Halloween Block Party!

Halloween is upon us! Join us at Just Grillin this Saturday for a day full of Halloween costumes, food, and surprises. With Halloween, surprises, good and bad, are lurking around every corner so be sure to keep your family safe. Here are some tips for Halloween night!

1. Make Halloween Costumes reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well so no tripping occurs.

2. Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for kids and their escorts.
3. Do not wear decorative eyewear without seeing an eye specialist first. Many of these packages that claim that these contacts are one size fit all do not actually fit all. They can cause serious eye damage.
4. Teach your children to dial 9-1-1 in case of emergency.

Keep these tips in mind for next week! But make sure you stop by Just Grillin to kick off your Halloween Week right. Our block party starts at noon and we will have a pumpkin carving class for the kids. Be sure to RSVP here.

What the Heck is Brisket?

Brisket is equivalent to the pectoral muscle in humans. There are two per cow, and is a well exercised muscle. This muscle is used every time the cow pushes up or lays down. This gives the brisket its fibrous qualities. Here are a few tips and tricks to make your brisket perfect!

• Trim it with a sharp knife if the fat cap is thicker than 1/4-inch. 
  
  Turn the brisket over, and carefully remove any visible silverskin (that’s the shiny tissue that sheaths muscles) by shallowly sliding your knife blade under it.
• Let the brisket come to room temperature for about an hour before putting it on your grill.
• Patience is key. The middle of your cooking process is called the “stall” or “plateau” phase, where the internal temperature of the brisket will rise at a much slower pace. This is where some pit masters get nervous and decide to “rush” the process by cranking up the heat. Don’t be tempted to do this, or your brisket will rebel by toughening up.
• Let your brisket rest. Foil-wrap brisket in terry cloth towels and keep it in an insulated cooler for up to an hour.
• Dip it in the reserved juices from the foil for added moisture, flavor, and visual appeal after slicing your brisket.

Need more tips for the perfect brisket? Come to our Hands on Brisket Class this Saturday, October 18 at 10:00 AM-12:00 PM. Please register here to secure your seat. You definitely don't want to miss this.

Grill on!

Your friends at Just Grillin

Every One Loves Pulled Pork

At Just Grillin, we love smoky, tender pulled pork. But is it always as perfect as you want it? Perhaps not, but with these great tips, you'll be making pulled pork like the pros!

1. Keep it simple. Skip all the brines and marinades. Keep it simple with a good rub and smoking. The internal fat and collagen with keep the moisture in and keep the pulled pork nice and tender.

2. Trim off most of the fat but not all of it. You want to a keep a little of the fat on the exterior to hug the seasonings.

3. Season it well. Rinse and dry the meat. Cover all surfaces with oil, as this helps the rubs and seasoning adhere to the meat. Cover with your favorite rub and let sit for an hour. This allows the rubs to penetrate the meat fully. BUT don't let it sit too long or the rub with take the moisture out of the meat.

4. Always use a meat thermometer. This can be the difference between a nice juicy pork butt or a tough over or undercooked piece of pork.

If you need more tips and tricks on how to cook the perfect pulled pork, be sure to come to our hands-on pork butt class this Saturday, October 11 from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM. Click here to register. Don't miss out on this great class!

Grill on!
Your friends at Just Grillin

I Want My Baby Back, Baby Back, Baby Back Ribs

Nothing is better than getting a full rack of ribs and biting into them to reveal the most savory and tender ribs. Your taste buds are going wild and you can't wait to take your next bite. Suddenly, the moment is gone. Distraught, you go from place to place to find the most succulent ribs of all time. But alas, they are no where to be found- until one day, you walk into Just Grillin and there, you find the recipe you've always been looking for- The Perfect Ribs!

We want you to have that same moment every single time you bite into some ribs. No more going from place to place to find your favorite, only to discover that each time you try their ribs, they may not be the same. Come to our very first Hands-On Ribs Class this Saturday, October 4 at 10:00 AM. The cost is $25.00, but you will get to prepare and take home your own ribs, as well as learn great tips and tricks to get those ribs perfect every time! If you don't want to take home ribs, register for sit in only- for only $10.00! Register here to reserve your spot. See you Saturday!

Grill on!
Your Friends at Just Grillin

We Might Be Celebrating Early But...

We're excited! Join us for an early celebration of Oktoberfest! We will have the best German based foods, beers, and more!  We will even have great tips and recipes to make your Oktoberfest celebration a success. Just to help get you started, we found a great recipe your whole family will enjoy.

PORK BURGERS

• Ingredients:
• 1/2 lb. bacon (about 9 slices)
• 1 lb. ground pork
• 1 tsp. caraway seeds, lightly crushed
• 1/2 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
• 4 slices Gruyère
• 1 cup sauerkraut, rinsed and drained
• Dijon mustard to taste
• 8 slices seeded or marble rye bread, toasted

Directions:

1. Cook the bacon in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally with tongs, until crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer the bacon to a cutting board with a slotted spoon, let cool slightly, and chop into small pieces. Drain all but 2 Tbs. of the fat from the skillet.

