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How To Expand Your Living Space With An Outdoor Fireplace

by Kate Weese | May 21, 2021 | Consumer News, Grilling & Outdoor Living, HPBAC Blog

It’s no secret – when it comes to newer build homes, we’re seeing smaller living quarters, compact design, and a lot less of the sprawling floor plans we’ve seen before. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t get creative when it comes to expanding your living space, not only within your home but outside as well. The best way to do this can be with an outdoor fireplace. Add a few crucial extras to pull it all together, and you can turn any outdoor living space into a relaxing oasis that is enjoyable year-round.

Create A Cozy Atmosphere

A fireplace may be the first thing you think of when designing your outdoor living space. Outdoor fireplaces are not only an inviting focal point, but they can also make any exterior area feel comfortable and relaxing. It’s also important to consider extra elements – such as seating, blankets and pillows – that can pull everything together, and create a unique and cozy place to enjoy the day.

Consider Lighting

When we think about decorating inside the home, we know lighting can make a massive difference in the way the room looks and feels. This is also true when decorating the area around your outdoor fireplace – lighting is essential. Overhead fixtures will light the entire space and make it inviting, no matter the time of day. If overhead lighting isn’t possible, consider using table lamps to bring warm, soft light to the space to make it feel like an extension of the inside. Lastly, whether battery-operated or wax, candles can bring in an extra layer of light that makes everything feel even cozier and more relaxing.

Seating Arrangement

The main thing to remember when arranging your seating in an outdoor setting is to center your furniture around a focal point – this is often an outdoor fireplace. Arranging your furniture this way will highlight the fireplace, and it also creates a spot to gather, whether with family members or friends, any time of year. Add an ottoman to complement your existing seating – this will provide extra comfort after a long hard day, and offers an additional place to sit in a pinch.

Small Details

If you look around your home, it can be easy to spot the small details that make the most impact, whether it’s a favourite family photo or a vintage decor piece that brings back a treasured memory. This same design principle applies to an outdoor space – adding some of those small details makes your entire outdoor area look put together. Don’t be afraid to bring an indoor plant vibe to your outdoor space with faux or natural potted plants to make the entire area feel like an extension of your home.

It’s the perfect time of year to start planning your outdoor living space. Visit your local retailer for advice and ideas on how to design the space that’s right for you. You can read more about creating an outdoor space here.

Happy National BBQ Month!

by Cristine Giampaolo | May 14, 2021 | Consumer News, Grilling & Outdoor Living, HPBAC Blog

May is National BBQ Month, and there is no better time to visit your local retailer to check out the latest grills and accessories. For many of us, our outdoor living space becomes a second kitchen and dining area during the summer, and a grill is often our primary way of cooking all season long. Making the right choice when purchasing a new barbecue or accessory will give you years of enjoyment whether it’s outside in your backyard or patio, or at your dining room table.

5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying

Buying a new barbecue of any type is an investment. To ensure you are getting the right grill or accessory for you, it’s important to ask yourself some questions before purchasing.

How much time will I have to cook? Each type of barbecue typically requires varying levels of time commitment. If you’re often on the go and hard pressed for free cooking time, consider the convenience of gas or electric grills. Love to spend time cooking? A charcoal grill, smoker or kamado may suit you best. See below for more details on grill types.
What’s my budget? Grills come in a wide range of prices, meaning you should be able to find one within your budget. If finances allow, purchasing a more premium grill will provide more features, a potentially longer life span of the unit, and a stronger return on your initial investment.
How much space do I have? If you have a big backyard, consider a larger grill, perhaps with a kitchen island to create a focal point for relaxation and entertaining. Premium portable or more compact grills are ideal for condos and apartments. Do you frequently host large gatherings? Go big on your barbecue size to make the most of these special occasions.
What do I love to cook? We often default to the foods we love the most. Many grills come with extra features ideal for certain foods. Think rotisseries if you love a roasted chicken, or side burners if you love soups and stews. Ample space for a pizza stone might be crucial if you love a good pie.
What accessories do I want and need? This is also a great time to evaluate ideal accessories. Ensure you have a good protective cover, proper cleaning tools and a working meat thermometer. It also might be fun to splurge on new accessories that meet your cooking style, such Bluetooth temperature gauges, griddles for breakfast cooking, veggie baskets and more. Read more about the 5 must-have accessories every griller should have here.

What’s the Best Grill for You?

With so many types of grills in all forms, sizes and prices adorning a retailer’s showroom floor, what’s the right one for you? Here’s a quick guide.

