Coolest Steak Branding Irons

Great idea but wasn't funded, why?

Generally speaking, I see a lot of products on Kickstarter or sites like GoFundMe for grillmasters and barbecue lovers that are crazy.  However, I have to say, this one, is brilliant.  Little branding irons for your steaks.  You simply attach the plate to the pole, heat it up on your barbecue pit and brand your steak!

The branding iron for the lacrosse lovers.. too funny.

There are plenty of selections that will become available should this project get backed, and I hope it does as I know a lot of pitmasters who may use these at home or for gift ideas. Even restaurants could use them to brand their steak on holidays, like this one:
 

Steak Branding Iron would be great in Restaurant!   

Project was here

Update: 12.14.14

Items like this didn't make the cut to market. Why, I'm not sure. Although the designs may have looked a little cheesy,perhaps too computer generated, but the overall concept was good. Do you know how I would have loved to get a gift like this for the holidays? I could be making steaks and meat for my loved ones with my name branded in them. Perhaps custom irons would have been a better idea.

The Story:   Vinh Nguyen is  the founder of  Avid Sport Gear who has years of experience in manufacturing and reverse engineering, design and passion for bringing these coolest branding irons to the homefront.  The project needed help with funding and was featured on KICKSTARTER .

I hope Vinh takes his project to Quirky or another platform!

Mr. Grill Gloves That Work BBQ Pitmaster Must Have Product Endorsement

You can teach an old dog like me some new tricks. Mr. Grill Grill Gloves. Read why I love 'em.

Mr. Grill 's Grill Gloves : Holy Cow.

Update:  1.1.15, Mr. Grill has changed their gloves from this type of insulated that I originally wrote my review on , to full silicone, and I'm so happy as they are more sanitary and easy to wash.. Here is the new design:

New Design of Mr. Grill Gloves..

My Original Review from 2/19/14

Finally!  I have tried every single type of glove out at home and at work.  When messing with my hotter than hell pit grates, moving pans around and playing with fire it's tough on my hands.  I had given up because most gloves I found either melted, got burn holes in them real quick , were too slippery, or burnt the living crap out of my hands.  Until now.

Upon arrival they looked purdy, but did they work? 

My wife found the Mr. Grill's website and got a few pairs sent to us to give away as prizes for our Hogging Up BBQ Festival. They sent an extra pair for me to review.  (On sale you can get them under $20) .  The one-size-fits-most medium fit me snug and was comfortable. They had the rubbery silicone on both sides for an easy grip. Okay, so they looked good but I was still a little upset with her, since I've spent tons on grill gloves, having to replace them, and to be honest I wasn't expecting anything great to happen.  Until I tried them. I was impressed.

Test #1  At Home Ever Day  Grilling. 

Result: PASS with flying colors.


First I tried them at home on the 'ol Weber.  I cranked it up to cook some gs burgers, that I stuffed with blue cheese in between two patties of grass fed Angus.  (Fresh blue cheese from the  market oh yeah, had to crank the grill up to get that blue cheese to ooze out of that bad boy yet keep it rare on the inside YUM.)

Grass Fed Angus Blue Cheese Burgers. The oozing is the blue cheese oh yeah.

Oh yeah I was talking about the gloves. So I literally put my hand on the Weber after removing the burgers, when the heat was the highest and I could not feel a thing. NOT A THING. 

Much to my surprise, I could not feel the heat of this Weber.

Their product description says they will withstand heat up to 450°F so I tried them on the big ass pits.  That would be proof positive for me. These grill gloves must from Heaven because I don't feel any heat at all from hell.  They are made of something called Nomex and Kevlar,  so I wanted to test again at max temperature.. 

Test #2  Commercial Use, Competition, Food Vending or Pitmaster Use

Result: PASS with Flying Colors. Far Exceeded My Expectations!

I think I'm in love.

I don't know what the heck is up with these gloves, but here I had my pit cranking to do some turkey legs and I used them the whole entire time. I had to get the legs done quick (not low and slow) so  I put my hands on the side of my pit and on the top grate, I could not feel anything even at top temps.  I thought they would melt but they didn't melt and didn't stick to the grate.  

 The grill is smoking, but my hands aren't.

I just have to endorse these gloves, folks. They are spectacular. In fact,  they say "if the gloves don't fit, you can send them back for a FULL refund."   All I can say is these gloves are from Heaven, thank you Mr. Grill.  

Pros: My hands don't get burnt, and they are heavy duty. O/S fits most is accurate.

Cons: Why aren't they silicone , more food grade sanitary and easier to wash? (Update: they have been updated to all silicone since this original article)

WEBSITE:  Mr. Grill
COST:  $18 plus shipping
WHERE TO BUY:    Here on Amazon --> Grill Gloves
FACEBOOK:  Mr. Grill Products

Disclaimer: Originally, Mr. Grill sent me a few pairs of these gloves for my Hogging Up BBQ Festival to give away as prizes. One pair they sent to me. I wrote the review based on my free pair, and wrote a truthful review. If they would have sucked, I wouldn't have written any review at all. My wife ended up ordering more of the silicone ones and paying for them later, as we were pleased with this company's products.  They are perfect for the pizza trays for the crab dip too!

