Saturday, May 18, 2019

A Brief History of BBQ

What Grilling Really Means in the Midwest and the South

Chef Thomas Boemer wants to set one assumption straight: Discussing Midwestern grilling in general is like lumping all Southern desserts together, from Key lime pie to beignets. You just can’t do it. And he’s an award-winning chef in Minnesota in particular, which is quite different from other parts of the region—besides his state’s obvious northern, lake-filled qualities.

“In Minnesota we consider it the North, so it’s kind of “Game of Thrones” here with winter. It’s one of coldest places in the United States,” the chef says.

But we’re going to generalize both for a moment, focusing on Minnesota, where Boemer runs the award-winning Corner Table and more casual Revival restaurants in Minneapolis, and North Carolina, where Boemer grew up.

We love to break the rules.

After all, Boemer was a James Beard Foundation semi-finalist for the 2016 and 2017 The Best Chef: Midwest category. In 2014 and 2015, Boemer also won both the Cochon555 Minneapolis Championship and the Grand Cochon Championship. The Cochon championships are a nationwide tour and culinary contest pitting five chefs against each other, cooking more than 30 dishes using whole locally-raised heritage breed pigs.

Special to Chowhound

So this chef handles not only the highest-quality meats using the best techniques, he handles a ton of it.

Boemer’s Corner Table easily goes through 100 pounds of house-made pork sausage a week, “and that’s a minimum,” he says. That number can double at peak times. In the spring, he and staff butcher two whole lambs and 30 ducks every week, and then one whole hog every two weeks.

At Revival, they’ll sell five to 10 whole briskets, four to eight pork shoulders, 750 to 1,000 piece of chicken, and racks upon racks (upon racks) of ribs—in a day. “That’s a lot of fried chicken,” Boemer says with a laugh. Among other things.

So if anyone’s going to give advice on grilling and barbecue, it should be Boemer.

Tips & Tricks

These are a few of this grill master’s most critical, easy-to-follow tips:

DON’T go too low.

The worst grilling sin is to grill at too low of a temperature. “People do not put enough charcoal in the grill,” Boemer says. “It’s not the best, most efficient, or most cost-effective way of grilling something.” When you really want to get that grilled flavor, it comes from two things: the char, and when those juices hit those super-hot coals and it creates a savory smoke that infuses the meat.

DO get in the zone.

Set zones on your grill. You always need a hot spot and a cooler part, “so you can get a really great sear, that carbonization, and then move it over to a cooler spot so you cook it all the way through; that’s how you maximize the texture.” When people do use really high heat, they then make the mistake of trying to cook the meat all the way through on that direct heat. And that, of course, leads to burning, or at least dry meat. That makes people like Boemer (and us) very sad.

DON’T use lighter fluid (or briquettes).

There’s no reason to ever use lighter fluid. Don’t even use charcoal with lighter fluid in it. And don’t use briquettes. Well, what should you use then? Look for natural lump charcoal. “It cooks more consistently and longer and with better flavor. You’ll get far superior flavor. Briquettes have a lot of fillers,” Boemer says.

Fogo Super Premium Hardwood Lump Charcoal, $32.95 on Amazon

One reviewer calls this the Rolls Royce of charcoal.
Buy Now

DO expiriment with flavor.

Experiment with rub mixtures. You can match your rub with your sides, such as choosing a Moroccan rub on grilled chicken served with couscous. A Southern rub on pork can come with slaw. “You can play with it,” he says.

So what about these regional American differences?

In the Midwest, or Minnesota at least, they think of it as grilling, Boemer says. In the South, they’re all about barbecue. “Here where it’s cold for a very long period of the year, as soon as it gets above 32 degrees, we get out there. We don’t waste any time here. We enjoy it,” Boemer says. It’s not uncommon to dig a pathway through the snow to the outdoor Weber grill.

In the northern Midwest, it’s about sausages: bratwurst, Polish kielbasa, and knockwurst served with garnishes. But people are branching out lately, grilling more vegetables and whole chickens, he says. The outdoors and hunting are huge in Minnesota, so venison sausages are popular. Everyone has their own blend of spices, but garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper are common. People will bring their animal to a butcher to prepare and then eat the cuts, including grinding some of it for sausage. Buy a natural casing from a whole-animal butcher for the best flavor, if possible. See our step-by-step instructions for making sausage.

