Rich's for the Home

Your BBQ Questions Answered

We have scoured the web this week for your grilling questions and some helpful answers to those questions.

What's the diff between grilling and bbq'ing?

Whether you are grilling or barbecuing meat, the rub, marinade or sauce often is as important as the cooking technique. "It's all about adding flavor," said Ada resident Theresa Munroe, a local grand champion barbecue winner. As the competitive barbecue team the Smokin' Scotsmen BBQ, Munroe and her husband, Walt, recently won Pauly's Brew-B-Q Throw-down in Lowell." There is a difference between grilling and barbecue," Munroe said. More

Barbecue is all about low and slow. Large, collagen-rich cuts cook at a smolder for hours in pits or smokers whose indirect heat—often from an offset firebox—warms the surrounding air and imbues the meat with the flavor of smoke. “You need a certain temperature to convert those heavy connective tissues to something that’s more succulent,” says Stephen Giunta, CMC, culinary director, Cargill Meat Solutions, Wichita, KS. “And this doesn’t happen quickly.” More

Why do lean meats not taste as well when barbecued?

Pros generally agree that treating lean meats, like chicken breasts or filet mignon, to barbecue’s slow-cooking, low-heat methods is a fool’s errand. “You really need that fat,” says Giunta. He offers beef brisket as an example. “The top part, what we would call the deckle, will have a little more fat than the bottom part—the flap or point, as it’s called. But if you actually put the whole piece on the grill without trimming away any of the fat, you get a lot of self-basting.” More

What can we barbecue as vegetarians?

Not all veggie burgers are created equal - some fare better on the grill than others. I prefer Morningstar Farms "Grillers" variety (they do have a vegan version of this, as well) or Boca "All American Flame Grilled" (again, Boca also offers a vegan version). More

Grilling vegetables is easy. The fact that more people don't do it is the strange thing. The general rule is to cut the vegetables into pieces that will cook quickly and evenly. All pieces should be of consistent thickness and no more than about 3/4 to 1 inch thick. Soak vegetables in cold water for about 30 minutes before you grill them to keep them from drying out. Pat dry, then brush lightly with oil to prevent sticking. Do not over cook and you'll have vegetables better than you thought possible. More

Outdoor furniture fresher

Now that it is mid-summer, your outdoor room might need a little sprucing up before your next gathering. Take a look at it now to make sure that it is in ship-shape condition.

1. Wiggle your outdoor furniture around to check all the joints.
2. Tighten any screws that need it.
3. Take a cloth with the cleaner the furniture manufacturer recommends and clean as needed. You can usually wipe any cushions that are outdoor cushions too.
4. Fluff and wash the padded pillows, as manufacturer recommends.
5. Add a fresh pot or flowers or replant the pots that have dying flowers.
6. Check the hot-tub for cleanliness and follow manufacturers directions for treating water.
7. Make sure the grill racks are clean.
8. Shake out any throw rugs or mats.
9. Sweep the patio and sidewalks.
10. Remove any dead limbs, leaves or debris from plants. 
11. Check any outdoor lights. Replace bulbs as needed.
12. Check any outdoor heaters or lanterns.

Games for Outdoor Entertaining 3: Hiding Games

You can't beat good old fashioned fun in the backyard when guests come over. Many classic group games include hiding and there is a reason for that of course-it's fun, can be challenging and works for all age groups. It's also easy to team up and therefore help the younger participants. Here are a couple of classic hiding games for a ton of fun.

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HIDE AND SEEK

Use two people or small groups of two. One hides. The other counts to 20 (or whatever) and then looks for the one(s) hiding.

Mix it Up:

1. After the person is found, have the searcher tag the hider. Then both run to Home Base. First there wins.
2. Play as a group. Start with one person hiding. Each time someone finds the person hiding, they join them.
3. Make boundaries so that they can only hide in certain places.

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SARDINES

The entire group of people (minus a few) hides all together (this creates the need for team-work, by the way). The few searchers join as they find them until all are packed into the area.


Mix it Up:

1. Each time a new person joins the group, the entire group has to sing a short song or say a short poem out-loud.
2. Play inside versus outside.
3. Give a time limit. It should be a goal to have everyone into the hiding place by a certain time.