Gas: For people who want convenience. Just like your kitchen stove, it can be ready to cook in 10 minutes, and it’s easy to regulate cooking temps.
Charcoal: For those who love being hands-on with the nuances of outdoor grilling. Some say charcoal provides the best flavour experience. Good for low and slow cooking AND high heat searing.
Pellet: For people who want the most flavor. Wood pellet grills are among the most energy efficient and burn clean. With pellets coming in varieties such as hickory, mesquite and oak, you (and your friends and family) can enjoy a truly flavourful cooking experience.
Electric: For people who love simplicity. Electric grills are designed to produce constant heat and operate without an open flame. Ideal for apartment or condo dwellers since they don’t require charcoal or propane.
Kamado: For people who love cooking all styles and seasons. Kamado grills’ excellent insulation is ideal for both grilling and smoking. They can use wood and charcoal and are ideal for roasting and baking.

Once you’ve determined what is essential to you to make this grilling season a success, it’s time to get cooking! Try out Maxim Lavoie’s Sweet and Spicy, Tangy and Tasty Ribs – the perfect recipe to take your new grill for a spin!

Sweet and Spicy, Tangy and Tasty Ribs

by Max Lavoie | May 14, 2021 | Grilling & Outdoor Living, HPBAC Blog

Ribs.

The word alone is enough to get everyone’s attention.

Pork ribs should be at the top of the very short list of go-to’s that come to mind whenever you have a little time on your hands and want a nice home-cooked dinner. They are truly the middle ground between home-style cuisine and BBQ science, because they are super versatile and easy to work with. You can grill them, roast them, cook them low and slow, or hot and fast, or even sous vide – there’s always a way to make them work.

Pork isn’t known for having a bold flavour profile, but it mixes very well with marinades and – the fat within its muscle fibre acts as a conduit for rubs and evens out the flavours. Whether you choose baby back or spare ribs, your focus needs to be on the flavour profile, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations of rubs and sauces.

Ribs are part of the BBQ holy trinity, but a lot of people are still intimidated by them because they can take hours to cook. Let me reassure you and tell you that ribs can be done quickly and easily, and still taste great!

Many people swear by the ever-so-popular 3-2-1 method – smoking the ribs for 3 hours at 225°F, then leaving them wrapped in foil with a liquid for 2 hours to add back moisture and flavour, and to accelerate the cooking process, and lastly, unwrapping them for 1 hour to dry out the bark and letting them glaze up at the very end. Occasionally, however, time just isn’t on your side and you need to make things work as fast as possible. The good news is that there are other ways to cook easy homemade ribs in half the time.

Here is how I cook my Sweet and Spicy, Tangy and Tasty ribs:

It is important to note that whichever method you choose to cook your ribs, the first step will always be to remove the silver skin. From there, you will be building up and crafting your flavour profile to give your ribs some personality.

While I like my spit-roasted ribs on the savoury side, I enjoy my traditional ribs best when they are sweet and very tender. When choosing a dry rub for this method of grilling ribs, look for the perfect balance of sweetness and heat; it should also help the bark achieve a nice mahogany colour.

Pro tip: The sweeter the rub, the heavier you need to go. Don’t hold back and go light on the sweetness. It’s easy to go overboard with heat and salt, but it’s very hard to oversweeten ribs. Furthermore, if your rub is composed of high-quality sugar, it will help build a deeper and richer crust as the sugar won’t burn through the first hour of cooking.

It is best to use a smoker for this recipe, and in order to cook something that won’t take all day and still be delicious, I prefer to use the hot-and-fast method – this consists of smoking the ribs in half the time, all while making sure to consistently add moisture as they cook.

Once the ribs are trimmed and seasoned, the next step is to cook them at 275°F for 90 minutes and to sprinkle them with Cherry Cola or Dark Ginger Ale every 30 minutes. Trust me, the addition of an extra sweet layer will help turn these ribs into rich and flavourful bites in the long run. Everyone will ask for more!

Once the ribs are done smoking, take them out and wrap them in foil with butter, some extra dry rub and a quick dab of rib glaze. After that, you can put the ribs back on the barbecue for 60 to 90 minutes at 325°F. You’ll know when they are ready – they will be soft enough to bend backward as you move the foil.

Now, after all of that, your bark will have most likely softened up in the foil, so you’ll want to remove them, slather them with some extra rub and/or glaze, and for the finishing touch, throw them back over direct heat to help rebuild texture on the bark.

And there you have it! A simple and efficient way to cook very tasty ribs that are packed with flavours, thanks to the extra love provided by the dry rubs.

