Category Archives: Innovative Solutions

Primo Porcelain Grills: A Breakthrough In Cooking

Primo Porcelain Grill
Sometimes, products come along that revolutionize an aspect of your life. Have trouble parallel parking? There are now cars that take care of this task for you – no hands required! Get lost all the time? A GPS can prove to be a life saver. The hot new product in grilling is the Primo porcelain grill, and it is truly a revolution! Unlike traditional metal grills, the Primo is based on the ancient Japanese tradition known as Kamado. In this 2000 year old method, heat is trapped and stored in the thick walls and dome of the kamado oven creating a unique environment of moist, even heat around and above the grill surface. Because heat is radiant, as well as direct from the coals below, food not only crisps, browns, sears, and/or smokes but it stays moist and tender. The thick walls surrounding the cooking area create a consistency of temperatures that further contributes to the succulence of all food cooked in the Kamado style. It uses natural lump charcoal to grill, roast, and smoke food year round thanks to the high-tech material. It makes the grill resistant to any changes in temperature, thus allowing you to cook without worrying about rain or snow. You get an even, moist, and delicious cook every time! The owner’s manual even comes with great recipes for your Primo, like the ones below! Experience ancient Japanese techniques transformed with modern, state-of-the-art grilling technology, and you will never go back to traditional grilling again!

Puerco Adobo

Ingredients:

2 lb pork tenderloin(s)

12 oz. jar of jalapeno  peppers, undrained
4 Tbs. oregano

4 clove garlic, chopped
2 tsp. ground Cumin

4 tsp. cider or red wine vinegar

4 Tbs. olive oil

1 tsp. black pepper

½ tsp. salt

Preparation Directions:

  1. Combine all the ingredients, except the pork, in the blender or food processor.
  2. Place the pork tenderloin in a large plastic food storage bag, or glass dish and immerse in the marinade from the blender.
  3. Cover and marinate in refrigerator 4-24 hours.

Cooking Directions:

  1. Combine all the ingredients, except the pork, in the blender or food processor.
  2. Place the pork tenderloin in a large plastic food storage bag, or glass dish and immerse in the marinade from the blender.
  3. Cover and marinate in refrigerator 4-24 hours.
  1. Let the tenderloin sit out when you start your cooker, to get to room temperature.
  2. Fire up the Primo grill and bring it up to 300-325. A light wood, like apple or cherry would be appropriate to the delicate nature of the pork, or no wood at all. Up to you.
  3. Stabilize temperature, and place pork on, direct.
  4. Turn after ten minutes & spoon on some of the reserved marinade.
  5. Repeat after ten minutes on other side.
  6. Now’s the time to throw on any veggies you’d like to cook, too.
  7. Keep an eye on your temps, and pull your tenderloin off when internal temp hits 145-150, lower if you like a little more pink in the middle.

Baked Bananas Balinese

Ingredients:

½ cup butter (room temp; not melted)

¾ cup Brown Sugar, firmly packed

1 tsp. Cinnamon

½ cup Walnuts or Pecans, finely chopped (pieces size of small pea)

1-2 Tbs. Liqueur of Choice (brandy or rum seems best)

1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream, whipped and chilled

8 Bananas, large and Yellow, with a little green on skins

1 tsp. Vanilla Extract

¾ cup Coconut (sweetened, flaked)

1 qt. Vanilla Ice cream

Preparation Directions:

  1. Put the grid accessory in the grill.
  2. While charcoal is heating up to 350 F temp, stir together butter, brown sugar, walnuts, coconut, vanilla, liqueur, and cinnamon in medium mixing bowl until well-combined. Note: this topping may be made up to 2 days ahead, covered and refrigerated.
  3. Cut stem ends off bananas.
  4. Carefully cut bananas into even halves lengthwise. Do not peel them.
  5. Place cut bananas on baking sheet, skin side down.

Cooking Directions:

  1. Spread topping on banana halves, allowing about 2 Tablespoons per banana half.
  2. When bananas have been topped and grill is at 350 F, place halves on grid, skin side down, leaving ½ inch space around each.
  3. Close lid. Top vent should be quarter way open. Bottom vent open about ¼ to ½ inch. Temp is forgiving with this recipe but should keep a range between the 325-350. Cook 17-20 minutes. Finished bananas will pull slightly away from sides of skins and coconut will be slightly crispy. Skins will be dark brown. Do not let coconut blacken. A little charring around edges is okay.
  4. Remove bananas with long spatula.
  5. Allowing 2 halves per serving, place on plate and top with scoop of ice cream, dollop of whipped cream and an additional dusting of cinnamon, if desired.

