To start off I would like to say Happy Memorial Day to everyone, and please hug a Veteran today, and thank them everyday, for what we are all able to enjoy here in our great country. Having been raised by a World War II veteran, my Father, taught me at a young age to respect our Men and Women in uniform. I am now a disabled veteran myself, and I understand more now then ever before that, the grunts are the one’s who make this country great, not the Washington group, they just try to guide, but we all know where the sacrifice, for what we have, comes from. Please while your grilling or BBQing this weekend, or anytime throughout the year, just take a moment, even if it’s a silent moment, just say a small thank you, that’s enough for them!!!
I know there will be a lot of outdoor cooking going on this weekend, I our town right now charcoal is on sell everywhere. The “Big Box Stores” have slashed the price of charcoal, and there is no limit on how many you can buy. Yesterday my wife came home with a trunk full of charcoal, God I love that Women!!!!! While shopping at these types of stores I always check out the grilling section, just to look at all the unnecessary accessories on the market. I start looking to see if there is something I need, or could use, but no matter how many different configurations you come up with for a grill brush, it’s still just a grill brush.
Back to the charcoal, it seems like every time I’m doing a bit of “window shopping” in the grilling area, some folks are there planning an upcoming “BBQ“, and the first thing they grab is the lighter fluid, eeeeeekkkkkk!!!!!! I saw a young couple place one bag of charcoal into there cart, and top it off with 3 bottles of lighter fluid, and then asked themselves, “do you think that is enough?” WOW. Now I know there are BBQ teams out there that use lighter fluid, and one of the greatest of all times has told everyone that he uses it, and does very well, it’s just not for me. I even heard on the radio, on the way home from work last night, for folks who plan to BBQ this weekend, to be very careful with the lighter fluid, the DJ had to also remind listeners, not to substitute gasoline for lighter fluid!!! I did not know this was something that had to be put out there, but apparently it happens all the time.
Yes, I have used lighter fluid in the past, I would NEVER use it again, I just can’t take the flavor, and yes I know that it can be burned off and all that, but I just do not like it. For me it is great for a cook that has quickly get a fire going to do some grilling on hot coals, not the low and slow BBQ that takes hours to produce. I love grilling, burgers, hot dogs, wings & brats, I will be having some or all later today at a Memorial Day cookout that we have been invited too. I know the cook, and I guarantee he will not be using lighter fluid, so I’m sure it will be cooked well. Please, just consider using some alternative methods to start your charcoal grills, I know playing with fire is fun and all that, but if your serious about your food tasting good, take a look at maybe an electric starter, or even using a chimney starter. Both very easy to use, fast convenient and are sold right next to the lighter fluid in most stores. Now off my soap box….
Here are a few pics from last year, just to put you in the mood. Have a great weekend all!!!!
Now that’s a fire!!!
Topped with pulled pork & onions sauteed in HGW Sweet with some Heat BBQ sauce!!!
Oh yea, I almost forgot….it is stuffed with Pepper Jack Cheese!!!! OMG!!!!
That is the famous BBB, “Biggi Barbeque Burger”. This was one of the best burgers I ever tasted.
