Slashfood http://www.slashfood.com Slashfood http://www.slashfood.com/media/feed_logo.gif Slashfood http://www.slashfood.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Turkey Brining 101 - How to Brine That Birdhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/11/11/turkey-brining-101-how-to-brine-that-bird/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/11/11/turkey-brining-101-how-to-brine-that-bird/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/11/11/turkey-brining-101-how-to-brine-that-bird/#commentsFiled under: , ,

turkey in brine

Photo: Erica George Dines Photography.

This Thanksgiving, whether you are roasting or smoking your holiday turkey, don't forget the most important step: brining.

Holiday magazines are filled with tips on how to prepare a perfect turkey, from wrapping the turkey in cheesecloth while cooking to rubbing the turkey with "dry brine."

I have experimented with almost every technique I have come across and in my opinion, the best method is good old-fashioned brining. Although you have to plan in advance, brining is an easy process that yields the most flavorful, juicy results.

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]]>brinebrine recipebriningbrining turkeygena knoxhomemade turkey brineturkey brineturkey briningGena KnoxWed, 11 Nov 2009 15:00:00 ESTSeasonal Salads on the Grillhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/10/27/seasonal-salads-on-the-grill/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/10/27/seasonal-salads-on-the-grill/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/10/27/seasonal-salads-on-the-grill/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

grilled salads

Photo: Gena Knox.

There are very few nights when I sit down to a homecooked meal that does not include a salad that reflects the season. Even if I put little effort into the main dish, I always have fun creating new dressings and salad combinations. While there are hundreds of salad dressings on supermarket shelves, I encourage you to make your own. Not only are they better for you, homemade dressings are simple to prepare and have a delicious, clean flavor.

Fall is full of some of my favorite ingredients, and the colors and textures of all the seasonal fruits and vegetables create amazing salads. Grilling pears and apples adds a smoky flavor, and a good quality cheese and simple dressing brings the dish together. You can top salads with toasted nuts, pomegranate seeds or even pumpkin seeds. Grilled portobello mushrooms also lend a nice, earthy flavor during the cooler months.

Get creative with seasonal ingredients, buy local and use fall nights to create delicious grilled dinners for your family and friends.

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]]>autumnfire and flavorFireAndFlavorgena knoxGenaKnoxgrilled applesgrilled pearsgrilled saladsGrilledApplesGrilledPearsGrilledSaladsGena KnoxTue, 27 Oct 2009 14:00:00 ESTWinter Squash on the Grillhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/10/02/winter-squash-on-the-grill/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/10/02/winter-squash-on-the-grill/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/10/02/winter-squash-on-the-grill/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

squash segments on a pan
Photo: Erica George Dines Photography.
This time of year, one of the most delicious seasonal foods to grill is winter squash. Butternut, acorn and sugar pumpkin all benefit from the smokiness and caramelized flavors that the grill imparts.

And there are so many ingredients that complement winter squash -- from sage and thyme to sweeter flavors like orange, maple and bourbon. Even sausage and bacon are perfect matches for this fall favorite.

Grilled winter squash make a nice addition to everything from risotto to salads and can be a great side to serve with roasted meats or as a main vegetarian dish. Some of my favorite cheeses -- like goat, blue cheese and feta -- round out the smoky sweetness for melt-in-your-mouth flavor.

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]]>acorn squashAcornSquashbutternut squashButternutSquashfire and flavorFireAndFlavorgena knoxGenaKnoxgrilling tipsgrilling vegetablesGrillingTipsGrillingVegetablessquashwinter squashWinterSquashGena KnoxFri, 02 Oct 2009 16:00:00 ESTQuick and Simple Asian-Style Supperhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/21/quick-and-simple-asian-style-supper/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/21/quick-and-simple-asian-style-supper/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/21/quick-and-simple-asian-style-supper/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

summer rolls
Photo: ''Gourmet Made Simple.''
In the South, we usually have to take a short break from grilling outdoors come August due to the heat. As soon as slightly cooler temperatures and football season set in, we move back outdoors to the grill.

Thankfully that time is here. Living in a college town -- Athens, Ga. -- it seems we start doing even more entertaining. Sometimes I use this time to experiment with new recipes, but if time does not allow, I have some favorite recipes that are quick but well-liked.

Most people love an Asian-inspired menu and it's certainly more innovative than traditional burgers and hot dogs on game weekends. Shrimp and Mango Summer Rolls are a divine starter and can easily be made vegetarian. My Pineapple and Red Pepper Pork Kebabs are easy enough to make even for a weeknight meal or ahead of time tp be taken them to a tailgate. Get these fall grill recipes after the jump.

