Any Time is Grillin Time

jbenham · Jul 19, 2016

Well what do you know? The sun is shining, the birds are singing, the squirrels are chasing each other around and I actually got to grill some pork steaks! Rain is in the forecast for the next several days with a heat index of 110 predicted for Friday. Did I mention our dog is afraid of thunder?

olbriar · Jul 19, 2016

Grilling out is a good thing. Pork steaks sounds good too. I grilled out burgers Saturday night and then some Porterhouse steaks Sunday. The burgers were good and the steaks were better. Go figure. :rolleyes:

Actually I over cooked the steaks a touch. Mine was medium well and the wife's medium. Target was medium and medium rare. They were very tasty though. We had some fresh corn on the cob that made up for my error in cook time. Man I love fresh corn.

jbenham · Jul 20, 2016

This was our two day reprieve from rain. Dew point is supposed to be in the 70s the next few days. We like our steaks medium rare. It is one of my few skills. Too early for corn up here. Gotta love it!

olbriar · Jul 20, 2016

It's finally drying out around here. We seldom see rain in July yet this year we've gotten over seven inches this month. However, no rain this week and temps hovering around 100F. Pretty handy.. grilling without a fire. :rolleyes:

jbenham · Jul 21, 2016

We had 1/2" rain in ten minutes this morning. For some reason, we seem to be getting more rain by us than the rest of the state. Sunny now, but the dew point is right up there by the actual temperature. Supposed to be even worse tomorrow. In case you missed the news, stay away from Bar S hot dogs. They are having a massive recall.

Unforgiven · Jul 21, 2016

It's a dustbowl up here in New England. I don't think we've got 1/2 inch of rain in July.

jbenham · Jul 21, 2016

I grew up in MA in the 50s, mostly Acton. Not to worry, you will make up for it with snow this winter.

Unforgiven · Jul 21, 2016

jbenham said:
I grew up in MA in the 50s, mostly Acton. Not to worry, you will make up for it with snow this winter.

Thanks, I think.

olbriar · Jul 24, 2016

I spoke too soon about the weather. This past week has been brutally hot. Temps over 100 topping out at 105 so far. That isn't taking into account the heat index. With humidity over 35% it's impossible to do anything outside without the sweat dripping off of your nose. At least it's taking a toll on the grass. For the first time this year the grass has slowed down a bit. Yards have needed mowing multiple times a week and my contracts are weekly. Makes for hard and slow mowing... or less money per hour. Normally I'm on easy street by mid June.

On another note, I invested in a new burn pot for my Traeger. The original has a few extra holes burnt/rusted in it. I'm experiencing about a 100 degree less top end temp. I can smoke without any trouble but grilling at 320 or so isn't cutting it. I'm hoping this will fix my problems.

I could buy the steel replacement for 39 bucks. This 12 gauge stainless steel was a hundred bucks. It came highly recommended so I'm giving it a go. I know it will last longer. I'm just hoping it fixes my temperature problems. It's either the pot or the auger tube full of dust impeding the pellet flow. I've vacuumed it out best I can but admit that I've not pulled it out for inspection. Replacing the pot will be a great opportunity to put the super clean on that entire assembly.

Unforgiven · Jul 24, 2016

I had baseball practice and field maintenance until after eight, so we had these prepared for the grill.

olbriar · Jul 24, 2016

Those sure look good! Lets all put our heads together and design a better skewer. One that doesn't burn your fingers or require grill gloves to turn them over. Perhaps spring loaded ends keeping the meat and veggies compressed so they all turn with the skewer and not slide around on it when being turned.

olbriar · Jul 24, 2016

I've been meaning to mention the gift I received from my butcher. A few months back I made a comment about how handy it would be to have one of those huge meat trays he uses to stock his displays. I'd use one to bring food in from the grill when cooking for the masses. I'm guessing they are around two feet by two and a half feet, all aluminum, with a generous lip around the edges. Sure enough, last weekend, he took me to the side and graced me with two of the trays. They are used but not used up by any stretch. A very generous gift indeed. I'll use one to take the meat to the grill and the other to bring in the cooked meat. Absolutely perfect! I know they will easily hold a grill full for they are larger than my grill surface.

