‘Tips / FAQ’s’

Backyard Envy – Drive ‘Em Crazy

Tuesday, May 24th, 2011

Have you got what it takes to strut your stuff and turn your neighbors green with envy when you make magic happen on the back yard grill?  Robert Frost did say “good fences make good neighbors”, but I think that “Great BBQ makes Great Friends”!  Instead of building a wall of envy between you, why not drive your neighbor crazy and show off some serious skills while you still remain friends.  Invite him over to grill out bond over some brisket.

On the other hand are you one of the envious, and short on talent, have no fear.  Check out our quick list of ideas that will take your backyard credentials to a whole new level:

  1. Get out the grill and learn how to use it with somebody.  These days grilling is hotter than ever since over 81% of American Households owns at least one BBQ grill or smoker.  Heck, one fourth of grill owners actually own two!  Since we apparently love to cook out side and have to eat anyway, why not have some fun and invite the neighbors over to swap some skills.
  2. Use wood chips and chunks for flavor.  Whether on the gas grill or real coals, chips and chunks give you the smoke adds the “grilled flavor” to your food.  Overlooked too often because of haste or ignorance, most people don’t know what they are missing.  Try apple, pecan, hickory, or mesquite; each has its own distinct flavor.  In my opinion, a grill without chunks and chips, is just an oven.
  3. Take it slow, and low once in a while – seriously!  Yeah, life is hectic but you have to stop and smell the roses once in awhile and great bbq is no exception.  Try cooking a 10 pound pork shoulder over 200 degree coals for 14-16 hours.  With enough to feed 20-30 friends and relatives, everybody will declare you area a BBQ pit-master!
  4. Try making your own barbecue sauce.  Its not as hard as you would think.  Personally, I follow 5 key steps to making a sauce on a whim; (1) start with a base (maybe tomato), (2) add Sweet (like agave), (3) add flavors and spices, (4) add heat (like Sriracha sauce), and then (5) write it down.  The most import step is WRITE it down!  I can’t tell you how many times I have whipped up a sauce that friends are raving about, and struggle to make it again.
  5. Turn your grill into a pizzeria.  The best part is that everybody gets involved in this one.  Gather up your favorite ingredients, and let each person make their own pie.  I have found that using a pizza stone in a 500 deg charcoal grill can turn out homemade pies in about 3-5 minutes!
  6. Give your grill the bird.  Whole turkeys and chickens require almost no prep at all, you just have to plan ahead. In addition to thawing the bird a day or so in advance, it can take 1-4 hours on the grill depending on the size of the bird.  Stuff it with fruit, or simply coat it with spices.  A general rule of thumb is that it will take about 15 minutes per pound to cook a bird at 300 degrees.  If you want to go slow and low (see #2 above) then add 5-10 minutes per pound if your drop it down to about 225 degrees.
  7. Smoke your bacon.  Either prepackaged, or straight from the butcher, grilled bacon takes the average BLT to a whole new level.  Its not rocket science but you do have to pay attention.  Once the bacon starts sizzling, be careful.  A grease fire will turn your meat into matchsticks in seconds.  I avoid this by using an indirect cooking method and make sure that I have something between the meat and the heat like a foil pan or a ceramic plate.
  8. Make the fish walk the plank.  Try grilling fish (like a nice salmon fillet with the skin) on cedar planks.  These boards are often found near the BBQ section of any store, or you can go to the lumber yard and buy an eight food board to cut down yourself.  The key it to make sure it has not been treated with chemicals (you don’t need that taste – yuk!) and before you grill the wood should be soaked for several hours so it does not easily ignite over the goals.  Lay the fish on the plank, and the plank on the grill.  When the fish is done, serve it right off of the board at the table!
  9. Grill jalapeno poppers with cheese.  These little firecrackers are found in almost every grocery store and they are cheap!  There are recipes for these all over the Internet, my favorite one is here.
  10. Grill some fruit!  Most people overlook this sweet stuff, but what is healthier that fruit right?  Here is a quick list of things to consider: pineapple, nectarines, peaches, apples, bananas, and cantaloupe.

Enjoy!

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It’s time for Spring Cleaning

Friday, April 22nd, 2011

With warmer weather arriving, and the snow quickly melting, spring cleaning is making it’s way on to many of our to-do lists.  Despite the departure of old man winter, we Minnesotans still have plenty of cool spring and summer nights ahead and with them, the opportunity to enjoy our wood and gas fireplaces.

