BBQ – EcoSalon

7 Planet-Friendly Must-Haves for Super Awesome Guilt-Free Tailgating

Jen Wallace — Sat, 09 Sep 2017 07:00:16 +0000

iStock/pixhook

Do some eco-friendly tailgating in style this season.

Whether you are tailgating at college football games in the fall or at weekend soccer games for the kiddos, make sure your next tailgate is a success. Tailgating doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t have the comforts of home (within reason) or that you can’t stick to your principles about being green.

Are you often envious of others’ setups? No worries, you just need to up your game a little with a few fun additions. Good tailgating is about planning ahead. Just like you wouldn’t expect your team to take the field without practice, you shouldn’t expect to have a killer tailgate without a little prep work. And a few gadgets make everything go more smoothly. We have a few suggestions to make your next tailgate a touchdown (or insert other sport metaphor here)!

Must-Have Tailgating Goodies

1. Solar Cooker/Grill

Be a grill master and the envy of your tailgate neighbors with a super cool solar cooker. Harness the power of the sun to power your next outdoor get together.

2. Steel Growler

Instead of grabbing a six-pack, fill up your reusable steel growler. Not only is it a more environmentally-friendly option, but allows you to enjoy your favorite microbrew. We won’t tell if you cover this badboy with your team’s stickers, either.

3.Tailgating Games

A tailgate isn’t complete without games like yard Jenga, yardzee, bottle ring toss, cornhole, and more.

4. Crank Blender

Planning an adult beverage friendly tailgate? This cord- and battery-free blender is just what you need. With just a little elbow grease, you can make margaritas, pina coladas, or your slushie beverage of choice.

5. Picnic Basket

A picnic basket full of reusable plates, cups, and utensils is the classy way to handle tailgating and making sure to keep it green.

6. Air Lounger

Chillax with blow up air loungers for the ultimate in relaxation and portability and no pump is required! Get a couple for you and your tailgating guests.

7. Solar Charger

Keep your devices charged up with a handy solar charger. From cell phones to keep up with the game to bluetooth speakers for tunes, a solar charger can keep your day all charged up.

Related on EcoSalon

7 Throw Blankets Perfect for Tailgating or Fireside
Cardboard Kyoto Box Sizzles with Solar
6 Picnic Ideas to Master the Art of Eating Outdoors

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Ask Foodie Underground: Dinner Party Etiquette and Foodie Couture Wings

Anna Brones — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 16:10:41 +0000

ColumnFrom recipes to love, Ask Foodie Underground has the answer.

Dear Foodie Underground,

Are dietary restrictions a right or a privilege?

When you disconnect that IV (irrevocably vegan) drip and venture into someone else’s dinner party, should you ask or expect your frantic host to accommodate your dietary demands?

Is it the host’s responsibility to prepare an extra buffet table to deal with your antipathy for meat, cheese and wheat stalks? Or are you obliged to give your dietary mandates the night off?

I am eagerly awaiting your answer, if not the next bowl of edamame.

Hip Deep in Hummus

Dear Hip Deep in Hummus,

Dietary demands are a touchy subject, but with a little social finesse you should be able to wow any guest at your next dinner party. These days, it is in fact the host’s obligation to check in on dietary restrictions. You don’t want anyone passing out at the table because they’re allergic to peanuts and your chocolate mousse was sprinkled with them, now would you?

People are allowed to eat as they choose, whether or not what they’re eliminating from their diet will actually have a negative effect on them. It’s not up to you to determine what makes them feel good.

That being said, if you’re hosting and your specialty involves a hefty dose of dairy, gluten and carnivorous delights, make it. Extra buffet table? No. But be sure you have at least one dish that satisfies a variety of dietary restrictions; it will push your culinary limits after all, and you might find yourself concocting a recipe you soon can’t live without.