Freeze Tag
Treasure Hunt

Half Price on all Rich's Outdoor Furniture Thru July 26

If you've been drooling over an outdoor furniture set, now is the time to buy. All of Rich's outdoor furniture is half off through Sunday, July 26, 2009. 

You'll also find huge savings on all our Weber gas grills. Stop by one of our five Puget Sound showrooms today and mention you heard about the sale on our blog.

Watch our commercial!

Benefits of a ceramic grill

Did you know that Primo is the only grill manufacturer to make their grills in the USA? You betcha! And there are big benefits to cooking on a ceramic grill.

Here are some:

1. Ceramic can handle heat over 2400 degrees Fahrenheit, and yet the outer surface stays only warm to the touch.
2. The fibers of ceramic grills are tightly woven so that heat does not escape. That provides a true meat smoking experience and retains moisture. (Too much air flow is the cause of dry meat)
3. Ceramic won't be affected by weather. It's extremely strong and will not rust or deteriorate.
4. They are very efficient and the heat is evenly distributed.
5. Because heat escapes standard metal grills, the food is cooked via flame. In a ceramic grill, the surrounding ceramic on the walls and lid actually cook the food. Food tastes better!
6. Primo Grills are made from a premium ceramic blend. They also provide a warranty for their grills. It covers the ceramic portion of the grill for 20 years and the metal parts for 5 years. 

With all those benefits, why would you want to choose any other option? Visit Rich's for the Home for a wide selection of grills for every budget.

10 Kid Safety Tips for the Hot-tub

During this busy summer season and always, remember that safety is always first. Especially with children, it is important to remember that safety precautions are in place around your hot-tub.

1. Keep spa chemicals locked up and out of reach.
2. Always supervise your children's use of the hot-tub. For smaller children, it's the best to be in there with them.
3. If your kids are tweens/teens are old enough to play maturely (without horseplay), let them have a hot-tub party but keep a close eye on the action.
4. Explain the rules ahead of time and enforce them as needed.
5. Tell them that accessories can only be used for intended purposes (i.e. the cover is not a skateboard ramp).
6. Let smaller children work their way into the hot-tub. First a toe, then a foot. It may be too hot-feeling for them at first.
7. Smaller kids are more likely to get in the hot-tub when the bubbles are off. Turn them on later if the kids are comfortable with it. But also note that small kids often don't weigh enough to ground themselves in front of the air jets. The air and water flow may throw them off-balance.
8. When kids feel too hot, encourage them to get out of the hot-tub or sit on the edge and dip their feet instead.
9. Encourage hydration by having water and additional fluids accessible. Also, don't forget the food-no matter the age of your kids, they will likely be hungry after their dip.
   
10. Treat it like a pool and insist that children never go in the hot-tub without supervision. Better yet, buy a locking cover.

Low-cost outdoor room pizzaz

With summer and gathering season in full force, you might decide that it's time to add a bit of pizazz to your outdoor room.

There are simple and inexpensive things that you can do that will add spice, color and comfort to your area. Small actions truly can give your outdoor gathering place a whole new feel and look.

Here are some ideas:

1. Hang paper lanterns. You can find them at Asian-style stores or order them from the Paper Lantern Store. Curious how they are made? I certainly was. It all starts with a wire frame and it takes skills to create the shape that you want. View lantern making here.
2. Add throw pillows to your outdoor furniture. Of course, you will want to bring them inside before any inclement weather hits so wait to add them until the day of your event and keep an eye on the sky. Make sure to match your outdoor palate by choosing the same colors in the pillows.
3. Add vases of fresh flowers or pots of colorful flowers in your outdoor room. Choose pots that match the style of your decor and think about various options for color use. Would it look best to blend colors with what is already used in your outdoor room? Or would the best option be to go with a completely different color splash? Don't be afraid to experiment and above all, don't let the flowers die off without replacing them.
4. Add a mat or a few throw rugs around your outdoor room. This changes a look and invites a pause from people. They will know something is different and they will like it--but they may not know what that change is. You will find that adding colorful rugs and mats can accomplish a variety of things, including pulling a room together, adding groupings of furniture, adding colors or even making an area look more cozy.
5. Add outdoor lanterns or Tempest Torches for extra ambiance and light. This will not only brighten up your outdoor room but allow you to visit comfortably even as dusk falls.
6. Have extra room off your porch? Consider adding a home-made fire-pit. A ring can easily be made with some big river rocks.