Let's Clean Up!

Since we can and do use our fireplaces almost all year (except the dog days of summer), I am often asked “When is the best time to clean and service my fireplace”?  The Answer – “In the Spring!”, and here is why:

  • Our lead times are shorter.  In the fall, our schedule is busy with service responses to fireplaces that need repair.  Perhaps there are problems that occurred last season (maybe in the spring), and homeowners have a tendency to put off the repair since “winter is almost over”.
  • Your fireplace will feel fresh and clean all summer long.  After a long winter, when your fireplace has been working hard, the glass and other critical components could use a thorough cleaning.  Giving it a good cleaning at the end of the season means that it will be ready to go in the fall (while your friends and neighbors may be facing a 2-3 week wait time to get on the schedule for repairs).
  • We often run specials to encourage you to plan ahead.  Since our schedule is lighter, we  invite you to plan ahead with a service in the spring (and help relieve the congested schedule we face in the fall).  Check here to see if there is a promotion that may save you money!

Rest assured that we are trained and experience in taking good care of your fireplace and we are more than happy to do it any time of year.  But it’s often in your best interest, for both time and money, to plan ahead with prevention instead of responding to a failure.

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60 units qualify for $1500 Tax Credit!

Sunday, November 14th, 2010

As 2010 comes to an end, so does the opportunity to cash in on the $1500 tax credit from the IRS.  Since 2009, the Federal Government has offered a financial incentive to homeowners who purchase a qualifying stove or fireplace for use in their primary residence.  With so many people excited about the savings, traffic in the showroom has been heavy and everybody is asking “What products qualify.”, and “How is the rebate Distributed?”.

Energy Products and Design is proud to offer the widest selection of qualifying units by far.  With 6 different brands, and a combination of over 60 units, we have the ability to find the BEST product to suit your needs, taste, and budget.

To redeem your credit, consult your tax professional or refer to the IRS guidelines found here.  When you file your tax return you will need to: file IRS Form 5695,  include a copy of your invoice and the certificate from the fireplace/stove Manufacturer that denotes the appliance qualification.

To help our customers, we have assembled a list of links to the manufacturer certificates and information:

Should you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us!

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Tip – Cleaner Glass for gas fireplaces

Friday, October 22nd, 2010

Why does the glass get dirty on my gas fireplace, and how often should I be cleaning it?  The answer: it depends, because there are many factors that affect cleanliness of the window on your gas fireplace or stove. (more…)

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Posted in Gas Fireplaces, Gas Inserts, Gas Stoves, Tips / FAQ's | No Comments »

Tool – How To Plan A Fireplace

Friday, October 1st, 2010

Remodeling and home improvement can be a snap with a little planning and consideration; fireplace projects included.  But just like any endeavor, not knowing WHAT to plan and HOW to get started can put a damper on your enthusiasm quickly.  By following our outline of the primary components of every fireplace project, you can ensure that all of the details are covered.

  • I. Fireplace Objective
  • II. Fireplace Fuel
  • III. Fireplace Location Considerations
  • IV. Fireplace Design Elements
  • V. Fireplace Project Management / Execution

An easy to use worksheet can be found here.  We hope you find it useful; leave us a comment and let us know what you think!

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Tip – Use ashes to clean glass.

Monday, May 24th, 2010

Looking for something to clean the creosote stains and build-up on your fireplace glass?  Try the ashes in your fireplace. They are free and convenient and they won’t scratch your glass! (more…)

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Posted in Tips / FAQ's, Wood Burning | No Comments »

Tip – Fed Stimulus Money Available – up to $1500

Thursday, May 20th, 2010

Federal Money Available - up to $1500Interested in renewable fuels, and energy independence?  Well the United States government sure is.  As part of the unprecedented economic stimulus package passed in 2009, home owners may qualify for a federal tax rebate of up to $1500 on the purchase of a qualifying wood, pellet or corn burning appliance.

(more…)

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Posted in News, Pellet / Corn / Bio-Fuel Inserts, Pellet / Corn / Bio-Fuel Stoves, Tips / FAQ's, Wood Fireplaces, Wood Inserts, Wood Stoves | 1 Comment »

A Bit of Norwegian Advice for Burning Wood…

Thursday, April 8th, 2010

With over 150 years of experience in the wood stove industry, it is fair to say the Jøtul knows a little something about burning wood.  Whether you are new to wood heating, or you area a seasoned veteran, consider the expert advice that Jøtul offers on their website…… (more…)

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