Getty

In the Carolinas, pork reigns. Often it’s a pork shoulder or a whole hog, cooked low and slow on the grill all day. Southerners are more excited about smoking your meat. The cooking process can take as little as three hours for ribs or as long as 24 hours for a whole brisket. “When it’s time to enjoy it with guests there, you just chop it up and you’re ready,” Boemer says. Generally, between 275 to 325 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal temperature. The humidity in the environment can slow down the cooking time. “We call that the ‘stall,'” he says. People often serve vinegar-heavy sauces or coleslaws because the acidity cuts the richness of the fattier meat that you get with pork.

DIY: Grilling & BBQ Recipes from Thomas Boemer

Boemer created three recipes for us to highlight these grilling and barbecue tips, fusing his expertise and Midwestern-Southern roots.

1. BBQ Pork Shoulder Sandwiches with Mustard Slaw

Thomas Boemer

That mustard-based barbecue sauce has the tang of cider vinegar, a signature Carolina move when it comes to smoking or grilling pork. The acidity of the vinegar is a welcome contrast to the fatty meat. Get our BBQ Pork Shoulder Sandwiches with Mustard Slaw recipe.

2. Toasts with Grilled Chicken Livers and Peach Agrodolce

Thomas Boemer

You grill the peaches too, along with the marinated chicken livers for a crunchy, creamy, juicy, smoky, sweet, and piquant bite that’s irresistible. Get our Toasts with Grilled Chicken Livers and Peach Agrodolce recipe.

3. Grilled Lamb Chops with Broccolini and Olive-Pistachio Sauce

Thomas Boemer

There are so many well-thought-out elements here that provide you with contrasting and complementing flavors. It’s lamb like you’ve never had it before. Get our Grilled Lamb Chops with Broccolini and Olive-Pistachio Sauce recipe.

For more recipes and tips, check out our Ultimate Guide to Grilling & BBQ.

Related Video: Smoked Barbecue Baby Back Ribs

All featured products are curated independently by our editors. When you buy something through our retail links, we may receive a commission. For more great hand-picked products, check out the Chowhound Shop.

This post was originally published on May 5, 2017 and has been updated with new links, images, and formatting.



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Raise These ‘Game of Thrones’ Goblets for Toasting the Final Season

Game of Thrones glasses, goblets, and chalices

If you’re a fan of “Game of Thrones,” you may be feeling mixed emotions about the series finale, which airs on May 19. We understand if you need a drink—whether you’re celebrating, drowning your sorrows, or attempting to calm your nerves. So we’ve rounded up some “Game of Thrones”-inspired goblets that let you sip in style, and show allegiance to your favorite house while you’re at it. Whether you fill them up with Cersei-approved wine, something stronger (“Game of Thrones” beer and hard alcohol would be great choices, but we’ve also got “Game of Thrones” cocktail recipes)—or just plain old water—you’ll want to hold on tight, because there are sure to be surprises coming in the final episode (or maybe you’ll just be so furious you’ll want to throw your drink at the screen).

See how to stream “Game of Thrones” if you don’t have HBO.

SPOILER WARNING: Read at your own risk if you’re not caught up yet and don’t want to know certain details about the show. And don’t say we didn’t warn you!

The Lannisters

Design Toscano The King’s Royal Chalice Cup, 2 for $72.90 on Amazon

Amazon Game of Thrones golden goblet wine glass

Amazon

Ornate, gold, and deep enough to hold a good amount of wine—yep, we’d imagine Cersei would have approved of this one. And these wines to go in them.Buy Now

The Starks

“Game of Thrones” Winter Is Coming Goblet, $54.39 on Amazon

Game of Thrones Stark direwolf goblet Amazon

Amazon

This official direwolf goblet is pretty fierce, and a great way to pay your respects to the Starks.Buy Now

“Game of Thrones” Weirwood Tree Goblet, $57.06 on Amazon

Game of Thrones weirwood tree goblet Amazon

Amazon

Or you could go the all-seeing weirwood tree route, if you don’t mind being stared down (Bran-style) by your goblet while you drink from it.Buy Now