Some days, you just have to remind yourself that you don’t need to get fancy to get some finger-licking good food on the table. All you need is to mix the right rub with the right protein and you’ll be able to create some magic.

Now that you know that amazing ribs recipes can be done in under 3 hours, enjoy some more ribs, have fun playing around with your favourite rubs and sauces, and spend more time with your loved ones!

Max Lavoie
BBQ Guru, House of BBQ Experts

The Beef Wellington Recipe of Champions!

by Max Lavoie | Apr 28, 2021 | Consumer News, Grilling & Outdoor Living, HPBAC Blog

When I cook, I always aim for maximum deliciousness and flavor. As a beef lover, one of my favourite dishes to prepare on the BBQ (and to enjoy, of course) is oh-so-comforting Beef Wellington. I like to treat my family with this dish after we’ve spent the whole day outside playing catch and running around.

Now I know tenderloin is not the most flavourful cut of beef BUT… sear it, season it well, give it a bit of love, and you’re in business. Trust me, the way this recipe combines a tender and juicy piece of meat with a mixture of vegetables and a crispy (and buttery!) puff pastry results in a Beef Wellington that’s hard to top, taste-wise. I have to restrain myself, or there won’t be any left for my wife and kids!

Believe me, this recipe is a lot easier to do than it seems. Ready? Let’s go!

Ingredients

1 (2 lb) beef tenderloin
1 package store-bought puff pastry (or make your own!)
4-5 white mushrooms
1 carrot
¼ cup of your favourite herbs (optional)
Montreal spice mix, such as House of BBQ Experts’ Montreal Spice Mix and Rub, to taste
3 tbsp good quality mustard
½ cup of your favourite gravy or sauce
1 egg, beaten

Cooking Method

Season the beef tenderloin to taste with the Montreal spice mix and rub. (The more seasoning you put on, the more flavours the tenderloin will pack.????)
Sear the piece of meat on the BBQ for 2 minutes on each side at a very high temperature. Remove it from the heat and let it rest for 1 hour.
While you wait, place the mushrooms, carrot and herbs in a food processor, and chop everything into small pieces. Transfer the vegetables into a bowl and set them aside.
Preheat the BBQ to 350°F.
Using a rolling pin, roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle that’s large enough to envelop the beef tenderloin.
Spread the mustard and chopped vegetables on the puff pastry.
Once that is done, place the beef tenderloin in the center of the puff pastry, wrap the puff pastry around it, and brush the dough with beaten egg.
Place the wrapped beef tenderloin into a barbecue-safe dish; place the dish onto the BBQ and let it cook in an indirect cooking zone until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 145°F. After that, let it rest for a few minutes outside the BBQ.
Heat up the gravy or sauce and drizzle it over the Beef Wellington.
Serve and enjoy the explosion of flavors it creates in your mouth!

Have fun BBQing everyone!

Editor’s note: We made this Beef Wellington ourselves and itwas just as easy and fun to make – and as delicious to eat – as Max promises! Here are pics of the result.

5 Must-Have Barbecue Accessories

by Kate Weese | Apr 26, 2021 | Consumer News, Grilling & Outdoor Living, HPBAC Blog

With the official arrival of grilling season in May, it’s the perfect time to get your grill prepped and ready for the warmer months. One important aspect of preparing for the season is ensuring that you have the essential accessories and utensils in your toolbox. These must-haves range in price and quality, so pick the brand and type that works best for you and your budget.

Meat Thermometer

When it comes to cooking meat or fish, it can be hard to judge if your item is properly cooked and ready. Consider a meat thermometer to add to your toolbox to take that tricky guesswork out of grilling – knowing the accurate internal temperature can help avoid overcooking or undercooking your dish. A thermometer with a magnetic back will stick right onto the grill for easy access, or you may want to look at digital thermometers which connect to an app on your phone.

Metal Tongs

Tongs are essential for anyone wanting to cook on the barbecue and is likely the one tool you’ll use the most. A set of quality long-handled tongs can make all the difference when it comes to cooking on your grill, and they will allow you to quickly handle any food that needs to be moved or flipped. Consider having at least two sets of tongs for your barbecue, so you always have one on hand.

Cast Iron Skillet

If you’re looking to change up your cooking style on the grill, consider adding a versatile cast iron skillet to your lineup. A cast iron pan will allow you to sauté and cook as you would on your stovetop, and it can be a great tool if you’re looking to try out baking on the barbecue. Check out our Baking on the Barbecue post for more handy tips, and for an easy and delicious grilled cheesecake recipe.

