corners of two grill grates. We'll put a quantity in inventory and get product sheets ready asap. Working on the medium BGE (15inch diameter) too. Green Egger's are an amazing bunch and are the most loyal, rabid consumer cult I know other than iPhone users! Just goes to show how deep the thrill of the grill runs in America.

I'd love to hear from our BGE customers, email me pictures! (info@grillgrate.com) We're putting together a web album in your honor. GrillGrate, Eat Well!

Burgers, Beers and Brats! Life is Good

2009-06-22T12:00:00.013-04:00

We grilled at a friend's farm this weekend. I mountain biked for the first time. It was a hot 95F afternoon with our host leading the way followed by my 19 year old son. The others smartly walked the trails. I was winded in 5 minutes, but managed to bring up the rear without incident or accident. Sitting on the porch next to a cooler of Moosehead beer was all I could muster after that, but grilling duty called.

We brought the burgers but forgot to pack the GrillGrates. This family has been a GrillGrate clan from day one and I knew we would find a few in the cooking shed. We built a wood fire that required a couple of beers before it was ready. Right before it was time to grill, I added a layer of smaller wood on top and we were hot! GrillGrates were a super flame shield and kept the Brats from becoming black sticks, and the burgers from being hockey pucks! The smoke got in our eyes a bit but it kept the bugs away. I nearly burned the hair off my legs, tending to the grill but we prevailed and put out a juicy feast complete with 17th Street Beans. After dinner I fished, Susan and Francoise lounged at the dock, and Don led the rest of the troops to the sauna and then into the lake. What a great way to spend the solstice and Father's Day weekend! Thanks!

Gratest GrillGifts for DAD (and me)

2009-06-11T08:18:00.020-04:00

Forget the neckties, and go for great grill gifts this Father's Day.

GrillGrate Gratest Gift Bag- Upgrade Dad's grill and his grilling skills with GrillGrates, The GrateTool and Steam Cleaning Brush all in a convenient store and carry bag. $85.00 after 15% discount (NBBQA discount code) at g rillgrate webstore.
Smoke Like a Pro Kit from Peg Leg Porker. Everything a Dad needs to get smoking like a pro. Rubs, sauces, brines and the tools to use them. $39.99 from Peg Leg Porker. Also seen on QVC.
Grill Clips- Magnetic tool hangers for all the tools that we need at the grill. $14.99-$29.99 from Improvements Catalog.
Peace Love & BBQ- Hailed as the only BBQ book Dad will need. Mike and Amy Mills reveal secrets of the pit and recipes for their Magic Dust and more. $14.93 from Amazon.
KCBS Membership- The Kansas City Barbecue Society is a vibrant organization that sanctions all things BBQ. The Bull Sheet is outstanding read that Dad will look forward to every month. $35.00 annual membership
Glow in the Dark Instant Read Thermometer- Includes easy to read dial with handy pocket case and a bonus magnet for the fridge for a quick reference for doneness. $6.99 from Grill Friends.

Grill Great, Eat Well Dad!

This just landed on my patio!

2009-06-10T17:52:00.002-04:00

I've wanted a Big Green Egg for quite a while but have never been able to get approval from the boss for the purchase. A generous friend learned that this Kamado was not going to move with its owner out of state and bought it for me as a gift! Some gift and some friend. At least I'll be smoking on the patio here in Georgia since I could not make it to the Big Apple BBQ in New York this weekend! Looks like my Weber Kettle might get lonely for a while!

Healthier Grilling = Grill More, Eat Less!

2009-06-09T09:25:00.005-04:00

I feel compelled to weigh in on the healthier grilling subject since we get bombarded with the grilling = cancer message every year about this time. Here is the latest summary from Washington that was published yesterday (June 8 2009 reprinted below)

“Summer is just around the corner, and Americans are already firing up their grills. As a dietitian, I'm concerned by how many consumers are unaware that grilled meat can increase their risk of cancer.”

"Meat cooked at high temperatures has already been linked to colorectal cancer, and it also seems to increase the risk of pancreatic cancer, according to a new study presented at the American Association for Cancer Research annual meeting. In this nine-year study, researchers analyzed the meat consumption levels and preferred cooking methods of more than 62,000 people. Study participants who cooked meat at high temperatures and consumed more well-done meat had about a 60 percent higher risk of pancreatic cancer, compared with other people”.

There are easy ways to reduce our cancer risk without giving up grilling. For a healthy backyard barbecue, try throwing veggie burgers, veggie hot dogs or portabella mushroom "steaks" on the grill -- and make sure to fill up on plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Krista Haynes, staff dietitian
The Cancer Project
Washington, D.C.