The Targaryens

Pacific Giftware Double Dragon Heart Goblet, $21.99 on Amazon

Game of Thrones dragon goblet Amazon

Amazon

However you may now feel about the Targs and Dany in particular. this goblet manages to be both romantic and appropriately badass, and there’s only one left right now.Buy Now

Pacific Giftware Eye of the Dragon Fantasy Chalice, $24.99 on Amazon

Game of Thrones dragon eye goblet Amazon

Amazon

One more for Daenerys stans—or for those who just like the dragons. The more abstract design is almost like something Qyburn might have cobbled together (but way less terrifying than The Mountain).Buy Now

Dragon Scale Tumbler, $34 on Etsy

SewNerdyGifts Etsy dragon scale goblet

Sew Nerdy Gifts/Etsy

Yes, traditional goblets have stems, but as the clumsy among us know, stemless cups are much more stable—and this one looks like a shimmering, scaly dragon egg to boot.Buy Now

The White Walkers

Ossuary Style Skeleton Goblet, $9.99 on Amazon (was $29.99)

Game of Thrones White Walker skeleton goblet Amazon

Amazon

If you were rooting for the army of the dead (or maybe are just into a general goth aesthetic), this skeletal goblet might strike your fancy.Buy Now

Game of Thrones Limited Edition Viserion White Walker Goblet, $57.99 on Amazon

Amazon Game of Thrones White Walker ice dragon goblet

Amazon

Or make it official with this licensed, limited-edition goblet memorializing one of the most shocking moments from last season: the creation of an ice dragon. (There’s also a dragon skeleton option…)Buy Now

The Greyjoys

Octopus Spirit Decorative Antique Bronze Finish Statue and Glass Decanter Set, $109.80 on Amazon

Amazon Game of Thrones Greyjoy octopus decanter

Amazon

The Greyjoys are a dismal bunch, and the ones that are left probably don’t sit around sipping a lot of wine. Shots seem more their style (stunningly accurate shots in the case of Euron, right?). But you certainly don’t have to be a follower of the Drowned God to appreciate this pick.Buy Now

Custom Color Octopus Goblets, 2 for $49 on Etsy

custom made octopus goblets on Etsy

Cthulhu for You/Etsy

If you would rather have full-size glasses, these handmade octopus goblets are just the thing. You can choose your favorite colors for both the body and the eyes, from stormy sea shades to pre-Joffrey Sansa shades of pink.Buy Now

The Tyrells

Copper Rose Engraved Goblet, $13.20 on Amazon

Amazon Game of Thrones copper rose goblet Highgarden

Amazon

Pour one out for the Queen of Thorns (an OG til the end), and raise a glass to Margaery (she tried)—even better if it’s adorned with a rose for Highgarden. But do take note: this one is tiny.Buy Now

The Reeds

Greenman Goblet, $16.47 on Amazon

Amazon tree face goblet

Amazon

The Reeds don’t get as much attention as some other Westerosi families, but they were the ones who led Bran to The Three-Eyed Raven and the Children of the Forest (for all the good that ultimately did).Buy Now

The Baratheons

English Pewter Company Rocks Glasses with Pewter Deer Head, 2 for $79.95 on Amazon

Amazon English Pewter Company deer head whiskey glass

Amazon

Another one that’s not technically a goblet, but you can’t quibble with the stately stag head adorning the glass being a perfect tribute to the Baratheon clan (and if you’re living your Arya fantasy, you can pretend Gendry forged it just for you).Buy Now

Vintage Pewter Goblet, $16 on Etsy

vintage pewter deer elk goblet Etsy

Antiques Quality/Etsy

If you want a classy stag-accented goblet, well, this also doesn’t exactly fit the bill, as the animal on it is an elk—but close enough! (Probably not for the ever-pedantic Stannis Baratheon, but we’ll allow it.)Buy Now

The Wildlings

Ale Horn, $34.99 on Amazon

Amazon Game of Thrones ale horn

Amazon

Drink your ale Tormund-style…just, maybe not as messily, especially if you’re trying to impress your own Brienne. It’s not quite a goblet, but almost there.Buy Now