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]]>asian slawAsianSlawfire and flavorFireAndFlavorgena knoxGenaKnoxgrillinggrilling tipsGrillingTipspork skewersPorkSkewersshrimp and mango summer rollsShrimpAndMangoSummerRollsGena KnoxMon, 21 Sep 2009 11:00:00 ESTEasy Tenderizing - Tip of the Dayhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/07/easy-tenderizing-tip-of-the-day/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/07/easy-tenderizing-tip-of-the-day/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/07/easy-tenderizing-tip-of-the-day/#commentsFiled under:

Marinating the meat doesn't always yield a tender dish. Try this next time!

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]]>buttermilkfire and flavorFireAndFlavorgena knoxGenaKnoxgrilling tipsGrillingTipsmarinadeyogurtGena KnoxMon, 07 Sep 2009 09:00:00 ESTGrilling Through the Seasonshttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/04/grilling-through-the-seasons/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/04/grilling-through-the-seasons/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/04/grilling-through-the-seasons/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

grilled lamb chops
Grilled lamb chops with olive tapenade. Photo: Erica George Dines Photography
It is hard to believe that summer is officially coming to an end and football season is here. We always enjoy grilling in the fall -- cooler temperatures set in and you can bring the party outside once again.

Fall temperatures generally mean heartier meals, but that is all the more reason to keep your grill out until winter sets. Take advantage of fall's ingredients and keep the grill going.

Richer meats like lamb chops become some of our favorite weekend meals and are surprisingly easy to grill.

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]]>fall grillingFallGrillingfire and flavorFireAndFlavorgena knoxGenaKnoxgrilling tipsGrillingTipslamblamb chopsLambChopsolivestailgateGena KnoxFri, 04 Sep 2009 16:00:00 ESTSmoked Cheese on the Grillhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/08/28/smoked-cheese-on-the-grill/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/08/28/smoked-cheese-on-the-grill/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/08/28/smoked-cheese-on-the-grill/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

smoked brie
Smoked brie. Photo: Erica George Dines Photography
Part of a continuing summer series by grilling expert Gena Knox.

Whether you are having guests over for a grill-out or just cooking for the family, start up your grill a few minutes early and smoke your own cheese for an amazing yet easy-to-prepare appetizer.

Plank grilling is a familiar concept when it comes to cooking salmon and other types of fish, but you can also use wood to smoke brie, cheddar, Gouda and mozzarella in just 10 to 15 minutes.

When you purchase cheeses like "smoked Gouda" from your supermarket, the taste is oftentimes artificial, with a strong aftertaste. By using cedar, maple, alder or other flavors of wood, you can add an all-natural smoky taste to almost any cheese.

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]]>gena knoxGenaKnoxgrilling cheesegrilling tipsGrillingCheeseGrillingTipssmoked cheeseSmokedCheeseGena KnoxFri, 28 Aug 2009 15:00:00 ESTPlay It Safe - Tip of the Dayhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/08/24/play-it-safe-tip-of-the-day/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/08/24/play-it-safe-tip-of-the-day/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/08/24/play-it-safe-tip-of-the-day/#commentsFiled under: ,

An instant flare-up on the grill leaving you wondering what to do about that scorching steak?

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]]>fire and flavorFireAndFlavorgena knoxGenaKnoxgrillinggrilling tipsGrillingTipsGena KnoxMon, 24 Aug 2009 09:00:00 ESTQuick Grilling for Busy Nightshttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/08/21/quick-grilling-for-busy-nights/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/08/21/quick-grilling-for-busy-nights/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/08/21/quick-grilling-for-busy-nights/#commentsFiled under: , ,

chicken kebobs
Gena's chicken kebabs. Photo: Erica George Dines Photography.
It is hard to believe that kids are nearly back in school, and it's time to resume the hectic weekly schedule of balancing school, work and afternoon activities while still getting a hot meal on the table.

As much I enjoy eating out, I also love cooking and knowing exactly what is going into my food. Summer is nearing the end, but that does not mean you have to put away your grill -- use it to your advantage.

Grilling can save you time in the kitchen and help you get meals on the table in a quick fashion without heating up the kitchen. Get my go-to quick grilling recipes after the jump.