Last Updated 1.11.15

10 Great Football Party Ideas BBQ Time

Big Fat Daddy's end of season.

It's that time of year when the fairs and festivals wind down on the East Coast. I know when the football season is here, it's time for me to relax and kick back enjoying some great football parties with my friends and family. When I get asked of things to "bring" or "cook" for the party, I often find myself often thinking of what I was serving at the fair. Here's my ideas for a football party!

Big Fat Daddy's serving traditional Fair food!

Ten Easy Things to Have At Your Football Party (Game Time):

Main Entrees: 

1.  Angus Burgers:  Instead of going with regular old ground beef, find some great quality Angus and pat those patties thick. Sprinkle yoru favorite seasoning on them and top them with barbecue sauce, fried onions and peppers for a texas taste! Buy potato rolls or small size buns, to make the burgers appear even larger than life!

2. Buffalo or Bison Sliders:   Bison is much more expensive but yield is pretty true to size.  Grill up some Bison mini sliders and have your friends wanting more. I love to sprinkle real crumbled blue cheese on top and throw a dash of hot sauce on for a differnet taste.  I use small slider buns for these.

3. Pork BBQ:  Prepare this your favorite way using whatever cut you desire. Add your own touch by adding your favorite sauce!  This is quick and easy to reheat for the party, and if you have leftovers great to take to work the next day!  Small to medium sandwich rolls will help you guests sample a bit of everything!

4.  Beef BBQ:   A different version of a tradional dish, try making your favorite pork bbq recipe but by using beef. If you don't have time to grill or broil, you can simmer down a chunk of top round or rump roast to pull for this!  Serve with small to medium rolls so your guests may not fill up on just one thing!

5.  Dinner Roll Sausages:    We love getting Hatfield's rope sausage and pre cutting them into portions, and tossing in fresh grilled onions and peppers.  We slice these in 3" strips diagonally so they are just about long enough to hang off of a dinner roll.  Why fill up on steak or sausage rolls when you can use dinner rolls and get a great taste of sausage without all that bread?  Small enough to eat a few and big enough to satisfy your craving for sausage!

Football grilling aprons are a must. Get them here DomesticDivaz on Etsy, $35.

Drinks, Desserts and Sides Items: 

My team colors are represented here by the Party Fairy, 30 straws, $5

6.  Straws:  Attention to small details will get you big points with the kids and ladies in your party. Anyone who isn't drinking beer will want to try a team straw.  These are easy to find on Etsy, and you can stock up on your favorite team colors. The set above, is for the Baltimore Ravens! 

These Ice Ball Molds are here on Amazon! I love them!

7.   Ice Balls are a must-have at a winter Football party!  These are made ahead of time from easy to use molds, then individually sat into a team ice bucket. The balls are 2.5" across and bob around in your favorite team glass. This keeps the need for ice down in drinks.  Get the Ice Ball Molds here. Did I mention this is a great conversation piece?

TulleandTwig on Etsy offers these download the pattern  for $2.99

8.  Chips, Peanuts, Pretzels:  To cut back on overeating of snacks, try serving them in  these little "football" snack trays. You can download the pattern to your computer on Etsy and have your wife and kids making them up ahead of time! Buy Download here.

Sweet Stephanies offers 9 chocoloate covered football cookies for $9

9.   Football Cookies :   Simple Oreos have been transformed into footballs then dipped in chocolate. If you don't want to make your own you can find them, special order 9 for $9 at SweetStephanies on Etsy.

Football cupcake toppers, you can eat them, $20 at KonopaseksKrazyCakes

10. Cupcakes:   I love to cheat on these and if we don't have time to whip them up simply get store bought, but the kicker here is that you can eat the footballs. Unlike the plastic picks, these are actually made of edible fondant and available at the store above!

 You will be the talk of the party, even if your team does lose.....

You may also enjoy reading my BBQ Party Ideas. 

Did you hear that Hogging Up is coming to West Virginia?

NY Strip Steak w J. Dickey's Bourbon Sauce

Jay Dickey sent me a box of his sauces. These are the ones you see in Whole Foods Markets or some local stores in my hometown of Maryland. Now, Jay has four or more sauces in his line up on his site.  In my box I received Maryland sauce, (a spicy red that reminds me of tomato base crab soup and I'm saving this for special occasion ), Blackberry Habanero and Bourbon Sauce.

My wife took the Habanero almost immediately and vanished with it.  On Jay's website you can even get the "Cranberry Habanero".  So for dinner I decided it would be "J.Dickey's Bourbon Sauce" on my grilled NY Strip.  I sauteed some onions, fresh garlic and peppers and grilled my strip to perfection. Roasted corn in the husk dipped in Old Bay and Butter--after all I'm a Baltimore guy. A slice of juicy beefsteak tomato to top it off and on the side, a dab of J. Dickey's Bourbon BBQ Sauce.

