Cleaning my Grill with Easy-Off Oven Cleaner - Reviewed

 

Keeping my grill in top condition ensures my grilling is always a hit. I have a Char-Griller Smokin Champ, a combination smoker, and a charcoal grill.

Over time, grease, charred bits, and food residue can build up, affecting the food's taste and the grill's performance.

I have discovered that Easy-Off oven cleaner is not only for cleaning your oven but also very effective in cleaning my grill.

Easy-Off is known for its ability to break down stubborn grease and grime. It's specifically designed for tough kitchen jobs, making it perfect for cleaning grills.

Safety First: Here is What You'll Need

Make sure you follow all the safety instructions on the can.

• Easy-Off oven cleaner (I use the Heavy Duty version)
• Rubber gloves to protect your hands
• A sponge or grill brush ( I use a Scrub Daddy)
• A bucket of warm water for rinsing
• Paper towels of cloth

After spraying the Easy-Off Heavy Duty I let it set for about an hour. Then, I use the scrub daddy and warm water to wipe out the grease. After I have all of the grease cleaned out I use the paper towels to wipe it dry. There is no doubt about it, this is a messy job but, the results are satisfying and it works well.

This was my cooking chamber in my grill before I cleaned it with Easy-Off oven cleaner.

Here is my cooking chamber after I cleaned it. 

After cleaning, I wiped the cooking chamber and grill grates with cooking oil and added a chimney full of hot charcoal. I closed the lid to let the temperature rise to 500 degrees. 

Then, let the grill cool naturally. This process is to reseason the grill, and the grates to prevent rust. I do this because the grates are cast iron and the cooking chamber is all metal.

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Fresh Banana Peppers with Bread Stuffing

 This banana pepper recipe review is an excellent way to use your garden harvest of fresh banana peppers. If you don't have a garden you can buy fresh banana peppers at your local farmers market, or grocery store.

This recipe is how my mother made these delicious stuffed garden peppers and brings back so many fond memories. These peppers stuffed with savory bread stuffing are a perfect choice for a meatless meal on your menu.

Banana Peppers with Bread Stuffing Recipe:

Ingredients:

10 to 12 large sweet banana peppers

12 cups unseasoned bread cubes or 1-1/2 loaf of Italian bread cut into cubes

4 large eggs beaten

2 celery stalks, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon fresh or dried basil

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. If you're using Italian bread, cut it into cubes and spread them on a cookie sheet. Bake at 275 degrees for about 10 minutes.
2. In a large bowl mix all the ingredients with the bread cubes. Mix well until the stuffing forms. If it seems too wet add some more bread cubes or breadcrumbs.
3. Cut off the top of the peppers, carefully wash, and clean out the insides.
4. Spoon the stuffing inside the peppers 
5. Place in a greased glass baking dish. We used our 15 x 10 glass baking dish.
6. Bake at 375 degrees for 45 to 55 minutes until the peppers are done. The peppers should be soft and you will see a wrinkle in them.

Serve these stuffed peppers as a side dish, or appetizer, or if you're like me make them a meal.

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Easy Zucchini Fritters

 These easy-to-make zucchini fritters are a fantastic way to use up an abundance of zucchini, especially during the summer, when our gardens are at their peak.

They are so crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them a great snack, appetizer, or even a nice light meal.

Easy Zucchini Fritters - Reviewed

Our daughter, Jamie came over last week with a huge zucchini. She set it on the counter, and I asked what we were making. She replied we are going to make zucchini fritters.

I've never had these before and am always ready to try a new recipe. I couldn't wait to get started.

Recipe for Zucchini Fritters:

Ingredients:

• 1 large or 3 medium-sized zucchini (peeled and shredded) about 1 1/2 to 2 lbs.
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 to 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup Panko seasoned bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 3 tablespoons Mrs Dash seasoning
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup green onions minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
• Olive Oil for frying
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Peel and grate the zucchini with a hand grater or food processor.
2. Place the grated zucchini in a colander over the sink to drain. Tip: we placed a dish on top and pressed it to help drain.
3. After the zucchini is drained, mix all ingredients in a large bowl.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. We used Jamie's Hamilton Beech Electric fryer for this.
5. Scoop out 3 to 4 tablespoons of the zucchini batter and flatten to form. Sort of the size of a thin burger.
6. Fry until they are golden brown on both sides. 

