The Essentials of an Outdoor BBQ – Discover Gourmet

The Essentials of an Outdoor BBQ

Aug 31, 2020 Kitchen Essentials

Barbecuing is a beloved summer tradition. They're perfect for graduation parties, baby showers, block parties, holidays, and more. When you want to see your friends and family before the summer is over, have yourself a backyard barbecue. 

Homo erectus began cooking meat with fire about 1.8 million years ago, but the barbecues we know and love today originated in the Caribbean. The word barbecue comes from the language of a Caribbean Indian tribe called the Taino. Their word for grilling on a raised wooden grate is barbacoa. The word first appeared in print in a Spanish explorer's account of the West Indies in 1526. Since then, the popularity of barbecues has spread like wildfire. The history of barbecuing in America dates to colonial times (one of the first laws enacted in the colony of Virginia during the 1650s forbade the discharge of guns at a barbecue!), and barbecuing has been a part of American culture ever since. 

We offer some awesome barbecuing essentials that will make your backyard the place to be this summer. The Carl Mertens Metz 9" Barbecue Knife is a must have for your barbecue. This unique addition to the Metz line stands out, with a double riveted handle that allows for an attached leather cord. The broad blade is made of rustproof chrome molybdenum vanadium steel and the bolsterless design allows it to be sharpened along the entire blade. Slice brisket or other barbecue meats with the gently curved blade, and lift meat from the bone with the pointed tip. This knife will make barbecuing all the better.

We also recommend the Shun Kanso 4 Piece BBQ Knife SetThis set includes everything you need for your next barbecue; a 5" Kanso Honesuki, 6.5" Kanso Boning/Fillet Knife, and 12" Brisket Knife with traditional Japanese Saya, all in an 8-Slot knife roll for safe and easy storage in the kitchen or on the go. The Honesuki is ideal for cutting poultry, while the Boning/Fillet knife can be used for fish. Use the long blade of the 12" brisket Knife for trimming and slicing larger cuts of meat like brisket, ham, roasts, and turkey. 

Last but not least, you can't have a barbecue without Wusthof. The Wusthof 4-Piece Skewer Set is perfect for making your next cookout a breeze. Avoid the prep work of soaking wood skewers in water. Instead, slide food pieces onto the skewers and immediately place on the grill. They're also reusable. Simply clean them after each use and place into storage. These skewers are made of stainless steel, which helps them withstand the hot temperatures of the grill. The stainless steel also allows the inside and outside of the meats to cook evenly. Enjoy a more low-maintenance grilling experience with these Wusthof skewers. They are sure to make a lasting impression for many years.

If you want to add a little twist to your barbecue, then try cooking on the grill with a cast iron. There are many reasons why you should cook on the grill with a cast iron, and we have many cast irons to choose from! Cooking with a cast iron on the grill is a great way to grill smaller foods, like vegetables, and more delicate foods, like fish! We recommend the FINEX 10" Cast Iron Grill Pan for your grilling pleasure. Our Barbecue Cranberry Meatball Recipe will be a great opportunity to grill with a cast iron this summer!

If you need some ideas for side dishes or dessert, check out our Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe and Strawberry Blueberry Crumble Recipe on our blog. We have countless recipes on our blog if you need anymore ideas for the future too!

When you have a barbecue this summer, you'll want to be prepared. Be sure you have all of the necessary items, and the delicious food to cook! If you take any stellar photos of your barbecue with our products, let us know by sharing it to Instagram and tagging us @jlhuffordonline!

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