The Top 5 Most Essential Grilling Tools That Every Beginner Needs

Along the way, you will want to add a few more accessories of your choice to achieve your desired barbecue dishes but a few reliable grilling tools will help you get started. Of course, these tools are not only for cooking, but also for your protection while in front of the grill.

So if you have a new grill, here are the top 5 grilling tools that you'll need to get started:

1. Grill gloves

When it comes to grilling, safety should be your top priority as you will be exposed to extreme heat and sometimes open flames. To protect your hands, purchase a good pair of heat-resistant grill gloves - one that has a flexible grip and is comfortable to wear so that it doesn't get in the way of your cooking.

2. Long-handled tongs

A good quality pair of tongs is one of the most important grilling accessories that you should have especially if you're a beginner. When choosing tongs, it is ideal that you opt for the long-handled variety to keep your hands at a safe distance from the grill while cooking. Also go for tongs that has an easy grip so that you can hold small or large as well as delicate or hard food pieces without problems.

3. Spatula

Flipping your food is part of grilling, that's why you will need a reliable spatula that will do its job without damaging even the most delicate types of food. There are numerous new models of spatula out in the market today - some with a knife on the side and some that doubles as a beer opener. These are not recommended as they will only get in the way of turning your food so go with a simple yet durable spatula.

4. Silicone brush

Another important step in the grilling process is adding flavor to your food while it's on the grill, that's why experts recommend beginners to invest in a good quality silicone brush to add sauces or marinades on your food while cooking. Unlike regular grill brushes, silicone brushes won't leave behind bristles on your food. They're also ideal because silicone is heat-resistant and can withstand extreme heat for long periods of time.

5. Food Thermometer

As a beginner, it is important to learn how long various kinds of food cook on the grill. This is hard to tell especially at first, that's why experts recommend a good food thermometer to help guide you. While many use an instant read thermometer which is quite on the expensive side, beginners can start with a reliable digital one which is also a good choice. Just be sure to for a model that is accurate and reads quickly. This way, you won't have to worry about undercooked or overcooked food on the grill.

Invest in these essential grill tools as you start your grilling journey. They will help you achieve delicious dishes and you'll be a grilling pro in no time!

Vegetables On The Grill

The grill is your friend this summer. You can create whole meals on this simple piece of equipment and make delicious food. 

When you grill you use high, direct heat to cook food. This create the nice char and the delicious smoky flavor. But, (always a but) that isn't so healthy.

The charred pieces have carcinogenic compounds. Meat produces more, but veggies have their own. Plus, like all cooking, you lose juices and vitamins with heat.

It's not all bad news. Grilled vegetables taste delicious. They cook fast and retain their snap. It's one of the better cooking methods, far better than boiling.

Here's the best way to cook vegetables and meats on the grill. Marinade everything. A simple marinade keeps away the char, provides wonderful flavor, and keeps everything easy.

Use an oil base. Olive oil is popular. Grapeseed, sesame, and coconut oils are healthier.

Add lots and lots of herbs and spices.

Coat the grill with peanut oil to prevent sticking.

Grill quickly, but don't over cook. Vegetables on the grill need to be done quickly.

Any vegetables can be done on the grill. Larger ones can be cut into smaller pieces. Zucchini, corn, green beans, asparagus, tomato (firm ones), onion, garlic (whole cloves), potato, squash, peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, beets, turnips are all good candidates. All fruit that are a little more solid are also good.

Get your fruits and vegetables from the farmer's market. That way, you get the freshest vegetables. Fresh is important because fresh vegetables retain their structure. Firm vegetables are better.

Ever tried grilled peaches or watermelon? You don't know what you are missing!

All meats can be done on the grill. Eggs and fish should be done in a pan or on foil, because they can fall through the grates.

Obtain your meats from a local butcher that uses local meats. This is far healthier, with a better fat profile (more heart healthy omega-3s). Find a local farm that sells eggs. See if they let their chickens run around and eat weeds and bugs, their natural diet. The meats and eggs taste better on a natural diet, and cook up so much better. Yes, you will taste the difference.

Best of all: you can't cook breads, pastas, or any junk on the grill! Just don't go adding it in.

Cook more on the grill this summer. It's quicker, healthier, and tastier! Plus, choosing the local farmer's markets and butcher is cheaper!

Christina Major is the Naturopathic Doctor and Holistic Nutritionist of Crystal Holistic Health Consulting. Crystal Holistic Health helps people, especially women, who have Type II Diabetes, High Cholesterol and High Blood Pressure lower their numbers, get off medication and increase their energy so they can save money, take back control of their lives and improve the health and happiness of their families. 

Smoke Your Meats And Embrace Your Inner Caveman

As I am writing this I can smell the fragrant goodness of mesquite and hickory wood mixed with country-style pork ribs and the heady meatiness of sirloin tip roast. My Masterbuilt electric smoker is billowing clouds of white smoke into the suburban grid and I'm annoying my neighbors with the aroma of freshly smoked meat. Today is a celebration of meat.

Meat. I love it. A luxurious and delicious benefit of the frontal lobe. Man is smarter than the other animals, therefore he will fashion a spear and kill what he needs and roast it on a fire. I am an unapologetic apex predator and when I'm in this mind-set there is no amount of tofu, fresh vegetables or nuts that will satiate my desire for the fatty, lusty and carnal desire of freshly smoked meat.

I don't care what meat it is. Game, beef, poultry or lamb it doesn't matter. I sometimes crave meat. I'm comfortable with my carnal desires and the sins of the smoked flesh.

It's like some ancestral caveman jumps into the cockpit of my brain and takes control. I call him Gug. Gug is my friend and although his language skills aren't very good, we have an understanding. Meat is good. Fire is your friend. Cook meat with wood.