And a word to the wise: Eat what you want, but if you’re the kind of company that is off nightshades and eggs, but you don’t offer to bring your own dish so that your gracious host doesn’t have to go out of their way to cook for you, you can expect them to start befriending some new dinner guests.

With love and sea salt,

Foodie Underground

***

Dear Foodie Underground,

I like to pretend that I love quinoa as much as the next person but really all I want is hot wings.

How do I make delicious hot wings but present them as “foodie couture”? How would I incorporate a mason jar so that I can do the whole country chic thing?

Thanks,
From Me and America

Dear From Me and America,

I appreciate your nationalistic attitude, it’s important to celebrate local food tradition after all! And who says wings and foodie couture can’t go together? There’s a reason Pok Pok opened up a New York City location after all. All you need to do in order to feel no shame bringing your wings to a foodie party is to put an edgy flavor in your glaze: cardamom, fish sauce, sesame seeds… the options are endless.

And while you’re at it, go ahead and serve them in a mason jar. Just make sure there is a layer of herbs that accompanies the flavor of the wings lining the bottom. The last thing you want to do is make something that isn’t food porn worthy. You might just start a new food trend that even Paula Deen can get behind.

With love and sea salt,

Foodie Underground

Have a question? Send it to Ask Foodie Underground. Email food [at]ecosalon[dot]com with any and all food questions. The more complicated the question, the better, and we won’t say that we can be bribed, but if it comes with a food porn attachment or a recipe, you just might get a response a little quicker than you think.

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Perfecting the Vegan Summer BBQ: 3 Festive Desserts

Sierra Magazine — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 19:00:33 +0000

Delicious fruit-filled desserts to please any eater.

Whether you’re a vegan, veg-curious or hosting some choosy guests, plant-based recipes abound for all social gatherings. We’ll show you how to do barbecue season veggie-style.

Serve Something Sweet.

Thinking about baking patriotic cupcakes this summer? Sounds delicious. But sometimes it helps to keep it simple. You can’t go wrong with plain old fruit! These recipes will have omnivores and vegans alike reaching for natural fruity sugar. You may want to double or triple these recipes if you’re having large gatherings.

American Pie

2 cups blueberries
2 cups sliced strawberries
1 can soy whipped cream

Combine fruit in a bowl. Do not bake — it’s not actually a pie. You’ve got all of the colors of the flag represented in this delicious fruit salad, and the combined flavors of the berries and the soy whip will make you feel like you’re eating pie.

Fruit Kebabs

1 cored pineapple, sliced into chunks
6 kiwis, peeled and diced
1 pint strawberries
2 cups grapes

Stick the fruit on to skewers and you’re done. You can grill these, but you don’t have to. Pineapple tastes fantastic grilled, so you can put it right alongside your veggies and even try it with the glaze. Whatever leftover fruit you have can be tossed straight into a salad.

Melon Medley

1 cantaloupe, chopped
1 honeydew, chopped
1 watermelon, chopped

Melons deserve a recipe of their own. Berries are always trying to steal their thunder, but not anymore. You can also add exotic melons to this recipe. And if you already have too many fruit salads on your picnic table, just blend these ingredients with a little bit of water and lime juice into a refreshing punch.

–by Krislyn Placide

This post originally appeared in Sierra magazine.

Image: Darwin Bell

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The Friday 5: Out & About Edition

Mike Sowden — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 20:57:28 +0000

The best of the week at EcoSalon, hand-picked for your clicking pleasure.

Think river towns are on the wane? You could be right – but only in the popular media. With their new competition and partnership with American Rivers, Outside magazine wants to remind people that river towns haven’t gone anywhere, and they’re just as charming (and environmentally conscious) as ever.