Grill Brush

Cleaning your grill is almost as important as cooking on it; you won’t be able to make quality food if your grill grates are dirty. So, if nothing else, make sure you have a good grill brush that will help remove debris and clean the grill after each use. By keeping up with this simple maintenance, you’ll find yourself having to deep clean your grill a lot less, and it will stay in good condition for longer. See grill brush safety tips here.

Grill Spatula

A spatula is essential for when you need a delicate touch flipping or moving food on your grill. Look for a spatula with a beveled edge and a long handle that allows you to get under food and lift it away from the grill while keeping your hands away from the direct heat.

These five basic barbecue accessories are perfect for any griller, whether you are a pro or a beginner. And remember: always keep your barbecue tools clean – wash them after every use and store them inside. If you must store them outside, keep them protected from the elements.

Get Your Team Ready for the High Season

by Max Lavoie | Apr 1, 2021 | HPBAC Blog, Member News

With the beginning of spring comes renewed energy and excitement. As snow melts (being Canadian means you must enjoy all 4 seasons since there’s no way around Old Man winter every year), the trees awake, the birds come back (or are just louder). For some, it becomes easier to get to their BBQ, while for others like my team and me, we plan a good spring cleaning of our equipment, because it continued burning all winter long!

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Spring is also a reminder that we need to shake off the winter dust and shake up our teams. While winter is a great time to tackle little projects around the shop, we know spring will bring more customers through the door. We need to prepare to always ensure the best customer experience is delivered.

One of the low-hanging fruits I feel is important to remind our boutique’s manager and the sales team in turn, concerns inventory. There’s no better time than spring to go through your inventory and rotate. What do you want to propose as an attractive offer to customers, to help you free up shelving space in the warehouse or in the store? Are there replacement parts you know are in greater demand when the high season approaches? Check your inventory, rotate it, stock up on what makes sense to your audience, and make sure your staff can guide customers well. If in doubt, role play – have your most knowledgeable staff answer tricky questions in front of the team to put words in their mouth, increase their knowledge and confidence with customers.

One of the objectives of a good sales team is not to make customers buy everything but to buy what they need. Teach your staff to ask open-ended questions. Your customers are shopping for a new BBQ or BBQ products in your store because you offer quality and expertise. They know what they want when they walk in, or at least, they think they know. By finding out customers’ interests, you can help them push their limits by suggesting they try new things. Perhaps they are not comfortable smoking food on pellets or a charcoal BBQ yet? There is always the option to use a smoker box with wood chips. The flavours developed can still be very tasty.

I work closely with my staff to ensure everyone on the floor, from my most experienced guy to the newly hired cashier, knows about products, especially our most popular ones. We develop our own flavours to suit customers’ needs. We also like to take calculated risks, with our knowledge of the BBQ industry, with out-of-the-box tasting profiles, and guess what? Customers love it and new trends are set! There is always going to be a necessity for your teams, and mine, to know the basics of BBQ and the main categories. But don’t forget what will make your customers want to come back for more is the next level stuff. Be ready to talk about how to prep and smoke or slow cook a Texan style brisket, how to leverage the spring temperature for cold smoking, pairing of rubs, sauces and wood flavours, with the various meat types or cheese and nuts. This is what makes the customer’s experience memorable; what makes them come back.

With that said, when adding new consumable products to your inventory, it’s a good idea to crack open a bottle, taste it or even take turns with the staff bringing in meats that would have been cooked at home or on a BBQ behind the shop, to taste and experience first-hand what it is you will recommend. In spring, you still have time to do that.

Spring is for some the time to clean up the BBQ from on-going winter use or to shine it up again, ahead of the warmer weather coming. The same way we don’t appreciate a clothing salesperson telling us a suit looks great on us when it’s so obvious that the cut just doesn’t work with our body type, we need to be mindful that customers are not going to buy new BBQs every season. Instead of focusing on the big ticket items, perhaps approach them by introducing pitmaster techniques with meat injection, or just the basics of cooking to temperature versus time, reiterating the importance of owning a thermometer. Your customers will come to visit the store to fill up on their favourite charcoal, sauce or rub. Presenting new products, sharing BBQ recipes or ensuring the basics are covered to kick off the season, will create loyalty with your customer base and that’s how you will see them coming back all year-round.

Spring is exciting because in-store traffic increases by the day. Making sure your team on-site understands the needs of customers and is ready to add value and answer any type of question is essential. Your store is a destination to discover. Creating an experience for customers will guarantee the traffic is ongoing, especially when a big box banner pushes an aggressive marketing campaign or on rainy days. Be ready to welcome everyone as you gear up for the High Season!

Max Lavoie

President, House of BBQ Experts
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