I ventured into my
garden for the first time the other day
and stared longingly at my kettle grill. I even sniffed the air, breathing in
the imaginary aromas of slightly sweet, hickory-smoked ribs. It's that time of
year again, and I am psyched.
Below are some new products that might get the steaks, I
mean creative juices, flowing this season. (And if you need a new grill for
your balcony or backyard, check out my
previous post.)
Barbecue Utensil Set
This stainless steel set brings to mind the phrase
"form follows function." Each piece is beautifully designed with a
sleek aesthetic, and without compromising the intended function of the tool.
They actually work and work well. Included in the set are gripper tongs, a
turner, spearing tongs and small flipping tongs. It's a set that is perfect for
the backyard aficionado with the double-wide Viking grill and outdoor kitchen
ensemble. At $378 it's not a steal, but it'll sure have the neighbors envious.
Extremis Utensile1 Barbeque Set, $378 for a 4-piece
set; through janusetcie.com
Smoker Set
To use
many smoker boxes, you place them near the side of the grill. What I like about
this one is that the wood chips or pellets are set into the smoker frame
directly under the food tray so you don't lose any of the flavor. One tip: The
smoker frame food tray is elevated even further over the heat source of your
grill, because when you smoke, you usually use do so at a lower temperature for
a longer amount of time. So, if you still want to sear the food you are
smoking, get the food tray good and hot before laying out your meat, fish,
veggies or poultry. Then place the smoking trays in place under the food tray
at the bottom of the smoker frame. The set works on both gas and charcoal
grills. I can smell the applewood-smoked pork chops already.
Charcoal Companion Platinum Grid with Smoker Tray
Set, $50; williams-sonoma.com
Cutting Board
I think this little contraption falls under the category,
"Why didn't anyone think of this before?" A white teak cutting board
with handles fits most grill side tables, so that you can check and carve your
meat before bringing it to the table. There are two trays for catching all the
delicious juicy bits, or for your sauces and seasonings, plus a removable
hook-on storage pocket and three stainless steel tools.
Picnic Time Carver, $60; picnictime.com
Steel Food Loops
When I first saw these, I thought they were ridiculous. But
then I recalled
veggies falling through the grate onto the hot coals below and
the horrible smell that resulted and began to rethink my position. The
stainless steel loop is adjustable to 6.5" in diameter, which can lasso a
small bird, corral thin
asparagus stalks, and keep the stuffing inside a roast.
I'm thinking up more uses as a write. Plus, it can withstand heat to 2012
degrees Fahrenheit, which means you can use it in the turkey fryer too.
Foodloop Flame, $16 for a set of 4; fusionbrands.com
Veggie Grill
The hardest part of grilling is timing. There's nothing worse
than sitting down to your perfectly marinated, hot-off-the-grill swordfish
steak, only to find your baked potato side dish is as hard as a rock. The folks
at Wilton Armetale came up with this cooker that uses the conductivity of metal
to cook your potatoes or other tubers from the inside out. With additional tray
space, smaller veggies can be heated at the same time. It takes up some grill
space, but it's worth every inch when you can bring the attractive tray to the
table with evenly cooked vegetables at the same time as your main.
Foodloop Flame, $16 for a set of 4; fusionbrands.com
Gina Provenzano has worn many hats, including that of a stylist,
producer, writer, and editor. With experience both on staff at national
consumer magazines such as
Bon Appétit and
Family Circle
and as a freelance contributor for independent companies, Gina is
recognized as an industry expert in entertaining, kitchens, tabletop
design, and home decorating.
RELATED LINKS:
- Fire It Up
Everything You Need to Conquer the Coals
- Grilling Gear: The Ultimate List
Essential Equipment and Tools, Including grills, tongs, and thermometers,
plus fun extras like pizza peels, rib racks, and chicken roasters
