Welcome to our backyard barbecue journey with Owen, where we discuss the charm and challenges of outdoor cooking. The episode kicks off with Owen and I reigniting our passion for grilling, a hobby that unites friends and families over smoky flavors and tender meats. The recent Six Nations rugby event and the warming weather serve as perfect catalysts for us to rekindle our love for barbecuing. Our conversation flows from the joys of serving up delectable sausages, wings, and pork ribs, to the pure satisfaction of a well-prepared beef joint or whole chicken. We highlight that understanding your grill is key to making the process both easy and enjoyable, while emphasizing the social aspect of sharing these culinary creations with loved ones.
Transitioning into our equipment preferences, we dive into the various grills that each of us uses. The convenience of a Blackstone grill, situated close to the indoors, contrasts with the versatility of the Kamado-style Monolith and the classic Weber Kettle. Our recent cooking experiments, ranging from breakfast adventures on the grill to smoking cheese, demonstrate that the joy of grilling lies in the exploration of flavors. We also express excitement over setting up a dedicated barbecue meat fridge to streamline our outdoor feasts.
We then recount our recent barbecue mishaps, which serve as humorous reminders that barbecuing can be as unpredictable as it is enjoyable. From running out of charcoal at a critical moment to navigating equipment challenges, we share our experiences with candor and humor. Our discussion includes the practicalities of choosing the right equipment, like larger wood pieces for certain pizza ovens, and we touch on the controversial topic of air fryers in the barbecue community. Despite the convenience they offer, we express our personal preference for more traditional methods of grilling.
Our grilling and smoking segment brings to light the amusing and somewhat frustrating discovery of my smoker being used as a pigeon perch, putting a temporary halt to my cold smoking projects. Nevertheless, we reminisce about the rewards of curing our own bacon, experimenting with beer-infused bacon, and the delight in turning inexpensive supermarket cheese into gourmet delights through the magic of smoke. The importance of involving our children in the cooking process is also discussed, emphasizing the value of expanding their palates and understanding the origins of food.
Our barbecue banter offers a glimpse into the heartwarming and often hilarious world of grilling. It's a testament to the fact that barbecue is more than just food; it's an experience, a labor of love, and an adventure that brings people together. We hope that our stories and tips inspire you to fire up your grill and create your own memorable barbecue moments. Take a listen for yourself here.