This photo is of our grated zucchini in a colander with a bowl under it, Fran placed a dish on top to help drain the water out of the zucchini.

The measurements in this recipe are approximate. I watched Jamie mix the ingredients but, she didn't measure anything. 

You'll want to make sure that the zucchini mixture is consistent and holds together when you're forming them. So, you may need to add more flour, bread crumbs, or parmesan cheese as needed.

We served the zucchini fritters with a Caprese Salad and a dill dip that Jamie made from plain yogurt, fresh dill, and lemon juice.

One of the best things about these zucchini fritters is how simple they are to make, and how absolutely delicious they are.

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Seasonlife Turntable Record Player Review

 For Fran's birthday this year, our daughter got her a Seasonlife turntable record player. It is something Fran has wanted for a long time. We have a huge collection of vinyl records that have been in storage for years, and now, we are enjoying them again.

In an age where digital music dominates, there's something uniquely satisfying about listening to vinyl records. We are old enough to remember when vinyl records were all we had for music besides the radio. 

Let's look back at how we listened to music over the years. After vinyl records came the 8-track tape players, cassette players, CDs, and digital downloads. I believe vinyl records are making a comeback. Our 18-year-old grandson Bobby, has a turntable and has started his own collection of vinyl records.

Features of our Seasonlife Turntable:

3-Speed Operation, It can play at 33 1/3, and 45 RPM a wide range of vinyl records.

Built-in Speakers: The turntable has integrated stereo speakers, providing a decent listening sound quality.

Bluetooth Connectivity: Bluetooth capability lets you stream wirelessly from your smartphone or other devices. 

Auto-Stop Function: This feature stops the turntable when the record ends, protecting your vinyl, and ensuring the needle doesn't wear down.

Our Seasonlife turntable delivers a warm rich sound and is easy to set up. We are now enjoying those wonderful sounds of the 70's along with some new vinyls we have purchased.

This Seasonlife Record Player is a perfect choice, whether you're looking to start or expand your vinyl collection, without breaking the bank.

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Record Player High Fidelity Turntable for Vinyl Records Built-in 4 Stereo Speakers All-in-One Vinyl Player Belt Drive Turn table MM Cartridge ATN-3600L Stylus 33 45 Speed BT Wireless Classic Black

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Bella Essentials Electric Griddle - Review

 Sometimes when cooking for a crowd you need some additional cooking space. We find this especially true when our kids and grandchildren are visiting. 

 Fran bought this Bella Essentials electric griddle to help solve this problem. This griddle is a versatile, user-friendly kitchen appliance designed to make cooking a breeze.

Bella Electric Griddle Design and Quality:

This griddle is a sleek, modern design with a non-stick cooking surface that ensures easy food release and easy, cleanup. 

The 10 x 16 cooking surface is large enough to prepare multiple items simultaneously, making it ideal for a large family breakfast. The griddle features a sturdy base with non-slip feet for stability.

Key Features:

Non-Stick Coating: Even foods like pancakes and eggs slide off easily.

Adjustable Temperature Control: With a temperature range of up to 400 degrees, the adjustable control dial allows precise cooking for a variety of dishes.

Drip Tray: The removable drip tray collects excess grease and makes for easy cleanup.

Cool-Touch Handles: The heat-resistant handles ensure safe handling during and after cooking.

Even Heating: The griddle heats up quickly and distributes heat evenly preventing hot spots to ensure consistent results.

Pros:

The Non-Stick Cooking Surface

Even Heating

Adjustable Temperature

Removable Drip Tray

Cons:

The cord length is a bit short which may limit placement options in some kitchens

Due to the size, finding a storage space in smaller kitchens can be a challenge.