Unforgiven · Jul 25, 2016

olbriar said:
Those sure look good! Lets all put our heads together and design a better skewer. One that doesn't burn your fingers or require grill gloves to turn them over. Perhaps spring loaded ends keeping the meat and veggies compressed so they all turn with the skewer and not slide around on it when being turned.

I have these on my Amazon wishlist. I just keep forgetting to add them to my cart when I order something else.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003NHBFT...UTF8&colid=2YUSJNUATX35X&coliid=IPOJGJM3JRH55

olbriar said:
I've been meaning to mention the gift I received from my butcher. A few months back I made a comment about how handy it would be to have one of those huge meat trays he uses to stock his displays. I'd use one to bring food in from the grill when cooking for the masses. I'm guessing they are around two feet by two and a half feet, all aluminum, with a generous lip around the edges. Sure enough, last weekend, he took me to the side and graced me with two of the trays. They are used but not used up by any stretch. A very generous gift indeed. I'll use one to take the meat to the grill and the other to bring in the cooked meat. Absolutely perfect! I know they will easily hold a grill full for they are larger than my grill surface.

Nice score. :thumbsupdroid:

olbriar · Jul 25, 2016

Unforgiven said:
I have these on my Amazon wishlist. I just keep forgetting to add them to my cart when I order something else.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003NHBFT...UTF8&colid=2YUSJNUATX35X&coliid=IPOJGJM3JRH55

Those look useful. At least the ends could be handled. I have trouble finding dead center of my kbob goodies. My biggest problem is the heavy end stays on the grill even though I've turned the skewer over. I end up getting some stuff way done on one side only and less than cooked on the other. Though I stuff the components tightly together, shrinkage gives them room to spin around leaving the heavier side close to the fire. I have a couple of the baskets pictured below which pinches the meat and veggies in a basket that can be turned. They work well but the fun of laying a couple of delicious looking kbobs on someone's plate is sorely missed.

Unforgiven · Jul 26, 2016

olbriar said:
...laying a couple of delicious looking kbobs on someone's plate is sorely missed...

As delicious as kabobs are on their own, that^^^ is a completely underated aspect of kabobs. The colors both before and after grilling with little sear marks just makes them look tasty and yells summertime food.

olbriar · Jul 26, 2016

My replacement burn pot was shipped today. I'm excited to get that baby installed and heat it up.
I haven't grilled or smoked anything at home in two weeks. I don't think I've ever gone that long without grilling something on my patio. At least I've cooked up some tasties down at the cabin or I would be a basket case. o_O

olbriar · Aug 1, 2016

Received the burn pot today. I'm impressed with gauge of the stainless steel. I don't know when I'll have time time to install it though. Working 12 hour days sort of bites into spare time. I'll give a report on how the install goes as well as how it works for me later.

olbriar · Aug 2, 2016

I just finished trimming a house and starting another tomorrow. So I got off early, mowed my lawns, and then replaced my burn pot in the ol Traeger. That is a no brainer task btw. The only difficulty I encountered was the hot rod had a bit of corrosion which I had to remove with some steel wool before I could get it out of the old pot. I have the smoker running now. I'm grilling some ribeyes for the wife and I. The temp is at 400f and rising. As you might recall, I was topping out at less than 350... more like 325 with the old pot. Here is a pic of the old pot once removed.

As you can see, it was pretty used up. The replacement weighs twice of the oem and is stainless steel. I think I'm in good shape for a while.

Unforgiven · Aug 5, 2016

This is happening in the next few days. I don't care if the menu is full.

http://www.traegergrills.com/recipes/beef/pizza-meatball-sliders

olbriar · Aug 7, 2016

Those look seriously good. I ate lasagna for dinner tonight and they still look good.

olbriar · Aug 11, 2016

Did you do your sliders @Unforgiven ? Was curious how they turned out.

I'm spending time at the cabin this weekend. Just the wife and I. I don't know what I might grill.
Ribeye doesn't sound all that bad. :rolleyes:

I'd moving my trailer down there this weekend and trying to get it set up. I'm thinking about a grill/smoker for the trailer. A smoker would be a great option being as I have a propane grill for the cabin already. I've toyed with the idea of placing my smoker down there and buying me a new one for the home.