Now the real review:  

Items: J. Dickey's Bourbon Sauce
My rating: A+
My classification: Gourmet- A restaurant could slather this on top it's steak and create a whole new dish.
Initial Reaction: Taste Bud Burn Hot Damn!

In all honesty, Jay's sauces take a moment to adjust to. I'm so used to lots of sugar and fructose in my sauces that taking a bite of something that's bursting with real flavor throws off the taste buds - but in a good way.   It's a burst of flavor in your mouth that you don't expect.  It's the kind of thing you keep tasting, and eventually becomes addicting. You don't need a lot. A jar of this will last you a real long time, the flavors are robust and real. I really liked it.   (A little too much, I'm actually using it for everything at this point.)

Jay didn't pay me to write this, people send me all kinds of things in the mail. I get things you wouldn't believe -- from meat forks to books.  I don't write about stuff unless it's good. This stuff is better than good.  Day one, look how much is gone and I'm telling you, you don't need a lot.

Angus Burgers w  Blackberry Habanero Sauce

A day later, I had the  Blackberry Habanero sauce on some pretzel sticks. It burnt the h-e-l-l out of my nostrils in a good way. So much so I wanted more. So I slathered it all over my Angus Burgers. Damn good.

I'd just like to say when I run out I will be buying Jay's sauce. On his website right now, you can buy six jars and get free shipping.

Jay doesn't know I'm posting this, but he soon will see it.
I hope J. Dickey's is in every Giant food someday.
Or every Longhorn Steakhouse.
Every Whole Foods.
Every state in the USA.
It's that damn good.  If this is what gluten-free tastes like, I'm in.

Jay's Website    Facebook     Twitter 

Pork Me Pit Boss Belt A Useful Tool

Here's some pork I cooked yesterday on my upcycled"drum smoker." I made 3 smokers in the past month. I've been busy. I have butts in the front and shoulders in the back.

I'm picky about my cuts of meat and how I grill much just like I'm a little picky when it comes to barbecue and grilling supplies, tools or gadgets. I think it's safe to say the barbecue industry has commercialized the very simple art of grilling into a multi-zillion dollar industry. I'm not knocking all the spices and rubs out there, or even sauces, they are the best creations ever because it took a human to invent them . These things just enhance your barbecue.  I'm saying some of these gadgets they make are not worth the money and I've been sent lots of products to review or speak on and well, you haven't heard me now have you?  Now when a gadget is a useful tool I'll tell you so.  Here's something I found and have been watching their blog (full of useful grilling snippets and reviews) . So, check this out ....
 


Finally! Something as useful as it is purdy! Photo: PitBossBelt.com



Now one product is as functional as it is cool and therefore I would like to say I'd call it a useful tool. That's the Pit Boss Belt. If someone was going to get me a gift, this is it folks.  My 50th is coming up in August so I'm hinting around now.

Here's why I like this sweet number: 

• It holds your cellphone on your side away from the heat.  I have burnt up five of those fancy androids standing next to my pit smoker without even realizing it. It happens in my top shirt pocket or even in my shorts or sweats pocket. You don't realize how much heat comes off a grill or smoker while you are standing there grilling and flipping and talking and so, this is great. Your phone is now on the side of you and not anywhere in the front. 
• It holds your rubs.. Nothing like grabbing a pinch of spice from the container on your side to sprinkle some love on your food. 
• There's never enough room on your grill side at home to put all your gadgets. Why not keep 'em in here?
• They make big man's belts in case your waist doesn't fit up to the 44". These belts won't fit with the pit boss fancy buckle, but who cares about that when you are busy grilling? Finally, someone who understands ALL PIT GUYS ARE NOT SKINNY! 
• It holds your beer.  They had me at hello!

Look at this:

Finally something designed with beer and grilling in mind! Photo Credit: PitBossBelt.com

Anyone using this product ? Shout out to me @bigfatdaddys on twitter because I want to hear what you thin about it.   I'm off to tweet them now and tell them great idea and I hope they know I'm impressed.

Connect up with Pit Boss Belt: 
Website PitBossBelt.com
Twitter @PitBossBelt
Facebook Like this page



Note: I was not paid in any way, shape or form to write this, it's just common sense, folks, thanks , +Big Fat Daddy's

Real Pork Skins Recipe : The Yummy Truth

The Yummy Truth  : A Blog to Watch

People ask me all the time if I really love to cook; and the answer is yes. Not just because I'm a barbecue guy but because cooking is in my blood.   Believe it or not my mom used to drag me with her to work when I was aged 5. Back then I snuck around in the kitchen getting in the way of all the cooks.  One man named Al took me under his wing and I learned how to cook Cajun style. My first creation was the Cajun egg omlette and at six, the food bug bit me. .

The same holds true for reading other people's blogs. I really like this one: The Yummy Truth.  It is well written and has great pictures.  In fact, it's written by April Jackson, who is the former Miss Jamaica Universe, she LOVES TO COOK!
 
My favorite post is this step by step recipe for Real Pork Skins.  It gives you the how to step by step and this isn't that crap in a bag.  These are real deep fried pork skins. Oh yeah.  Try it and tell me what do you think?