Grilling for a good cause

July is National Grilling Month. Why not help to make a difference for someone else with your grilling this month and next month as well? Here are some ideas:

• Hold a barbecue to raise money for a good cause. Get stores to donate the goods, have people over and either charge per person or put out a donation bin and talk it up.
• Arrange with a local homeless shelter to provide a grilled meal for residents. You may have to take your grill and grill the food on-site. A plate of burgers there can go a long way.
• Buy meat in bulk at Costco or another wholesale dealer and pass the results around the neighborhood. Tell them ahead of time that you will provide dinner and it will be at their door at 6 pm (or whenever you choose).
• Check with your local food pantry. See if it would be possible to provide a grilled burger for people who come in for help on a certain day.
• Team up with a local restaurant. Ask them how you can work together to help solve hunger in your community. You might even be able to set up an event in their parking lot for a couple of hours.
• While you are grilling, invite a neighbor kid to learn how to grill safety.

Watch this video for a creative way to help other people via the grill.

Happy grilling!

$1,500 Tax Credit on Purchase of All Rich's Wood Stoves, Pellet Stoves, and Fireplaces

Homeowners who purchase an energy-efficient wood or pellet stove, fireplace, or fireplace insert can claim a tax credit of up to $1500 on their 2009 or 2010 federal income taxes.

The tax credit, part of the US government’s Recovery Act, applies to 75 percent-efficient biomass burning stoves and can be used for the purchase and installation of the stove, venting, and hearthpads.

“This new tax credit is a great way for consumers to save up to 30 percent on a wood stove or pellet stove purchase,” says Jon Chapman, marketing manager for Rich’s for the Home.

A homeowner who spends $3,000 on a stove, for instance, can claim a 30 percent tax credit – or $900 – on his or her federal income tax return, Chapman explains. The credit either increases the tax refund or decreases the tax bill, dollar-for-dollar.

The tax credit is good on all stove and fireplace brands Rich’s for the Home carries, including Lopi, Hearthstone, Avalon, Morso, and Harman. People who purchase stoves will receive certification that the product qualifies for the tax credit.

“This tax credit is an outstanding achievement for the biomass stove industry,” says Chapman. “We’re cautiously optimistic that it will increase demand for the products.”

The benefits of heating with biomass

• Reduced heating costs – Wood and pellet prices fluctuate less than propane, oil, and natural gas.
• Green heating – Wood and pellet fuel is a carbon-neutral, renewable resource. Today’s stoves  produce more heat with less wood and are clean-burning, with less ash and minimal outside air emissions. They eliminate 75 percent of the carbon emissions associated with fossil fuel burning.

For complete details about the tax credit:

• IRS Notice 2009-53, Non-business Energy Property
• Hearth, Patio & Barbeque Association (HPBA)

On the Grill: Meatloaf Burgers

If you want more than a burger on your grill, try for a burger with an "ooomph." These patties are practically an entire meal in themselves and even the kids will like them.

WHAT YOU NEED:

• 2 lbs ground, thawed hamburger
• 2 tbsp minced onion or finely chopped onion
• 1 tsp ground mustard
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 egg
• 1 piece of bread, crumbled up

STEPS:

1. Mix all ingredients in bowl. Hamburger is best kneaded by using hands.
2. Form patties.
3. Place on grill.
4. Flip when edges brown. They are done when juice runs clear.
5. Eat on hamburger buns or without buns.

MIX IT UP:

• Add some crunch to the patties with finely chopped peppers.
• Steak sauces add a different taste.
• Some people also like a small amount of finely chopped tomatoes mixed in. Limit these and insure they are chopped very small.
• Shredded cheddar cheese added to the mix is another variation we have tried.
• Like meatloaf, you can also spread ketchup on top for the last five minutes of cooking for a tomato crust on top.