|
 How
to start a charcoal fire
There are many ways to light up a charcoal barbecue. Contrarily to briquettes,
Basques Hardwood Charcoal is very easy to start.
You can use a crumbled
piece of paper, cardboard or any fire starter composed of paraffin such
as BackDraft. But, by far the easiest way is using paper or cardboard
barely soaked in vegetable oil. This method is very efficient, harmless,
practical and easy. Put the fire-starter in the middle of your barbecue.
You than add all the pieces of charcoal in a pyramid shape all over your
fire-starter which you than light up.
You will be ready to barbecue in about 10 to 15 minutes. You usually know
you are ready when the lump charcoal begins to turn red, a white ash appears
around most of the lumps and you can leave your hand 6 inches above the
fire for at least 5 seconds.
|
|
How
to barbecue on our charcoal
There are principally two ways of grilling on your barbecue; the direct
and indirect way. Its is rather simple. Direct is straight over the heat
source. Indirect is, of course, not directly, sometime using a oven plate.
When
is the fire ready
If
you need to know the cooking temperature of your barbecue, the best and
most practical tool to use is the palm of your hand. Its simple but be
careful! All you do is put your hand 6 inches above the burning charcoal.
Once its there, start counting the seconds and stop when it feels uncomfortable
to leave it there (and please, do remove your hand from the fire).The
amount of time will reflect about the temperature.
 |
- 2 seconds
- very hot, usually 375 to 400 and more
- 3 to 4 seconds
- medium hot to hot, about 300 to 375
- 5 seconds
- hot, between 200 to 300
This is of course
not precise compared to our electric grill, but the whole deal is
to taste the exquisite taste of grilling and enjoying the outdoors.
|
|
|
The
tools that we need
As you may all know, anyone who wishes to practice any trade
has to acquire the proper tools. Its is the same for grilling on Basques
Hardwood Charcoal. You may find that there are a lot but you may start
with the first few. The others will be useful as your menu diversify.
|
|
|
|
|
Fork
|
Turner
/ Spatula
|
Tong
|
These are basic tools
for handling your food on the grill. You may buy them as a set. Make sure
they are long (around 18 inches). Make sure they have wooden handles or
any type which will protect your hands.
Since their size makes
them a little awkward compared to any other regular kitchen tool, make
sure they also come leather straps. This is practical because once you
are finished with them and you can hang them.
These tools have all
their particular use. You need your brush for any type of marinade or
BBQ sauce. Skewers are used for shish kabobs, shish taouk or any other
type of grilling or skewers. Buy them in sets and you may use stainless
steel or wood. If you use wood, you must presoak them. You may also find
them in sets which is more practical. A knife is needed for any type of
cutting on the grill.
Grillware
Hinged
cooking accessories
You will find an assortment of hinged grills available on the market.
These are so practical especially if you have particular foods to barbecue
such as fish, vegetables and steaks.
|
|
|
|
|
Vegetable
broiler
|
Steak
broiler
|
Fish
Basket
|
They come in different
sizes and shapes. They are practical for delicate foods such as fish and
vegetables.
Grills
/ Racks
You will find grills of different size and shape. You use them on top
of your regular grill to prevent smaller food to go through. They make
it easier to clean since they are smaller
Other
tools
|
|
|
|
|
|
Electric
fire starter
|
Charcoal
starter
|
Smoker
box
|
Brushes
|
|