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]]>fire and flavorFireAndFlavorgena knoxGenaKnoxgrilling recipesgrilling tipsGrillingRecipesGrillingTipshow-toquick mealsQuickMealsGena KnoxFri, 21 Aug 2009 15:00:00 ESTBrush the Grill - Tip of the Dayhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/08/17/brush-the-grill-tip-of-the-day/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/08/17/brush-the-grill-tip-of-the-day/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/08/17/brush-the-grill-tip-of-the-day/#commentsFiled under:

Caked-on grime and nastiness ruining your outdoor 'cue?

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]]>dirty grillDirtyGrillfire and flavorFireAndFlavorgena knoxGenaKnoxgrill brushGrillBrushgrillinggrilling tipsGrillingTipsGena KnoxMon, 17 Aug 2009 09:00:00 ESTRest the Meat - Tip of the Dayhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/08/10/rest-the-meat-tip-of-the-day/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/08/10/rest-the-meat-tip-of-the-day/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/08/10/rest-the-meat-tip-of-the-day/#commentsFiled under:

Slice into that juicy steak only to see all the delicious juices come pouring out?

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]]>fire and flavorFireAndFlavorgena knoxGenaKnoxgrilling tipsGrillingTipsresting meatRestingMeatsteakGena KnoxMon, 10 Aug 2009 09:00:00 ESTGrilling With Honeyhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/08/07/grilling-with-honey/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/08/07/grilling-with-honey/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/08/07/grilling-with-honey/#commentsFiled under: , ,

gena and the bees
Gena visits Ted at Savannah Bee.
Part of a continuing summer series by grilling expert Gena Knox.

When most people think of honey, they think of breakfast and hot tea, but honey is actually one of the most versatile ingredients in the kitchen -- so versatile, in fact, that I use it on an almost-daily basis. A natural way to sweeten marinades and salad dressings, honey can be used to add flavor to savory dishes and not just desserts.

Of course, as with any food, you want to use a good quality honey. One of my favorites is Savannah Bee, and my friend Ted, the owner behind this delicious honey, has chosen his favorite full-bodied honey for grilling. The rich amber color and robust flavor stands up to the smokiness of grilled foods and the easy, no-spill pump isn't bad either.

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]]>fire and flavorFireAndFlavorgena knoxGenaKnoxgrillinggrilling tipsGrillingTipshoneyhow toHowTorecipesGena KnoxFri, 07 Aug 2009 16:00:00 ESTPreheat That Grill! -- Tip of the Dayhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/08/03/preheat-that-grill-tip-of-the-day/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/08/03/preheat-that-grill-tip-of-the-day/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/08/03/preheat-that-grill-tip-of-the-day/#commentsFiled under:

Sick of food sticking to your grill?

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]]>dirty grillDirtyGrillfire and flavorFireAndFlavorgena knoxGenaKnoxgrilling tipsGrillingTipsGena KnoxMon, 03 Aug 2009 09:00:00 ESTGrilled Sweet Summer Cornhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/07/31/grilled-sweet-summer-corn/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/07/31/grilled-sweet-summer-corn/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/07/31/grilled-sweet-summer-corn/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

grilled corn
Gena's grilled corn with ancho. Photo: Erica George Dines Photography
Part of a continuing summer grilling series by expert Gena Knox.

Nothing says summer like fresh sweet corn on the grill.

This year, our garden does not seem to be performing very well, but for some reason my corn is growing like a weed. I harvested my first crop of Silver Queen and Peaches & Cream Sweet Corn just this week, and the taste is absolute heaven.

When I think of grilling corn, I generally think salt, pepper and butter. Sometimes when you just want to keep a side dish simple this is the best way to prepare it, but there are other times when spicing up the traditional summer side can be fun. I experimented with some simple, but creative ways to top grilled corn and these recipes can be paired with a variety of dishes.

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]]>anchofire and flavorFireAndFlavorgena knoxGenaKnoxgrilled cornGrilledCorngrillingGena KnoxFri, 31 Jul 2009 16:00:00 ESTPerfect Burgers - Tip of the Dayhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/07/27/perfect-burgers-tip-of-the-day/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/07/27/perfect-burgers-tip-of-the-day/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/07/27/perfect-burgers-tip-of-the-day/#commentsFiled under:

Thought you've made the perfect burger, but instead you get some uneven mass of meat?

