|
A Valentine's Dinner That'll Knock His Socks Off
A few years ago I wanted to do something really special for my
husband on Valentine's Day. I didn't want anything in return,
only that the evening was fun and enjoyable, and that was how it
turned out.
The look on my Valentine's face when...
Brown bagging it the healthy way
When enjoying a healthy lifestyle, one of the biggest challenges
is making meals on the go. Brown bagging is even more difficult
when children are involved, but it is still possible to create
delicious, nutritious brown bag lunches that the whole...
Cheap And Easy Party Food - Throw A Great Party Without Spending A Fortune
If you are planning a party, you already know that food can be
one of your biggest expenses. However, you can take several
steps to cut your party food costs. It is not necessary to
purchase expensive appetizers and beverages to throw a...
Formula for Successful Wedding Party
A wedding in the family, especially if it is the first, is such an important event that parents are inclined to forget the limits of their finances and to give the bride the kind of wedding she has always dreamed about. If she (or her mother) has...
Quick Reference Buying and Storage Guide for Cheese
Buying Guide
• Shop at a reliable source, if it does not smell good or look clean it is not a good place to shop. Always trust your instinct.
1. Choose a specialty market or gourmet grocery store, supermarkets do not always carry top quality...
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Gourmet Sauces, Rubs and Marinades - Give Your BBQ a Gourmet Kick
Many individuals agree that the sauce on barbecued meat is like the icing on a cake. Gourmet barbecue sauces, rubs and marinades are commonly served on (or on the side of) the finished dish. Barbecue sauces are used to add flavor and sweeten the meat for a better tasting meal. The types of barbecue sauces available throughout the world are endless. Barbecue sauces, rubs and marinades are the three basic methods of seasoning and each brings its own unique element into the barbecuing experience.
Barbecue Sauces
Many individuals and families swear by barbecue sauce and some find it impossible to prepare meat without it. Popular types of BBQ sauce depend highly on the region, since many different areas have an opinion all their own. Barbecue sauces can are usually based with vinegar, pepper, tomato or mustard and can offer either a sweet or spicy taste to the dish. Some barbecue sauces also use alcohol such as bourbon or zinfandel to add flavor. Most BBQ sauces use a sweetener such as white sugar, brown sugar, molasses or maple syrup to add sweetness to the dish. Sugar burns easily and as a result, it is best to add the barbecue sauces during the last stage of grilling.
Barbecue Rubs
Barbecue rubs are available in two forms, wet and dry. A dry rub is often a combination of dry spices and herbs which are spread over the meat and rubbed into the surface. Wet rubs are simply dry rubs with a liquid (usually oil) which binds them together. When cooking for longer periods of time, wet rubs provide moisture to the meat so the meat does not
become burnt or tough. Wet rubs are usually used on dishes such as fish or poultry since they do not have as much taste, whereas dry rubs are better suited for steak and pork. Most rubs contain paprika, black pepper, ground chili and garlic powder.
Marinades
Marinades are seasonings which contain acidic ingredients such as vinegar, wine and citrus juice and are used to tenderize the meat. Marinades can be a combination of herbs, spices and vegetables and are used to add flavor to the dish. When you soak the meat into the marinade, the meat absorbs the ingredients and the result is a more flavorful and tender dish. The meat must soak in the marinade for a good part of the day or even overnight to ensure it has enough time to absorb its maximum capacity. Make sure you read the directions prior to marinating because some foods (like shrimp and fish) can become mushy and soggy if they are left in too long.
Regardless of which form of seasoning you choose, rubs, sauces and marinades add flavor and tenderness to all forms of meat. So give your BBQ a gourmet kick and add a gourmet BBQ sauce, rub or marinade to your next barbecue.
About the Author
Gene Grohan is a contributing writer for various food related sites including Barbecues and Grills – a site offering information about choosing barbecue grills and great BBQ recipes - and Gourmet Foods 101 - a site offering information about and gourmet foods, meats and wines including things like gourmet shrimp.
|
|
|
|
|