We have a space on our counter with an outlet easily accessible, and we have a shelf in our basement for storage. 

So, for us, the pros outweigh the cons. The Bella griddle is a helpful kitchen appliance when cooking for a crowd in our house.

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The Bella Essentials 10 x 16 Griddle is reasonably priced on Amazon and a great addition to your kitchen

BELLA Electric Griddle with Crumb Tray - Smokeless Indoor Grill, Nonstick Surface, Adjustable Temperature Control Dial & Cool-touch Handles, 10" x 16", Black

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Cooking Breakfast with Cast Iron Skillets on a Grill

 There is something wonderful about cooking breakfast outdoors, especially when using cast iron skillets on a grill. This year for the 4th of July we had a house full so, it was a good idea to cook breakfast for everyone on the grill. Here is a review of my cooking experience.

I used my Char-Griller Smokin Champ Charcoal Grill, and a gas grill will also work. Preheating the grill to medium-high temperature was my goal (around 375-400 degrees F).

Here is my Menu:

Bacon

Sausage Links

Hash Browns

Pancakes 

Scrambled Eggs

Over easy Eggs (made in the bacon grease)

Cast iron is perfect for grilling or cooking on any surface, it retains heat very well and provides an even cooking surface. Make sure your skillets are well-seasoned to prevent sticking.

I used every cast iron skillet I own to make this breakfast. I cooked the bacon in my 12-inch skillet and started the sausage in my 8-inch skillet. Reserving my 10-inch skillet for the scrambled eggs later. I almost forgot the hash browns and pancakes were cooked on my 17-inch x 9.5-inch griddle. As the food was cooked I moved it to foil pans that I placed on the upper rack to keep it warm.

The Verdict: 

To prevent the scrambled eggs from sticking I used a generous amount of butter in the bottom of the skillet. The bacon cooked well in my 12-inch skillet, and I finished cooking the sausage and over-easy eggs in the bacon grease (not so healthy but so good). 

The pancakes were a challenge as they cooked rather quickly on the griddle. Heat control is the key, the pancakes were the last thing I cooked so, the griddle was too hot at this point. Overall cooking breakfast with cast iron skillets on the grill is an adventure worth trying. I had so much fun cooking this breakfast and everyone really enjoyed the food.

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I only use Lodge Cast Iron Cookware below is what I used for breakfast:

Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet Set - Set Includes 8 Inch Skillet, 10.25 Inch Skillet, and 12 inch Skillet - 3 Piece

Lodge LDP3 Cast Iron Rectangular Reversible Grill/Griddle, 9.5-inch x 16.75-inch, Black

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Celebrate with a Festive Patriotic Trifle

 Summer is here, and that means it's time for barbecues, picnics, and all things outdoors. Whether you're celebrating the 4th of July, Memorial Day, or just feeling extra patriotic this festive trifle is the perfect dessert to add to your picnic. It's not only delicious but very easy to make.

Festive Patriotic Trifle - Reviewed

Every year for our 4th of July celebration our daughter Jamie, and grandson, Tyler make this festive dessert. This is so easy to assemble, no need for baking skills. Just layer and go. With the vibrant colors and fresh fruit flavors, it's a real crowd-pleaser. You can customize it with your favorite fruits and flavors making this so versatile.

Ingredients for a Festive Patriotic Trifle:

• 1-angle food cake or pound cake (cut into cubes)
• 2 cups strawberries, sliced
• 2 cups blueberries
• 1 cup raspberries
• 2 cups vanilla pudding
• 2 cups whipped cream

Assemble the Trifle:

1. In a large trifle bowl or glass dish, start with a layer of cubed cake.
2. Add a layer of vanilla pudding, spreading it evenly over the cake.
3. Add a layer of mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries).
4. Add a layer of whipped cream.
5. Repeat the layers until you reach the top of the dish, finishing with a layer of whipped cream and berries.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.

I hope you enjoy this festive dessert at your next picnic. The delightful combination of fruit, pudding, and whipped cream is sure to impress your guests.