2. In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the bacon, ground pork, caraway seeds, and nutmeg with your hands. Form into four 1/2-inch-thick patties.

3. Return the skillet to medium heat. When the bacon fat is hot, add the burgers and cook for 6 minutes. Flip the burgers, cover the skillet, and continue to cook until an instant-read thermometer inserted into a burger registers 160°F for well done, about 5 minutes more. Turn off the heat, top each with a slice of the cheese, cover, and let sit until the cheese has melted, about 1 minute.

4. Meanwhile, heat the sauerkraut in a small saucepan over medium heat until warm.

5. Spread mustard on each slice of rye toast. Serve the burgers between the toast, topped with the sauerkraut.

Be sure to come out to our event this Saturday, September 27 from 12:00 PM-4:00 PM to celebrate Oktoberfest early!

Everyone Loves a Great Cookout!

And what better way to have it than with a phenomenal gas grill! But sometimes people stray away from gas grills because they don't know the proper care and maintenance for a gas grill. With these few tips, you can keep grilling all fall and winter long!

1. Keep that grill CLEAN. A clean grill is a happy grill and will produce the best tasting foods. A dirty grill tends to flare up and smoke incessantly. In order to keep your grill nice and squeaky clean, turn your grill up to a high temperature before or after your cookout session. Most the grease will burn off. However, be sure to clean out your grill completely at least twice a year. That means taking out all the grates and burners. Don't feel like doing that all yourself? Just Grillin has a grill detailing service that will come to your house and take care of the mess for you! Call 813.962.1700 to schedule your appointment today.

2. Sugar Burns at a LOW Temperature so if you have a sauce or rub that contains sugar, keep your grilling temperature below 265 F. If your temperature ventures above this point, your food will blacken and burn. No one wants that.

3. Watch Your Grill. We know it is tempting to walk away from your grill to step inside for just a second to check the football score, hang out with family or friends, or even to grab something else to put on the grill. Don't do it. Make sure you have everything you need before you begin grilling. The most common reason for burnt food is stepping away from the grill for only a second.

4. Always Have Fuel In your Tank. Be sure not to run out of fuel while grilling for a household of hungry people. Generally, leaving to fill up a tank takes a while. Always keep an extra tank on hand. Gone are the worries of yesterday where you had to wonder if you had enough fuel to keep the fire going.

5. Use the correct temperature. Don't blast your grill on full high heat if the meat doesn't require it. Beef, such as burgers, should be cooked hot and fast, whereas chicken or fish will be at a medium temperature. Be patient with your meat's cooking times and you'll have perfection every time.

Not sure about some of these tips or need more? Come to our complimentary Gas Grills Galore class this Saturday, September 20 at 10:00 AM to learn even more about these great gas grills!

Grill on!
Your friends at Just Grillin

And we're back!

As the summer dies down, Just Grillin is kicking back into gear! We are here for you weekly, providing tips and tricks to keep you grilling year round.

Now that the kids have gone back to school, you have a lot more time for yourself and all your guilty grilling pleasures, so why not start with some great tips on grilling with charcoal- one of the great ways to get a great smoky flavor from your food.

1. Keep your grill CLEAN! We know, we know. Cleaning a grill can be a real hassle. But you'll definitely thank us later if you keep your grill clean. A clean grill makes the grilling process much easier. Food doesn't stick to the grill, there aren't any accidental fires, and quite honestly, your food will taste much better. If you don't have time to clean your grill, call our store. We do grill detailing, too!
2. Pre-heat the grill. Your food won't take nearly as long to cook and it won't stick to the grill grates. Nobody wants that!
3. Don't hover- keep that lid CLOSED! The meat will be much juicer if you keep the lid closed. Generally, meat does not have to be turned more than once, so, only open that lid if you are flipping your meat or checking if it's done.
4. Use tongs. Don't ever pierce your meat with a fork or steak knife. Piercing it allows important juices to flow out of the meat. Nobody wants to eat dry meat. Yuck!
5. Protect your grill. Don't let it rust- nobody likes rust flavored food! Be sure to stop by Just Grillin to get a nice grill cover for that grill that makes all the delicious food for you!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Interested in learning more about charcoal grills? Come to our Grilling with Charcoal 101 class this Saturday, September 6, from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM. Click here to register.

See you next week for more great tips and tricks!

Grill on!
Your Friends at Just Grillin

Exclusive Tampa's Backyard BBQ Battle Footage

Check out this exclusive behind the scenes footage from our BBQ Competition!

Let Freedom Ring!