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]]>burgerdimplefire and flavorFireAndFlavorgena knoxGenaKnoxgrillingGena KnoxMon, 27 Jul 2009 09:00:00 ESTPizzas on the Grillhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/07/24/pizzas-on-the-grill/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/07/24/pizzas-on-the-grill/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/07/24/pizzas-on-the-grill/#commentsFiled under:

grilled pizza
Gena's grilled pizza. Photo: Erica George Dines Photography
My husband and I grill out pretty often through out the summer, but after a while I just get bored with the traditional meat or fish on the grill and the various side dishes that go along with it. That's why I love grilled pizza.

We spent last weekend at a friend's lake house in north Georgia, and I served "make your own"-style pizzas. You'd be surprised at how much fun the adults had making and grilling their own.

I opted to spread out various toppings in small bowls and made an easy dough, pre-grilling the pizzas for everyone. All they had to do was top the pizzas with their own signature toppings and finish them off on the grill.

Get my pizza dough and pizza sauce recipes after the jump.

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]]>fire and flavorFireAndFlavorgena knoxGenaKnoxgrilled pizzaGrilledPizzagrilling tipsGrillingTipspizza dough recipePizzaDoughRecipeGena KnoxFri, 24 Jul 2009 15:00:00 ESTProper Foiling - Tip of the Dayhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/07/20/proper-foiling-tip-of-the-day/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/07/20/proper-foiling-tip-of-the-day/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/07/20/proper-foiling-tip-of-the-day/#commentsFiled under:

Pull your meat off the grill and foil it only to discover it's overcooked?

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]]>aluminum foilAluminumFoilfire and flavorFireAndFlavorgena knoxGenaKnoxgrilling tipsGrillingTipsGena KnoxMon, 20 Jul 2009 09:00:00 ESTThe Perfect Pork Tenderloinhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/07/17/the-perfect-pork-tenderloin/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/07/17/the-perfect-pork-tenderloin/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/07/17/the-perfect-pork-tenderloin/#commentsFiled under: ,

pork tenderloin
Pork tenderloin. Photo: Erica George Dines Photography

Part of a continuing summer series by grilling expert Gena Knox.

Pork tenderloins are served at our house pretty often. Not only are they lean, but also they are flavorful and easy to cook. Like chicken, pork easily takes on the flavor of the rub, marinade or sauce you pair it with. Traditional supermarkets sell already marinated pork tenderloins, but I generally avoid these. Filled with sodium, artificial ingredients and flavors, these pre-marinated meats generally turn out mushy and very salty.

The marinade, overtime, actually begins to "cure" the meat, causing it to turn grey and the proteins to break down. I generally prefer buying the all-natural pork from stores such as Whole Foods. These are usually not packed in a salty brine and they allow me to brine my own if I want.

The problem is, most people don't know how to cook pork tenderloin properly and they often turn out tough, overcooked and lacking in flavor.

Learn the proper way to cook them and get my coffee-rubbed pork tenderloin recipe after the jump.

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]]>fire and flavorFireAndFlavorgena knoxGenaKnoxgrillingGena KnoxFri, 17 Jul 2009 15:00:00 ESTUnstick That Grill - Tip of the Dayhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/07/13/unstick-that-grill-tip-of-the-day/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/07/13/unstick-that-grill-tip-of-the-day/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/07/13/unstick-that-grill-tip-of-the-day/#commentsFiled under:

Had the perfect piece of meat only to watch it get stuck to the grill? Follow this tip.

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]]>fire and flavorFireAndFlavorgena knoxGenaKnoxgrilling tipsGrillingTipsGena KnoxMon, 13 Jul 2009 09:00:00 ESTGrilled Potato Saladshttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/07/10/grilled-potato-salads/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/07/10/grilled-potato-salads/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/07/10/grilled-potato-salads/#commentsFiled under:

yukon gold potatoes
Morning Glory Farms potatoes. Photo: Gena Knox
On a quick Fourth of July vacation to Martha's Vineyard, my husband and I discovered a beautiful, quaint organic farm, Morning Glory Farms. Even though I had no access to a kitchen while on the island, I was inspired by all the ingredients at the market and could not wait to get home and start cooking.

Yukon Gold potatoes were plentiful at the market. The rich, buttery flavor makes these potatoes perfect for so many dishes and they are even better when you add the rich, smoky flavor of the grill. I experimented with three different versions of grilled potato salad and let me tell you, these recipes are keepers! I was quite surprised how much the smokiness improved the flavor and texture of the salads. Even though grilling was an extra step, it only took a few minutes and was well worth the effort.

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]]>fire and flavorFireAndFlavorgena knoxGenaKnoxgrilling tipsGrillingTipspotato saladPotatoSaladGena KnoxFri, 10 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST