Barbecue,BBQ for the beginner.

Part 1

Two key essentials for a great barbecue is low heat and wood smoke, known as "Low and Slow" to most barbecue enthusiast. Next is choosing a cut of meat, chicken, foal or fish. Once you have chosen the type of meat you will be preparing, you will need to know what herds or spices when combined together will give you the flavor or taste you are seeking. This combination is called a dry rub, marinade or paste that is applied to the outer portion of the meat or cavities such chicken or fish. When you are working with raw meats you will need to wash it. Once washed, you can allow the meat to dry or use a cheese cloth to quickly dry.

Once meat has been cleaned you can apply the rub, paste or marinade. Wrap meat or place in a zip lock bag and place in refrigerator for at least 2 hours. For best result 24 to 48 hrs is best.

Now that we have the meat prepared let's look at the different cooking techniques used in barbecue. There are many, choose one that would serve your purpose from the list below:

1. Grilling (charcoal or gas)
2. Smoker
3. Pit
4. Boiler (Pot)
5. Oven
6. Pan Fry

OK, not so many. Let's say you have chosen grilling. America's favorite past time. Do you want to use a gas grill or charcoal grill would be the next question. At this point we need to think about size and the amount of cooking area you will need. The number of people you are feeding may determine that. The average raw T-Bone is 6"x7", lets say you feed on the average 6 quest at any given time. Lets do a little math. 6"x7"= 42 square inches. 42"x 6 steaks = 252 total square x 2 = 504" square inches of cooking need to cook all six steaks at the same time. The times 2 is to allow spacing between steaks so that all the heat is not trapped on the bottom causing the meat to cook to fast and burn. Also makes for a tough piece of meat. Remember, low and slow, it will help the meat to become tender.

We've figured out the size of grill we need, they come in many different sharps, choose. Next is the barbecue utensil's, a must have for any barbecue beginner. Check list below:

1. Along with the grill you'll need a sturdy work table.
2. A pair of heat resistant gloves.
3. Apron a must have with barbecue.
4. Mopping brush (for cooking, not the floor)
5. Instant-read meat thermometer
6. A pair tongues 8" or longer
7. Wirebrush to clean the grill.

Part 2

Tomorrow, see ya then....