This study better illustrates the dangers of over-consuming meat in general, particularly lots of well done, charred meat, and should not be a condemnation on grilling meat. Grilling is best way to cook anything healthier and that especially includes meat. Fats are extracted and flarvorized but are not in the final product. Seasonings, marinades and sugars caramelize meats and vegetables to be their best with a grilled taste that cannot be duplicated indoors. So keep grilling meat, just don’t burn it and lets work on proportion control. Grill less meat and more vegetables is the formula for healthier living and healthier grilling. The cancer project has that part right, but they really should be putting out the message of Grill More, Eat Less!Gathering around the grill leads to healthy meals and healthy conversation. For 30 years I was a main meal guy at the grill-- lots of meat and little else, now appetizers and vegetables extend our grilling time and we are grilling less meat, and I am eating my vegetables for the first time in my life- even beets!

Too much meat in general is the problem and grilling should be a big part of the solution! Grill More, Eat Less!

ACE is the Place for GrillGrates

2009-06-08T17:09:00.006-04:00

Thank You to our local ACE Hardware here in Cartersville who is supporting the home town brand! And Thank You to the Barrett girls for coming out to support Poppa and GrillGrate at the Georgia BBQ Classic. I also want to thank you girls for keeping me from drinking all the beer myself and having Moma Barrett come and get me! All the proceeds- close to $30,000 benefit the Good Neighbor Homeless Shelter here in Cartersville, GA. Karla Barrett you are a grate woman!

Get Dad Grilling Pizza this FATHER's DAY

2009-06-04T09:02:00.004-04:00

Grilled pizza has become a staple at our house and thanks to MamaMary's Gourmet Crusts it has become a staple with many GrillGrate customers too! Now through Father's Day all orders for GrillGrate products will include a coupon for a free package of MamaMary's Crusts- a $5.00 value. Find MamaMary's in the deli section of your favorite supermarket and get grilling great pizza! This link takes you to recipe ideas with MamaMary's crust. Enjoy.

Don't forget to use coupon code NBBQA and save 15% at the GrillGrate Webstore. on your order and shipping is just $5.00

Get Dad Grilling Grate this Fathers Day!

Refresh Yourself on BBQ Rules

2009-05-28T12:26:00.005-04:00

New Standard Operating Procedures released today please learn (or unlearn!)

(received via email- uncertain of author, certain of authenticity.)

BBQ RULES We are about to enter the BBQ season. Therefore it is important to refresh your memory on the etiquette of this sublime outdoor cooking activity. When a man volunteers to do the BBQ the following chain of events are put into motion:

Routine...
(1) The woman buys the food.
(2) The woman makes the salad, prepares the vegetables, and makes dessert.
(3) The woman prepares the meat for cooking, places it on a tray along with the necessary cooking utensils and sauces, and takes it to the man who is lounging beside the grill - beer in hand.
(4) The woman remains outside the compulsory three meter exclusion zone where the exuberance of testosterone and other manly bonding activities can take place without the interference of the woman.

Here comes the important part:
(5) THE MAN PLACES THE MEAT ON THE GRILL.
More routine...
(6) The woman goes inside to organise the plates and cutlery.
(7) The woman comes out to tell the man that the meat is looking great. He thanks her and asks if she will bring another beer while he flips the meat
Important again:
(8) THE MAN TAKES THE MEAT OFF THE GRILL AND HANDS IT TO THE WOMAN.
More routine...
(9) The woman prepares the plates, salad, bread, utensils, napkins, sauces, and brings them to the table.
(10) After eating, the woman clears the table and does the dishes.
And most important of all:
(11) Everyone PRAISES the MAN and THANKS HIM for his cooking efforts.
(12) The man asks the woman how she enjoyed 'her night off', and, upon seeing her annoyed reaction, concludes that there's just no pleasing some women.

QVC went GRATE on Sunday!

2009-05-27T11:17:00.016-04:00

QVC was a success! We made our numbers with Grill Grate on Sunday's In The Kitchen Show with David Venable (who was amazing) and then enjoyed a beautiful Memorial Day at Longwood Gardens in Chester County, PA. That was the perfect follow-up to a long and stressful day at QVC. Being a first time guest is a whirlwind as we watched the "professional" guests whiz in and out to demonstrate a myriad of fabulous products. Several of our friends watched more than 3 hours of QVC on Sunday expecting us in the noon hour and we finally went on sometime after 2:00PM. A few mentioned that they bought other stuff waiting for us to come on. QVC has it going on!

Speaking of friends, I have been overwhelmed since Sunday. I keep finding myself pausing to be thankful and grateful for so much help, support, cheering and friendship. If I had to make a picture of friend it would be Suzanne B, a frequent traveling companion and consummate friend. She helped Susan and I prep food, helped me pre-grill and otherwise shared the nerves and support role with style. Suzanne's best comment: She was more nervous than at any of her 4 weddings!

I am grateful for friends, customers, and all the pro's at QVC! This newbie appreciated the extra care and support. I'm glad it is over, and I am glad to be able to come back soon, but now it is time to go back to work!

PS- If you want to see my Grill Grate debut on QVC-here is the link. At this point I only see how much I can improve!

Expand Your Grilling Repertoire and Grill A 3 Course Meal this Memorial Day Weekend!

2009-05-21T16:12:00.013-04:00

America is heading to their backyard grills this weekend, now more than ever. Backyard grilling is one of the positives coming out of this challenging economy. More time around the grill with friends and family is never a bad thing. Are you grilling more these days? Here are a few tips to take your grilling up a few notches and stretch the food budget too.