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If you need a Trifle Bowl why not buy one named after me.

Anchor Hocking Monaco Glass Trifle Bowl, 104 oz

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Starting and Maintaining the Temperature in an Off-Set Smoker

 There is something magical about cooking on an off-set smoker. The slow process of smoking meats creates flavors unmatched by any other cooking method.

 However, mastering an off-set smoker can be a daunting task for a beginner. I have been using my off-set smoker for the last six years, and in my review today I'm going to share some things I've learned about starting and controlling the temperature.

Starting Your Off-Set Smoker:

Choose high-quality lump charcoal or charcoal briquettes. It's the foundation of your fire and will provide the steady heat needed. 

Select hardwoods like oak, hickory, cherry, maple, or applewood. These woods burn slowly, adding a rich smokey flavor to your meats. Hickory is my favorite and my go-to hardwood, I love the flavor it adds to the meats.

Building a solid base fire is the key. I start by piling unlit charcoal in the firebox closest to the cooking chamber. Then, I fill my charcoal chimney starter, and when the coals are hot dump them next to the unlit charcoal in the firebox, then, add some wood on top. Close the firebox to bring the cooking chamber up to the temperature I want. 

Read my review of Charcoal Chimney Starter here

My temperature is coming up nicely. I'm looking for a temperature between 225 and 275 degrees. The temperature is reading 280 degrees so, that means my surface temperature on the cooking chamber surface is about 230 or 240 degrees. The reason for the variance is that the thermometers are placed high on the lid of the grills, and the temperature will be about 40 to 50 degrees less on the cooking surface.

Controlling the Airflow:

This is the intake vent on the back of the firebox. At this point, I leave it wide open for a higher temperature. When I need to lower the temperature I will close it but not all of the way, this allows less air and will lower the temperature.

Exhaust vent or smoke stack, I always keep my smoke stack wide open. This allows the smoke to escape, preventing it from becoming stale and bitter. 

I find this method to give me 2 to 3 hours of constant heat before I have to add more fuel for heat. For a long smoke, I'll add more fuel about every 45 minutes to an hour to maintain the temperature.

Patience is the key, smoking meat is a low and slow process. Rushing it will not yield the best results.

Practice, the more you use your off-set smoker, the more you'll understand how it reacts to adjustments.

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Char-Griller 8125 Competition Pro Charcoal Grill, BlackCheck the PriceWeber Rapidfire Chimney Starter, Standard, SilverCheck the Price

 

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Five Inexpensive Father's Day Gifts

 Father's Day is approaching, and you might be wondering how to show your dad some love without breaking the bank. Since you didn't win the lottery to buy your dad a new car, here are five thoughtful budget-friendly gift ideas that will make your dad feel appreciated.

Five Inexpensive Father's Day Gifts - Reviewed

Personalized Photo Frame

A personalized photo frame can be a heartwarming gift your dad will cherish for years. Consider choosing a special photo of you, your dad, or the entire family, and find a nice frame. You can even decorate the frame to add a personal touch. This gift is inexpensive and sentimental, reminding your dad of precious memories every time he looks at it.

DIY Coupon Book

Create a DIY coupon book filled with coupons for various activities or chores that you will do for your dad. Things like, washing the car, making him breakfast, spending the day doing his favorite activity, and completing that project around the house that he has been putting off. This thoughtful gift allows your dad to redeem the coupons whenever he likes.

Homemade Treats

If your dad has a sweet tooth, like me, or a favorite snack, consider making some homemade treats. Bake a batch of cookies, brownies, or even a special dish that he loves. Package them up in a decorative tin or box. This is a delicious and cost-effective way to show your dad you care.

A Good Book

If your dad enjoys reading, a good book can be a perfect gift. Choose a book from his favorite genre or an author he loves. If you're unsure what book to get, consider a best seller or classic that many people enjoy. You can often find great deals on books at a local bookstore, online retailers, or even second-hand shops.