Mark Twain is credited as saying golf is “a good walk spoiled.” In fact he probably didn’t say it at all, but for critics of the sport, it has remained a rallying cry. How many of them have the environmental cost uppermost in their minds? As Allison Ford discovers, golf remains a water-guzzling monster, and it’s getting thirstier each year…

Anyone who is anyone has an embarrassing pair of flares in the closet, kept for sentimental value but utterly unsuitable for the light of day. But lo! Are they due for a comeback, as this history of flared pants gently suggests? Should I jump the fashion gun and strut proudly down the street in those tan bell-bottoms that lurk in my wardrobe? Will I? Not a chance.

Lazy, warm evenings are upon us, complete with the tantalizing smells coming from next door’s barbecue. So fight back! Practice your July 4th outdoor entertaining skills with these 11 essentials for a bash to drive your neighbours crazy.

Finally, know the name Natalie Coughlin? Yes, she was the swimmer decorated so handsomely with medals at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics. What you might not know is that’s she’s a keen urban farmer – check out our interview with her on the subject.

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10 Songs To Ensure That You Are a Memorial Day BBQ Master

Frankie Cecchinelli — Sat, 26 May 2012 17:17:05 +0000

An exclusive playlist to inspire grilling genius, whether it’s burgers or asparagus.

Summer’s here and the time is right, for grilling in the streets. Just kidding, keep it in the backyard.

Let this mix help you master the finer art of grilling this weekend. I like to “wow” my guests by pretending we are not just in my backyard, but someplace of a higher caliber… like the Catalina Wine Mixer. Have a safe and happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Grill Master by BehindTheWalk-In

Catch this and all of our playlists on 8tracks.

10 Songs To Ensure That You Are a Memorial Day BBQ Master from ecosalon on 8tracks.

1. Good Timin’ – The Beach Boys

2. Trust – Echo Shade

3. I Get Nervous – Lower Dens

4. Make It Right – Dreams

5. Visible – Giraffage

6. Never Ending Evaporation – Taquwami

7. Catalina Wine Mixer – Work Drugs

8. Better Times – Beach House

9. ☾- Slow Magic

10. In Love With Dusk – Keep Shelly in Athens

Like what you hear? Check out our entire 10 Songs series.

Image: gagilas

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Foodie Underground: Local Specialties to Make You Cringe

Anna Brones — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 20:38:34 +0000

ColumnTrashy classics are the trendiest.

Last week in Santa Fe I walked into a brewpub situated in the Railyard, an urban community of galleries, cafes and businesses blending into the gritty architecture of the railroad tracks. A chalkboard welcomed diners, highlighting all of the local meat and produce that was being served. Sunflower sprouts from a local garden, grass fed beef and a multitude of other options that would satisfy even the pickiest of locavores. And yet when I sat down it wasn’t the happy cows that were being recommended.

“On special tonight we have Frito Pie.”

Ummm… Excuse me?

I turned to my mother’s friend, whose house we were staying at, and raised my eyebrows quizzically.

“Oh yes, Frito Pie, it’s a local specialty,” she said matter of factly.

She proceeded to explain the art of a good Frito Pie, which apparently is a layer of Frito chips, chili and then an assortment of lettuce, tomatoes and cheese, almost always served at any local sporting event. According to my sources, the best Frito Pie isn’t even served in a bowl, the chili should just be poured straight into a bag of Fritos.

I heard the words “Frito Pie” mentioned numerous times over the next few days, from unassuming tourists to in-the-know chefs. Frito Pie wasn’t just a meal, it seemed to be an attitude, a loving affection for a local delicacy, simplicity maybe being its finest attribute.

Every region has their local junk food specialty, but it seems that we’ve taken trashy classics and given them a newfound reverence, putting them right next to the list of organic, local grown produce and artisan cheeses. We might talk a lot about the connection between foodies and snobbery, but when it comes down to it, there are plenty of food trends that have nothing to do with good (or pretentiously named) food at all.

Because sometimes being a foodie has absolutely nothing to do with eating local, sustainable or healthy, it’s simply all about the taste. Sure, there might be vegan fast food drive thrus, but when we start to think about it, what hole-in-the-wall locales do well? The ones that cater to your cravings; sweet, salty and fried. Junk foodie-ism as I like to call it.