Start with Appetizers- Extend grilling and chilling time and give everyone a little nosh. Delight your guests with Grilled Ravioli, Quesadillas or Pizzas. Now for the best part- they are all simple on the grill- especially with GrillGrates.
Do a Grilled Vegetable Plater- part 2 of extending grilling and chilling time. Fill the grill with a medley of vegetables- whole and sliced: zuchinni, squash, peppers, carrots, and peeled wedges of beets, sweet potatoes and more. Coat or spritz with olive oil, cracked pepper and salt. Grill ahead of the main course and plate all together and keep warm under foil while you tend to the main course. Grilled vegetables will compliment every grilled meal.
Grill Dessert- Quesadillas make marvelous desserts. Easy to make ahead of time and 10 minutes on the grill delivers a finishing flourish to an easy three course meal. Try Christope r Columbus Apple Pie or Laura's sliced pears and goat cheese, or my personal favorite- raspberry chocolate yummy.

Grill More and Eat Less this Memorial Day Weekend!
2 min video for easy, healthy, and impress your friends fun three course meal on the grill.

I'm not ready to take on Bobby Flay, but I am ready for QVC!

2009-05-20T08:23:00.003-04:00

We are scheduled for this Sunday (MAY 24) at Noon to debut Grill Grates to the QVC audience. I am excited and a little nervous! I may not be ready to take on Bobby Flay, but I very much looking forward to demonstrating all the benefits of why GrillGrates are a new and improved grilling surface. We'll have three live grills going and for those of you that may not know- QVC is live TV, not taped. After being exposed to QVC, I told my wife I would never question her buying anything from them. They sell high quality products at excellent prices, to a loyal customer base. Wouldn't you know I've seen more than one QVC box showing up at the house lately! If you've been waiting to buy GrillGrates, this Sunday will be a good time to make a Grate Purchase!

Savoring a Well Seasoned Grill Grate

2009-05-11T07:33:00.009-04:00

I grilled a lot over the Mother's Day Weekend and found myself using all 3 grills on the patio. The grills had several sets of Grill Grates in various stages of seasoning and break-in. I took the opportunity to take pictures of each of the GrillGrates before and after cleaning. All three of my grills had the remains of great grilling, they were all quite messy, and they cleaned up surprising easily with just a few brushes using a grill pad brush.

I admit to flip flopping on the care and seasoning of the hard anodized GrillGrates. I am over my anal stage and in fact have not cleaned any of my GrillGrates in the sink for quite a while. I just wipe them down on the grill as they warm up. Feedback from customers and restaurant users confirm that GrillGrates get easier to clean as they break-in, and they reach a point where you barely need to even wire brush them. The debris literally wipes off using the grill pad type brushes AND- another flip flop here- a lot of our customers report using the GrateTool to clear debris from the valleys, and I have to admit it does!

This weekend I realized I was savoring the GrillGrate clean-up as a ritual to Grilling Grate! Then onto the pure joy of letting my charcoal Weber and the GrillGrates do their magic with thick lamb chops along with a little magic from a Julia Child marinade...

CONGRATS To Kristina Vanni! Winner of 2009 NRA Hot Chef Grilling Challenge

2009-05-08T11:52:00.004-04:00

Congratulations to Kristina Vanni, and thank you to everyone who viewed, rated and commented on my video. This is a link to Kristina's winning entry. She'll give a great demo at the upcoming Restaurant show. Here is a link to my entry for posterity! I hope one of our restaurant customers wins next year! We're excited by what we're learning from our Restaurant trial and I plan on exhibiting at next year's Restaurant Show.

Don't forget to use coupon code NBBQA for 15% off on all GrillGrate products in our webstore. Please contact me directly for information about our Commercial Grade GrillGrates.

NRA Hot Chef Grilling Challenge on YouTube

2009-04-29T07:39:00.011-04:00

I could not resist entering this grilling challenge! Produce a 2 minute video and incorporate hot trends in restaurant fare as reported in the 2009 research from the other NRA- the National Restaurant Association. I focused on #2 top trend (#1 was local organic) which was bite size mini desserts. Winners get a trip to Chicago to attend the National Restaurant Show and do a demo on the main stage. Nice prize, nice contest.

Our raspberry chocolate yummy is a tasty dessert for the table but sticking to bite size pieces will be more difficult. To round out the video we grilled ravioli for appetizer- again a hot trend of appetizers for the table and salmon and asparagus for the main course. We grill appetizers often, it gets everybody noshing and cocktail hour gets a bit of an extension. This recipe fits into our Grill More, Eat Less mantra as long as you stick with the bite-size dessert trend!

Here is a link to all the entries and you can rate my video there but not from inside this blog. I used GrillGrates as the contest also called for new techniques, but I did not to make it a GrillGrate commercial-in fact I never even mentioned them- I was focused on the food! Win, lose or draw it was fun to enter, and I continue to be amazed at the power of YouTube and all this social media stuff!