‘Outdoor’

Jack-N-Coke Steak Marinade Recipe

Saturday, July 23rd, 2011

Andy’s Liquor – Crossroads invited Energy Products & Design to bring their BBQ Grills out and pair some great summer food with featured wines.   In honor of the Jack Daniels bottle signing that day, we created a Jack and Coke marinade that won rave reviews.  Enjoy it with Jack, a Coke, or maybe both!

Prep Time: 6-12 hours (including marinade)

Ingredients:

3/4 cup Jack Daniels …

Tags: BBQ Big Green Egg grill recipe steak

Category: BBQ , Outdoor

Author: Brent

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Posted in BBQ, Outdoor | 2 Comments »

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!

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

Photo Gallery of Outdoor Fire

Friday, May 20th, 2011

sonoma-fireplace (more…)

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Posted in Albums and Photo Galleries, Firepits | 2 Comments »

Photo Gallery of Outdoor BBQ

Sunday, May 15th, 2011

odgc-island (more…)

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Posted in Albums and Photo Galleries, BBQ | No Comments »

Before and After Job – Kozy Heat Princeton

Wednesday, April 27th, 2011

 

The entire staff at Energy Products and Design was courteous and addressed all concerns and questions my wife and I had regarding not only the products but the installation process.

Willie O’Neil walked us through the options and units that would best accommodate our needs.  He was prompt and provided ample information and explanations to assist us in making informed decisions and even educated us on the original wood burning unit we replaced.  Willie aided in coordination of the necessary subcontractors to simplify the installation and consulted with the contractor we had selected to complete the stone work on the facade of the new fireplace.  He was professional, honest and worked around our schedule.  Willie followed through with us from planning stage to completion.

We would highly recommend Willie and Energy Products and Design to anyone considering updating an old fireplace or adding a new unit in their home.

Shaun H.

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Posted in EP&D Before & After Photos, Gas Fireplaces | No Comments »

2011 SocialIce – FIRE and ICE!!

Friday, February 11th, 2011

Have you been to the coolest event to in Rochester?  Come down and check out the 3rd Annual SocialICE gathering downtown on the peace plaza!  This year Energy Products & Design teamed up with the Rochester Downtown Alliance along with local bars and restauants to celebrate living in the cold. (See Photos on Facebook)

The 3rd Annual SocialICE is back in Downtown Rochester! SocialICE will be once again, the largest outdoor ice bar in the upper Midwest, with four additional satellite ice bars that will expand and enhance the SocialICE experience. Socialice also features over 100ft of ice bar, real ice glasses, ice luges, live music in the skyway piped outdoors & MORE!

Live Entertainment Schedule:

  • Thursday, February 10th: 6-7:30pm—Lynhurst
  • Friday, February 11th: 6-7:30pm—Six Mile Grove
  • Saturday, February 12th: 6-7:30pm—Vertigo//USA The U2 Tribute Band

Plus, don’t miss out on the Walk of Ice, which features several ice sculptures in front of businesses throughout downtown. The ice bar will be open from 4:00-8:00pm Feb. 10th-12th on the Peace Plaza. The Walk of Ice sculptures will be on display Feb. 10th-12th as well, but can be viewed anytime during those dates. Maps for the Walk of Ice will also feature downtown restaurant/bar specials going on during/after SocialICE event hours. Maps will be available on the RDA website: www.downtownrochestermn.com

Like the Fires?  Print and Present this Coupon for extra Savings!

Posted in News, Outdoor | No Comments »

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

Wednesday, December 15th, 2010

Artwork by Reid Weckwerth, in gratitude for a job well done by our service technician (Jody Mundell).

Posted in Testimonial | No Comments »

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 »

New Product – the Stellar CML-58

Friday, October 15th, 2010

Stellar CML-58 Modern Linear Direct Vent Gas Fireplace

The CML-58 Modern linear fireplace puts the “art” in “hearth”.  With reflective glass “logs” lit up from below, and a mirrored firebox, you’ll enjoy endless uterations of the flames or lights throughout the year.

And with a choice of media colors to accent the fireplace, you can add just the right look to reflect your taste. Stellar Glass Media Logs

Here are some features that have set a new standard for the modern fireplace genre:

  • Floating Firebox Design
  • 12 piece ceramic reflective logset
  • Moonbeam interior accent lights
  • Reverse trapezoid  chassis with infinity viewing
  • Available illuminated faceplates

for more information, go to www.stellarhearth.com

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Posted in Gas Fireplaces, New Products, Product Spotlight | 2 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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Posted in Fireplaces, Tips / FAQ's | No Comments »

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