The Sands

Bowl of Hygieia Snake Chalice, $29.92 on Etsy

Etsy Game of Thrones snake goblet

Etsy

The Sand Snakes may have been cringe-inducing, but they had style, as does this chalice (which is actually a symbol of a Greek goddess). If you prefer a more traditional wine glass, check out these hand-painted snake glasses.Buy Now

The Red Woman (aka Melisandre)

Villeroy & Boch Boston Wine Goblets, 4 for $65.62 on Amazon

red glass goblets

Amazon

Is your kitchen cupboard dark and full of terrors (in the form of old, tired drinking glasses)? Get this set of lovely, vintage-inspired crimson goblets Melisandre would probably have happily sipped from. They could even make a nice (red) wedding gift…Buy Now

For the General Fan

“I Drink and I Know Things” Wine Glass (and Beer Glass), $21.99 on Amazon

Amazon Game of Thrones glass "I drink and I know things"

Amazon

Only care about Tyrion? You’re not alone. This set of glasses (one for wine and one for beer) bears one of his most iconic lines, but won’t be back in stock until May 22.Buy Now

Check out lots more official Game of Thrones merch here (including more goblets, plus tankards and steins in case you prefer ale). And if you want to mix things up, get some “Game of Thrones” drink recipes to pour into your new cup!

Related Video: Make This Melisandre’s Shadow “Game of Thrones” Cocktail

All featured products are curated independently by our editors. When you buy something through our retail links, we may receive a commission. For more great hand-picked products, check out the Chowhound Shop.



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Chowhound’s 13 Most Popular BBQ Recipes

smoky-sweet barbecue short ribs

You’ve got the grill. You’ve got the gadgets. You’ve even studied grilling tips from a pitmaster and researched the best meat delivery services so you’re free-range, grass-fed, kosher victims are set to arrive at the door any minute. Guestlist? Check. Fire extinguisher. Double check. What else is there?

Oh right….recipes!

From slathered on shortribs to miraculously moist grilled chicken, homemade seasonings, and even a few seafood surprises, we’ve gathered Chowhound’s 13 most popular & clicked-on BBQ recipes from the past year to give you a head start on your summer cookin’. Bust out the charcoal and lighter fluid cuz it’s gonna be a hot one!

And for even more, check out the recipes and cooking tips our Chowhound community is buzzin’ about for BBQ season.

Easy BBQ Baby Back Pork Ribs

easy bbq baby back ribs

Chowhound

This popular ribs recipe is easy, technically speaking, but does require some prep and planning. A lot of it can be done ahead of time if you have the luxury, and finished on the grill when guests start to arrive. Serve with some crisp summer slaw and some baked potatoes. Get our Easy BBQ Baby Back Pork Ribs recipe.
Easy Fish Tacos

fish tacos

Chowhound

For something, a little unexpected try grilled fish tacos at the next summer BBQ gathering you host. Marinate the white fish —something semi-firm like snapper, cod or mahi-mahi)— and serve with pickled onions, lime wedges, and sliced avocado. Get our Easy Fish Tacos recipe.

Chowhound

This is a classic beef seasoning that you can buy in the store but it’s much more fun to say you made your own, right? You can always package up and give out to BBQ guests for a fun take home. Get our Montreal Steak Seasoning recipe.
Grilled Country-style Pork Ribs

Grilled Country-Style Pork Ribs

Chowhound

Fun fact about Country Style Pork Ribs is that they’re not actually ribs but rather a boneless cut from the loin. Let a rub sit on the meat overnight for best results and then grill until a nice crust appears. Get our Grilled Country-style Pork Ribs recipe.

Cajun Seasoning

Chowhound

Have a bunch of this Cajun seasoning on hand all summer and you’ll never have a boring piece of grilled chicken or burger again. Don’t crazy on the heat as you can always kick it up with a little extra pepper or cayenne to order. Get our Cajun Seasoning recipe.
Argentine Chimichurri Sauce

Argentinian chimichurri sauce

Chowhound

Do you don’t technically make this one on the grill either but sometimes a good sauce to slather onto meats after they come off the grill can make the difference between a good and great backyard BBQ. Get our Argentine Chimichurri Sauce recipe.