Naturally I haven't run that buy my wife just yet. :rolleyes:

I'll probably just be in for some cheap propane grill for now.. but, my birthday is in September.

I know what would really make this year's celebration special.

Unforgiven · Aug 11, 2016

olbriar said:
Did you do your sliders @Unforgiven ? Was curious how they turned out.

I'm spending time at the cabin this weekend. Just the wife and I. I don't know what I might grill.
Ribeye doesn't sound all that bad. I'd moving my trailer down there this weekend and trying to get it set up. I'm thinking about a grill/smoker for the trailer. A smoker would be a great option being as I have a propane grill for the cabin already. I've toyed with the idea of placing my smoker down there and buying me a new one for the home. Naturally I haven't run that buy my wife just yet. I'll probably just be in for some cheap propane grill for now.. but, my birthday is in September. I know what would really make this year's celebration special.

No sliders yet. Time getting ready to tent it in the White Mountains next week, so probably not until I get back. It will be made though.

I was also just gifted a treager Lil' Tex, so a smaller, tailgate version of what I already have.

eddiekeyton · Aug 11, 2016

This is the first year I have really got into grilling but my family is saying that I am doing a great job. It is a huge stress reliever for me and it is making meet gain some much needed weight lol

olbriar · Aug 11, 2016

Unforgiven said:
No sliders yet. Time getting ready to tent it in the White Mountains next week, so probably not until I get back. It will be made though. I was also just gifted a treager Lil' Tex, so a smaller, tailgate version of what I already have.

Very envious but happy for you! I look forward to a report on the sliders and have a more than idle interest in your opinion of the Lil' Tex. Have fun camping.

eddiekeyton said:
This is the first year I have really got into grilling but my family is saying that I am doing a great job. It is a huge stress reliever for me and it is making meet gain some much needed weight lol

Welcome to the grillin corner and grilling in general. I'm with you.. it's so relaxing and fun to grill foods. It's a means of expressing yourself as well. I enjoy eating the stuff I cook out but I way get off on someone taking the time to praise my efforts. I've had plenty of less than stellar attempts at the grill but once in a while... the stars align. You see it on the faces of your guests. You have brought forth a meal that will be remembered... and that is way cool. It's all good times and the grilled meats are so much better for you. Grilling is where it's at.

I'm glad you are enjoying your time at the grill. Brag up your efforts... we'd love to hear about it. What kind of grill do you use? Personally, my best grilling efforts have come off of the cheapest propane grill sold by Wally World. I have a grill that cost ten times it's price and though it's nice.. it's not ten times the cheapie. I've replaced parts and it's again needing repair. I'm thinking about buying another bottom of the line grill to replace it instead. Sometimes the magic is in the cooking and not the stove.

eddiekeyton · Aug 11, 2016

olbriar said:
Very envious but happy for you! I look forward to a report on the sliders and have a more than idle interest in your opinion of the Lil' Tex. Have fun camping.

Welcome to the grillin corner and grilling in general. I'm with you.. it's so relaxing and fun to grill foods. It's a means of expressing yourself as well. I enjoy eating the stuff I cook out but I way get off on someone taking the time to praise my efforts. I've had plenty of less than stellar attempts at the grill but once in a while... the stars align. You see it on the faces of your guests. You have brought forth a meal that will be remembered... and that is way cool. It's all good times and the grilled meats are so much better for you. Grilling is where it's at.

I'm glad you are enjoying your time at the grill. Brag up your efforts... we'd love to hear about it. What kind of grill do you use? Personally, my best grilling efforts have come off of the cheapest propane grill sold by Wally World. I have a grill that cost ten times it's price and though it's nice.. it's not ten times the cheapie. I've replaced parts and it's again needing repair. I'm thinking about buying another bottom of the line grill to replace it instead. Sometimes the magic is in the cooking and not the stove.

As of right now since I just started grilling I am operating a 15 dollar charcoal grill from dollar general haha. I love getting creative with marinades and stuff that changes flavors. I will def post some pics soon

Any Time is Grillin Time

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