Tips to Keep Your Pets Cool and Healthy

With heat waves sweeping the country, its impossible to forget to take care of yourself. Most people manage to stay hydrated, protected, and cool, but what about your pets? Pets need to be cared for during extreme heat just as people do. It is important to remember them and keep them safe. Below is a list of what, and what not, to do for cats and dogs during this extreme summer!

  • Pets can get dehydrated quickly. Be sure to provide plenty of fresh, clean water.
  • Make sure that pets have a shady, cool place to rest when outside. A Coolaroo pet bed is a perfect option because it raises your pet off the ground and allows air to circulate under them. Place it under a shady tree or porch for a perfect outdoor comfort spot.
  • Never leave pets outside for long periods of time during extreme heat. Even with food, water, and shade, pets can become overheated leading to death.
  • Never leave your pets in a parked vehicle, even with the windows cracked. This is very dangerous and even short periods of time can cause extreme dehydration or death.
  • Maintaining fur is a great way to keep pets cool. Trim dogs fur down to 1 inch. Be sure to leave 1 inch of fur for sun protection. Brushing cats more frequently than normal can help regulate temperature.
  • Exercise is important, but overexertion during hot weather commonly causes heat stress. Avoid excessive exercise during hot days.
  • Know the signs and risks! The ASPCA states that the signs of dehydration in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. They can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees. You should also know if your animals have an increased risk of heat related problems. Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, the elderly, overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool and inside.

Beach Accessories to Improve Your Vacation

Beach
Planning a trip to the beach this summer? Taking sunblock, bathing suits, towels, and sunglasses are a given, but there are so many other items that could really make your experience the best.  These accessories will make your beach time so much more fun (and comfortable).

  • Radio Pillow: Perfect for not only the beach, but also around the home, a sports radio pillow is a fun and inexpensive way to entertain yourself while relaxing. Just lay back and tune into your favorite station. The stereo speakers will surround you with music and the ergonomic design will offer the ultimate comfort. You will be the envy of everyone on the beach.
  • Beach Chair Canopy: Need some relief from direct sunlight? A removable chair canopy will transform any beach chair into a shady retreat. It is easy to attach and provides maximum protection. The canopy pictured is designed to fit any adult Swim Ways or Kelsyus chairs, which are popular brands sold by vendors nation wide.
  • Portable Beach Mat: Better than a towel, this mat will make sure that you experience a comfortable day of lounging. It is lightweight, fully padded, and even has an adjustable backrest. The portable beach mat folds up like a purse, complete with storage pockets, so its stylish even when it’s not in use.

Multitasking in Your Backyard!

Convertible Bench
In my busy world, multitasking is important. The ability to do multiple things at once saves me time and money. I also enjoy products with dual functions to get the most bang for my buck. In the office, my printer/copier/scanner allows me to perform several jobs with one unit. For cooking, a combo grill and smoker offers variety without having multiple cooker littering the backyard area. My most recent multi-tasking buy is one of my favorites! The Convert-A-Bench transforms quickly and easily from two beautiful garden benches (above) into a fully functional picnic table (below). They are perfect for my backyard. Guests can sit comfortably while my husband fires up the grill. When the food is ready, the back of the benches transform into a convenient table top with dining for six! It is a perfect solution for multitaskers like myself. The resin wicker design is sturdy and will last for years. These benches would also be perfect for camping and can even be used inside your home.
Convertible Picnic Table

Portable Hammocks Make Happy Campers

Camping

June is National Camping Month!  What kind of camper are you?  A beach camper?  A national or state park camper?  A backyard camper?  A find-an-empty-spot-in-the-woods-and-raise-the-tent camper?  No matter where you like to camp, it’s safe to say that not every camper enjoys the “roughing it” aspect of camping, including yours-truly.

Don’t get me wrong, I like searching for the ideal scenic camping spot, exploring nearby trails, and staying up after dark to stare in amazement at the star-studded sky.  I don’t, however, enjoy waking up with a stiff back, sore joints, and a bad attitude due to a poor night of sleep.  I’ve tried air mattresses made especially for campers, but with these, a good night of sleep still eludes me.  I always seem to lay my bedding on top of the most uncomfortable patch of ground in the entire area.

Portable HammockEnter the portable hammock.  Once I found this little gem and began bringing it along on camping trips, my experiences in the great outdoors have been enormously improved.  Light enough to carry and compact enough to fit into most tents, the portable hammock allows me to sleep (or nap) comfortably and wake feeling completely refreshed.

The benefit of portable hammocks is that they go anywhere.  So, if camping is not your preference, you can still take it with you on your next fishing trip, hiking excursion, or backyard relaxation adventure.  Take it from me, “roughing it” to the point of discomfort is not a requirement for camping or any other outdoor activity.  Adding a component of comfort, such as a portable hammock, to your collection of gear will allow you to enjoy your outdoor experiences more fully and more often.