Handwritten Letter

In today's digital age, a handwritten letter can be a very special and meaningful gift. Take the time to write a heartfelt letter to your dad, expressing your gratitude and love. Share your favorite memories and tell him how much he means to you. This simple gesture will likely be treasured for years to come.

Father's Day doesn't have to be about expensive gifts. It's the thought and effort that counts the most. These inexpensive gift ideas are sure to make your dad feel loved and appreciated without putting a strain on your wallet. Happy Father's Day to all the wonderful dads out there.

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The Classic Record Player Stand - Reviewed

 In this age of digital streaming, there is something undeniably charming about spinning vinyl records on a classic turntable. Our daughter bought Fran a classic turntable for her birthday this year. Since we didn't have a place for it we had to find a record player stand. 

Fran began a search for what she wanted to buy for our new turntable. Yes, now we have another piece of furniture in the house. She found this Amil Series stand from Mazefur with more of a contemporary style. It's perfect for the new turntable and fits nicely in our living room.

The stand was very easy to assemble with excellent easy-to-follow instructions. The top surface offers a stable platform for our turntable, with enough space to accommodate even a larger model. 

The stand has a sleek pull-out drawer at the top, a shelf right below the drawer, and plenty of storage space for our extensive collection of vinyl records to be stored safely.

Many turntables on the market today have built-in CD players, ours does not. The shelf below the drawer will be perfect for a CD player, as we also have an extensive collection of CDs. The shelf has wire management access on the back panel for easy installation of the wires.

There are many styles of record player stands to choose from. We like the style of the one we purchased, but you can find many stands that offer a retro look to bring you back in time.

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Below are just a couple of styles you will find on Amazon.

 

Joaxswe Record Player Stand with Vinyl Record Storage,Rustic Blue Record Player Table Holds up to 160 Albums,Large Wood Turntable Stand Cabinet Dispaly Shelf for Living Room,Bedroom,Office

Possile Record Player Stand with Vinyl Record Storage, Mid-Century Turntable Stand for Living Room Bedroom Office, Record Player Table, Vinyl Holder Holds up to 100 Albums, Rustic Brown

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Garlic Butter Noodles with Mushrooms

 This is one of my absolute favorite pasta dishes. Garlic butter noodles with mushrooms are so easy to make and you can have them on the table in 30 minutes or less.

Garlic Butter Noodles with Mushrooms - Recipe Reviewed

When looking for something quick, tasty, and easy to make this is one of our go-to meals. The butter garlic flavor really stands out. If you like mushrooms as I do, and pasta this is a perfect combination. The recipe below is enough for two people. If you're serving a crowd just add to it accordingly.

Ingredients: 

• 12 oz. sliced mushrooms (washed and pat dry)
• 4 tablespoons butter (2 for the mushrooms and 2 for the noodles)
• 3 cloves of garlic finely chopped
• 1/2 bag of noodles (or your favorite pasts)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. Begin cooking the mushrooms in a skillet over medium to high heat.
2. Stir and turn the mushrooms until you see moisture in the pan.
3. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and chopped garlic and continue to stir and turn until the mushrooms are golden brown.
4. Lower the heat to simmer and cook your noodles.
5. Drain the cooked noodles and return them to the pot or a bowl, add the other 2 tablespoons of butter and stir.
6. Pour the cooked mushrooms over the noodles and stir. Add the garnish and serve.

I always begin cooking my mushrooms in a dry pan first over medium to high heat. Mushrooms contain a lot of water, and this method allows the liquids to slowly evaporate and the mushrooms to caramelize. 

You will also want a skillet large enough so the mushrooms are not piled high on top of each other. After they burn off some of their liquids and turn golden brown it is time to add the butter and any seasoning you're using.

This is such a versatile meal, you can use whatever pasta you like instead of noodles. You can also season the mushrooms with your favorite seasonings or add a little lemon juice to the mushrooms as they are cooking.

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Sam's Places

Lodge BOLD 12 Inch Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, Design-Forward Cookware, BlackCheck the Price

 

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