Do we believe the hype? I’ve read the brochure, visited the website and watched all the DVDs. In fact if there’s any piece of promotional material for the Big Green Egg that I haven’t read I’d be surprised and it all sounds too good to be true. That is of course if you are a barbecue nutcase like me!

If you’re lucky enough to live in North America (and to some extent in Europe) you’ve probably heard of a Big Green Egg but I have to confess that it wasn’t until I started to publish my smoker grill recipes that I actually discovered the Egg and it’s humble origins in the Orient. I was intrigued, but living in the UK, how do I get hold of one? I phoned Big Green Egg in the US, they were really helpful and everyone that I spoke to said they cooked on an Egg and all year round at that! OK I’m sold, I’ve gotta have one to see what all the fuss is about.

To be fair, it was a big decision because these ceramic barbecues aren’t cheap and by the time it landed at my door in England it has cost me the best part of $2000. It had better be good. So am I happy?……..ABSOLUTELY!

It’s the middle of winter and I’m outside preparing the charcoal, my neighbors are looking at me as if I’m demented but my kids are so excited when I tell them that it’s ribs for supper. I have my own favorite barbecue sauce recipe which I use first as a marinade, then as a mop and finally I warm it up for sauce. Good use of ingredients and just the right amount of chili. The best bit of all is that I get the last laugh as the smoke rises over the fence into my neighbors garden and they get the aroma full on!

I do my ribs for about an hour per pound at a temperature of 225°F with the plate setter in place for indirect cooking. To maintain a constant temperature I find that leaving the bottom draft door open half an inch and the small vents on the top daisy wheel open half is about right but once you’re in the vicinity use the daisy wheel to fine adjust for the final preferred temperature.

There’s a couple of things that I found out using the Big Green Egg that I’d like to share with you and the first is the economy and thorough burning of the charcoal. Compared with a conventional BBQ grill the consumption is so low and any charcoal not burnt just stays in the firebox until next time. The other point is do take care to clean out the ash on a regular basis otherwise this will prevent you getting up to the higher temperature ranges. I clean mine out after every third cookout but I guess this depends on how much ash you’re generating.

So should you believe the hype? In my view, the answer has to be yes. It’s everything that they say it is – and more (I use it as a tandoor and do Indian cooking on it too!) so I’m going to be cooking on mine for many years to come.

Kamado Barbecue Recipes – Free BBQ grill recipes & meat smoker cooking ideas on the ceramic barbecue. Ceramic Barbecue Grills – Find out mare about the Big Green Egg Free Barbecue Recipes – Outdoor grilling tips, easy fire pit menus, healthy rotisserie suggestions, best homemade bbq sauce recipes.
Article Source

From a wedding to a work function or an outdoor barbeque your event will run smoothly be it rain or shine.  The temporary structures on the market today are not only attractive but will provide comfort to your guest.  Follow our top tips and your outdoor event will sure to be a success.
Food and drink is the central highlights of most events.  Ensure you choose a quality caterer whose has experience in outdoor catering events.  Use their experience for useful tips on any dos and don’ts.  Unfortunately one of the side effects of all this delicious food is you will find you attract unwanted guests in the form of insects.   Make sure your caterer has a good selection of wire mesh covers to keep them off the food and serving plates.  Another trick is to place sugared water in a few containers on the perimeter of your event.  This will give the insects something to eat and keep them away from your food.
Make sure you provide plenty of shade.  This can double as cover for any wet weather you may experience.  Choose outdoor shade canopies that have quick roll down sides.  In the event of any grey clouds gathering you will be able to take cover quickly and effortlessly.  If your guests will be walking over grass consider creating temporary pathways.  Not only will this protect the grass underneath but if the weather turns foul your guest will be able to leave their boots at home.
If you are thinking of providing some branded products consider putting together a package of useful things for the day.  This could include the sachets of sunscreen, branded water, umbrellas and baseball bats.  Approach other companies and negotiate a reciprocal deal from them.  You may find that the cost of these extras will be minimal.
Having a beautiful hot and sunny day for you outdoor event will be a huge bonus.  But make sure it is sun safe as well.  Have some sachets of sun screen available to hand out to your guests and encourage them to use them.  Too much sun can cause dehydration so make sure you have plenty of water and soft drinks that are easily accessible.  A good way to do this is to set up water stations at convenient places around your event.  Portable air conditioning units are available for hire and are very effective for reducing temperatures, some better than fans as their noise level is less.
Running a successful outside event will often surpass anything that you could provide indoors.  But how do you cope with the discomforts provided by the natural environment?  As an event organizer you have a responsibility towards your guests for their comfort and enjoyment.  Here we provide you with some useful tips that will ensure that this will be achieved and your event will be a success.

Anna Barrington writes for Total Hospitality who provide corporate hospitality in London.  They provide catering for indoor and outdoor functions including weddings, outdoor catering barbeques and other events.
Article Source