These regional specialties – or should I say, horrors? – do it best, coming in as their city or state’s claim to fame, no matter what’s in them or where it came from.

Gooey Butter Cake

First introduced to me by a friend in college who hailed from St. Louis, Gooey Butter Cake isn’t much more than what its name indicates. But you can buy mixes, make The New York Times version and even order wedding cakes.

Fried Bologna Sandwich

The sound of it makes me cringe, but there is no shortage of mentions of Fried Bologna Sandwiches across the internet. It’s as simple as it sounds, and if you find yourself at smaller regional restaurants across the Midwest and in the South, you just might be able to order one.

BBQ Bologna

The processed meat (if you can call it meat), is a local delicacy from Rossford, Ohio to Memphis, Tennessee in some places weighing in at a 1/2 pound.

Shoofly Pie

Considered traditional in amongst the Pennsylvania Amish and Mennonites and the Pennsylvania Dutch, Shoofly Pie is sticky sweet with plenty of molasses. Make it for yourself with this recipe from The Splendid Table.

Sonoran Hot Dog

Grab a hot dog, wrap it in bacon, then proceed to slather it in pinto beans, chopped tomatoes, onions, jalapeno sauce, cheese, mayonnaise, ketchup and mustard, and you’ve got yourself the Southwestern specialty.

Frito Pie

Couldn’t let this go without a recipe, so for your own Frito Pie rendition, adhere to the following:

-Bag of Frito’s

-Finely chopped onions

-Finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese

-Canned chili (no beans)

-Jalapeno peppers or Slim Jim’s for fancy garnishes

IMPORTANT TIP: Always serve a Frito Pie immediately after pouring on the hot Chili.

Remember, NEVER allow the Frito’s to get soggy, as they turn into an inedible mush.

I won’t make any assessments of how our addiction to crazy regional specialties like these just might be an indicator of why our nation does so poorly when it comes to health issues. After all that, I think I’m off to make a salad. No Fritos or bologna, please.

Editor’s note: This is the latest installment of Anna Brones’s weekly column at EcoSalon, Foodie Underground, discovering what’s new and different in the underground food movement, from supper clubs to mini markets to the culinary avant garde.

Images: MattHurst, Sweet Treats and More, Central BBQ, supafly, Accidental Hedonist, wve

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How to ‘B’ at One with Backyard Bees

Julie Knapp — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 18:19:35 +0000

Yellow jackets and bumble bees may be a nuisance when you’re in your backyard or the park, but the seemingly unwelcome picnic guests are one of the most crucial pollinators around. Bees aren’t just responsible for honey; they help pollinate much of our food supply and without them we’d be out of roughly 30 percent of our food crops. The ever-so-important bee population is already depleting, so even if you’re not ready to try backyard beekeeping, you should avoid trapping and killing the little buggers. Instead, try to live harmoniously with them.

Dress the Part

Brightly colored clothing might be fun for summer, but certain hues can bring bees buzzing. If you’re worried about yellow jackets don’t wear bright yellow, orange, florescent red or light blue.

Skip Swatting

Even though you may be tempted to shoo yellow jackets and bumble bees away from your backyard BBQ, the swatting action will only provoke them. You probably won’t get rid of the bees and you may end up with a bee sting instead.

Dine Smart

The foods and drinks at picnics and BBQs can attract bees. Keep all edibles and beverages covered as much as you can. If you notice a bees’ nest nearby, move your festivities or at least stand downwind so the scents of your meal won’t waft into their home. Also, be sure to toss garbage far away from your gathering. And, don’t leave standing water around.

Stay Scent Free

Bees are often attracted to fragrances from scented beauty products including lotions, hair spray and perfumes. So avoiding fragrances may make them less likely to come buzzing in the first place.

Images: gregav, Paul McGuire

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