Sure the smoker came from the Home Shopping Network. It's a Christmas gift from my wife that I received many moons ago. My ancestor Gug approves of the ease of turning on the electric thermostat to the perfect cooking temperature although he doesn't understand how it works.. Gug also enjoys drinking some ice-cold pineapple moonshine with me as I write this article. Life is good for us knuckle-dragging neanderthals.

Gug doesn't understand the idea of foraging in a grocery store with a stainless steel cart. His small, undeveloped brain gets confused over such weird ideas. Gug evolved to hunt, gather eat and procreate.

Gug is a good friend. He links me with my past. Long before political correctness and childhood obesity and fat-free tofu there was Gug. There are times as a man when it is important to ignore my inner cave man. Gug can get me in trouble. Gug needs to stay home during weddings, cocktail parties and heated discussions with supporters of PETA. I'm not ashamed of my inner Neanderthal and love of meat. It's just that you can't wear a loin cloth all the time and be taken seriously.

I check the digital thermometer and see that the beef is a perfect medium rare. I rest the meat and slap Gug's hand. Gug wants to eat now. He grunts and has a puzzled look on his face as I start grinding cilantro,parsley,lime juice, garlic and extra virgin olive oil in the blender to make a chimichurri sauce to compliment the beef.

The country ribs need a little more smoking so I open another mason jar of cold moonshine. This time it's apple pie and Gug smiles a big toothless grin.We have time. There is no rush. I smile too and wait patiently as a slight breeze blows under my loin cloth. This is a wonderful, meat inspired, cave man Sunday.

Ways to Find the Best BBQ Party Caterers

A BBQ party is a special occasion. This is a casual event, where you invite your friends, relatives and neighbours to have some fun with and spend some fun moments. You can call for a BBQ party just for the sake of having fun or you may decide to have a BBQ birthday party or for any other event for that matter. 

Find the Best BBQ Catering Service

If you are planning for a BBQ party, then you don't really need to spend a lot of time in order to find a caterer. However, you must make sure that you have selected the best one out of too many options you have to select from. Remember, the success or failure of your BBQ Party depends upon, the services provided by the BBQ caterers. The quality of food, their hospitality and other factors make a huge difference. Here are a few tips which you might find helpful while selecting a catering service for your BBQ party:

Number of Guests: The first question which needs to be addressed is how many guests you want to invite or have already invited. The reason why this is a very important factor is because all the catering agencies have some limitations in terms of their manpower. With too many guests, you might need to deploy more than one agency.

Their Experience: As already mentioned, a BBQ is a special occasion, therefore it is very important that you have selected a catering agency which has a fair amount of experience in BBQ events.

Their Rates: This is another very important factor. You would like to have everything at minimum possible rates. Therefore, check if the rate which they have quoted is at par with the market standard. If you feel that they have quoted higher rates, see if there is any room for negotiations.

Ask for samples: If possible, ask them to present a few samples for you to check. These samples will give you some idea about their quality.

Overtime Charges: The chances are most likely that you might have to extend your party timing. In that case you will have to pay the catering agency there overtime charges. Ask them about it.

Payment terms: Usually and advance payment is made and the rest is done after the work is done. Check out if the one you have selected follows the set standard. If they follow some other methods, check how reliable they are.

When it comes to a BBQ party, it is very important to be critical and selective in choosing the right caterers. At the end of the day, they are the ones who would be preparing the all important BBQ foods, which is one of the major attractions of the party. So, if you wish to organize a party, then the specialised caterers are the ones you need to get in touch with.

Motorcycle Parts And Accessories To Enhance Your Ride

Whether you're new to the world of motorcycles or you've been riding for years, it is always fun to check out new motorcycle parts and gadgets. These parts can make your ride easier, more enjoyable, and even make you more excited to get on your bike and go for a drive. Check out these accessories to add some fun to your ride.

Motorcycle GPS

When you hop on your motorbike, it's important that you know where you are headed, and this new gadget can help get you there. There are now multiple GPS devices that are specifically designed to be used by motorcyclists on the road. These gadgets are compact, waterproof, and some even have integrated headset connectivity so you can hear the spoken directions inside your helmet. In this new age of technology where it is rare to find someone using an actual paper map, this might be the most obvious investment to improve your riding experience.

Handlebar Warmers

When it's cold outside, riding your bike might not seem like the most appealing mode of transportation, but if it happens to be your only option, handlebar warmers can make your ride much more enjoyable. This gadget attaches to your handlebars and the heating wires slide right under the grip so you don't have to worry about keeping them in place or ruining the aesthetic of your motorcycle. These can be used on any bike with any type of handlebars, but they may not be compatible with foam grips.

Motorcycle Cameras

Have you ever been riding your bike along a beautiful coastline and thought, "I wish I could capture this moment?" Well, now you can. Thanks to advancements in technology, there are now cameras made specifically for motorcycles that can mount just about anywhere as well as get rid of excess noise and vibrations to ensure you have a clear picture when you're playing it back for your friends. These cameras are user-friendly and virtually indestructible so you won't have to worry about them getting ruined outside in harsh climates. All you have to do is attach it, turn it on, and capture the stunning view.

Compact Battery Chargers

Even if you buy all of the cool gadgets and motorcycle parts in the world, you can't put them to use if your motorcycle battery isn't charged. That's why keeping a compact battery charger with you at all times can be a great asset. These compact chargers have short cords and small cases so they are easy to store and can give you a full charge without fear of overcharging your battery once it's full. You should never let a lack of battery charge keep you from a great ride, so make sure you pick up one of these chargers so you can take advantage of all the other motorcycle parts you have.