Beer-Braised Short Ribs with Roasted Cauliflower, Potatoes and Pumpkin Seeds
There are two keys to great short ribs: one, braise them slowly until the meat is so tender it is about ready to fall off the bone; and two, crisp them quickly over a direct fire right before serving. Pairing them with hearty accompaniments is also a must. This recipe gives you simple instruction for achieving the perfect short ribs, braised in Belgian ale, and we can guarantee the accompaniments will be a hit. Roasted cauliflower, fingerling potatoes and cherry tomatoes are lightly caramelized and flavored by apple wood smoke. Roasted pumpkin seeds add a special touch of the Fall season. Serves 6.
 View the recipe
Back to top
Roasted Butternut Squash and Hazelnut Pizza
This pizza is not one of the prettiest we've created, but it is one of the tastiest. A thin crust is first topped with a mixture of ricotta cheese, olive oil and lemon zest, and then with red onions and butternut squash caramelized with balsamic vinegar. Roasted hazelnuts provide the perfect finish. Recipe makes a 17" pizza.
View the recipe
Back to top
Apple Bake with Almonds and Dried Cherries
Casual, simple and delicious — baked apples come off the grill infused with apple wood smoke flavor. Baking and serving in individual dishes will delight your guests.
View the recipe
Back to top
Fall Cleaning and Outdoor Kitchen Winterization
You know you're supposed to winterize your car and house. You should also winterize an outdoor kitchen, especially if you close it up for the winter. Here are five steps that need to be taken:
- Clean it out. That means cleaning the interior and exterior of the grill, cabinets and refrigeration, including food and drinks in the refrigerators. If you can get to the back of the refrigeration unit, make sure you remove leaves, dirt, etc. that may have accumulated around the condensing unit.
- Turn it off. If you have a sink or an ice maker, it’s time to turn off the water supply. Turn it off at the connection to the house. Allow the remaining water to run out of hoses or faucets. This prevents water from freezing inside the lines, causing ruptures and big repair bills.
- Turn it off again. Outdoor refrigeration doesn't work well when the outside temperature is colder than the refrigerator’s interior. On Kalamazoo units it is as simple as pressing the "OFF" button. If the power cord is easily accessible, unplug the appliance. If not, turn off the circuit breaker serving the appliance.
- Shine it up. Use stainless cleaner and polish on all exteriors except glass. Use the same cleaner and polish on all cabinet and refrigeration units (only if the interiors are stainless steel).
- Under cover. Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet products do not need a cover. If a cover is desired, use a synthetic material that does not trap and hold moisture and can withstand the elements.
More detailed information on fall cleaning and winterization is available on the Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet website.
Winterization instructions
Back to top
2009 Oasis Award Winner
File this one under "Easier said than done." It's a well known concept: make the most that you can with the space that you have. That old saw was never more true than when a Columbus, OH-based designer broke traditions to create an outdoor kitchen design concept that uniquely makes a small space live large, winning the third annual Oasis Award for Outdoor Kitchen Design.
Griffith's winning concept connects a main residence to a detached garage through a series of interconnected outdoor entertaining locations. The tile pattern is meant to appear as a collection of area rugs that distinguish each section. Artfully placed plantings soften edges and put an herb and vegetable garden at the cook’s hand. Pergolas and umbrellas shade guests and the host from the elements.
The two-tiered kitchen not only dedicates ample space to the serving area and beverages, it also includes the cook in the party while manning the grill.
The entry appealed to the world-class panel of judges because he brought the grill, the heart of the outdoor kitchen, front and center and he elevated it. Making the grill higher than the rest of the patio puts the cook on a stage, allows people to congregate and talk with the grillmaster, and keeps the guests always in view of the cook/host. This type of site location also allows an herb and vegetable garden to be located directly behind the grill, giving the cook easy access to the freshest ingredients.
A second tradition breaker is Griffith’s choice to locate the refrigeration cabinets below and opposite the grill. This arrangement allows guests or service people to quickly and easily access chilled appetizers and drinks. It also gives more room to the cook since storage cabinets, warming drawers and food prep refrigeration are all located near the grill.
His inspiration for the design, named the Prima Vista Entertaining Garden, came from his own experiences when he was a guest at and a host of cookouts. "I always saw the cook, me included, missing out on the party," Griffith said. "I didn't want the cook to miss out any longer, so I placed the grill as the centerpiece of my design. This way, the cook can look out over guests, or they can congregate around the grill."
We invite you to view Griffith's winning concept by visiting www.OasisAward.com. You can also read about the winning entry in the November/December issue of Garden Design magazine.
Brian has been in the landscape design business for more than six years, after graduating from The Ohio State University with a master’s degree in landscape design and the University of Cincinnati with a bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning. He recently launched his own business, Griffith Imagery, Landscape Design and Graphic Services; www.griffithimagery.com. He currently lives in Cleveland, Ohio with his wife and twin nine-month-old babies.
The Oasis Award, launched in 2007 by Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet and Garden Design magazine, was conceived to recognize forward thinking and excellence in design in the fast-growing field of outdoor kitchen design. The competition opens for entries each January and accepts design concepts from around the world. It is open to all design professionals, including architects, landscape architects, interior designers, certified kitchen designers and design students.
Visit www.OasisAward.com for more information.
Back to top
We Want to Hear from You
As we continue our efforts to help you maximize the joy and satisfaction of your outdoor grilling and entertaining experience, we would love to know what you think:
- Share with us your favorite grilling recipes or outdoor gourmet
entertaining tips.
- Share pictures of your grill or outdoor kitchen.
- Tell us what you like most about your Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet
product or which product features you would like to see added to
or improved on our equipment.
- Offer feedback on our website or service.
Feel free to drop us a line at hotg@kalamazoogourmet.com with your thoughts on any of the above, or just to say hello.
Back to top |
Hot Off The Grill! Archive