Franklin Barbecue: A Meat-Smoking Manifesto

Required reading for any pitmasters in training.
See It
Smoked Barbecue Baby Back Ribs

Chowhound

This recipe requires some special equipment. If you don’t have a smoker, like our favorite below, then you can always turn your grill into a smoker rather easily. Smoking anything imparts a deep sometimes all-consuming flavor, that balances nicely with the sweetness of BBQ sauce. Get our Smoked Barbecue Baby Back Ribs recipe.

*Special equipment alert: You’ll need a charcoal grill to turn into a smoker (or better yet, if you have a smoker, use it). You will also need long heatproof tongs, matches or a lighter, newspaper, 1 disposable aluminum 9-by-5-inch loaf pan, 1 disposable aluminum 8-inch square pan, a baking sheet, 2 oven mitts, 2 buckets of water (one to soak the wood chips and the other to refill the aluminum loaf pan), and an oven thermometer.

Cuisinart Vertical Charcoal Smoker

Affordable and not terrible difficult to move around!
See It

Juicy Jucy Burger (a.k.a. Jucy Lucy)

Juicy Lucy cheeseburger recipe

Chowhound

As you’ll read there is some serious drama as to what midwest bar this juicy burger originated in. We’re just glad it’s part of our summer arsenal. Worcestershire sauce is one of summer grilling’s best-kept secrets and the umami flavor is key in this grilled burger recipe. Get our Juicy Jucy Burger (a.k.a. Jucy Lucy) recipe.

Smoky-Sweet BBQ Beef Short Ribs

smoky-sweet barbecue short ribs

Chowhound

These fabulous BBQ short ribs technically get their start in the oven but are finished on the grill. Short ribs prove less intimidating than a full-size rack of ribs, and make sure you follow the cooking times and temps as closely as possible for best results. Get our Smoky-Sweet BBQ Beef Short Ribs recipe.

Read More: The Best BBQ Rubs You Can Buy

Grilled Chicken Breasts with Balsamic Rosemary Marinade

Easy Balsamic Rosemary Grilled Chicken recipe

Chowhound

You can’t go wrong with grilled chicken at a summer BBQ but give it a formidable injection of flavor as in this very popular balsamic and rosemary marinade. Get our Grilled Chicken Breasts with Balsamic Rosemary Marinade recipe.

Grilled Paella recipe

Chowhound’s Grilled Paella

Paella is to Spain as BBQ ribs are to the U.S. The perfect dish to serve a large group, and eat outside in the sunshine with a cold beverage in hand. Use any type of seafood you’d like but remember some hold up to grilling better than others. Get our Grilled Paella recipe.

Carne Asada

carne asada tacos

Chowhound

There is a ton you can do with a good carne asada. Tacos or fajitas, top a salad or pile it high on some good ciabatta for a sliced steak sandwich. Feel free to crank up the heat if you’ve got Scoville junkies in tow. Get our Carne Asada recipe.

Read more: The Best Keto BBQ Sauce You Can Buy

Maple Mustard Grilled Salmon

Chowhound

Grilled salmon and summer grillin’ go together like PB & J. This maple and mustard marinated fish dish will be a hit with BBQ guests and is an easy and exciting alternative for those trying to avoid red meat or pork. Get our Maple Mustard Grilled Salmon recipe.

For more head over to Chowhound’s BBQ Week Headquarters

All featured products are curated independently by our editors. When you buy something through our retail links, we may receive a commission. For more great hand-picked products, check out the Chowhound Shop.



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Simply Recipes 2019 Meal Plan: May Week 4

What's cooking this week?! What about easy pan-fried flank steak? Or maybe some ginger-garlic shrimp? We've got plenty of ideas to help you feed your family all week long!

Continue reading "Simply Recipes 2019 Meal Plan: May Week 4" »



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Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

The Southern favorite, biscuits and gravy, gets the casserole treatment! Assemble the gravy ahead of time; make this for a hungry brunching crowd, and you'll taste why it's a classic!

Continue reading "Biscuits and Gravy Casserole" »



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