Fourth of July is quickly approaching. It's the middle of the summer and cook outs are in full swing. The biggest cook out day of the year is Fourth of July and what better way to celebrate our freedom than to celebrate it early? Here is a great recipe that'll be sure to have your family and friends raving: Red, White, and Blue Ooey Gooey Bars!


Ingredients:

• 1 white cake mix
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup oil
• Blue gel food coloring
• (2) 7 oz container marshmallow cream
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 6 cups mini marshmallows
• Red no-tasted gel food coloring
• 6 cups Rice Krispies

Directions:

1. Mix together a white cake mix, eggs, oil and blue gel food coloring. I used gel paste because it is so concentrated. Press into a greased 9×13 pan and bake at 350 degrees for 10-13 minutes.
2. Remove from the oven and top with marshmallow cream. As the marshmallow cream warms it will start to spread. Carefully spread it out over the cake mix crust.
3. In a large bowl, melt butter in the microwave. Add mini marshmallows and stir to coat. Microwave for 45 seconds and stir until smooth. (If the marshmallows aren’t completely melted, microwave for an additional 30 seconds.) Add some red gel food coloring and stir until the color is even. Mix in Rice Krispies and gently stir until well coated. Drop by large spoonfuls over the marshmallow cream layer and carefully spread out evenly. I put my hand in plastic baggie with a little butter on it and gently spread it out. Finally, firmly press the top layer down into the marshmallow cream to really hold things together. Cover the bars and cool completely in the fridge.
4. Before serving, remove the fridge and use a star shaped cookie cutter as a template for cutting out the stars.

Make sure to send us your pictures of your Ooey Gooey Bars! Also, don't forget to stop by this weekend for our Big Green Egg 101 Class Saturday, June 28, 2014, from 10:00AM-12:00PM. The class is $10.00 a person. Right after the class, we are celebrating our country's freedom from 12:00 PM-4:00 PM. We will have tons of great food and recipes for you to make at your own 4th of July Cook Out. You definitly don't want to miss this fun filled day!

* Recipe is courtesy of www.thegunnysack.com. 

It Is Time!

It's finally here-the long awaited Backyard BBQ Competition! Here are a few tips to help you get through the competition smoothly:

1. Review the rules of the barbecue cook-off. To qualify for winning the cook-off, you must follow and adhere to all the contest rules. For example, if the rules prohibit you from using lighter fluid on the coals within your grill, start the grill using newspaper and matches instead.Obtain a by visiting our website.
2. Participate in Internet discussion groups about barbecue. Engaging in forums and discussions about barbecue may give you new, additional tips and ideas for unique and flavorful barbecue dishes. Perform an Internet search using keywords such as "barbecue forums" or "barbecue discussions" to locate online barbecue communities.
3. Use meat that is high in quality. High-quality meat is considered to be fresh and either all-natural or organic, and in most cases may taste better than pre-packaged meat found in many grocery stores. Visit grocers who specialize in all-natural or organic products to purchase your meat for the barbecue.
4. Develop a unique flavor for your barbecue. Barbecue cook-offs often judge participants on their ability to produce a new, unique barbecue flavor. Try combinations of different sauces, dry spices, and cooking methods to develop a unique flavor based on the rules of your cook-off. For example, if the cook-off allows you to use either cherry wood or hickory wood in your grill, experiment using both types of wood to determine which produces the better flavor.
5. Display your barbecue in an appetizing and clean manner. Judges will rank your food according to how appetizing the dish appears, and may also inspect the area in which you are preparing your barbecue for cleanliness. Use paper towels to wipe up sauce spills from counters and sauce streaks from the edges and sides of boxes or containers. If you place toothpicks in your meat, use neutral, wood colors instead of colored toothpicks. The dye on colored toothpicks may transfer onto the meat when the toothpick is pulled out.
6. Keep your food warm or hot. Warm or hot barbecue may taste better to the judges and give the impression that the food is fresh; whereas cold food may give the impression that the prepared food is less fresh. Cook the meat shortly before the judges' taste test or use a chafing dish to keep the barbecue warm after cooking.

If you're not competing, be sure to come out anyway! The event is going to be a family friendly event with plenty of activities and entertainment for the kids. But that's not all! Enjoy great food from Philly Phlava, Holy Hogs, and even some great Italian Ice. The event is June 21, from 10:00 AM-6:00 PM. You definitely don't want to miss this!

Father's Are a Special Type of Person....

So, make sure you celebrate them in a huge way!  It is a celebration honoring fathers and celebrating fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society. Be sure to make all the fathers in your life feel special with these tips:

1. Help dad enjoy the day. Perhaps you'll let him sleep-in this morning, or perhaps you won't badger him to be somewhere on time, for a change. Whatever it is, let it be his day.
2. Make it a family event. Father's Day is by nature a family event. Use this opportunity to get everyone in the family together for a fun day. Think about including all the dads in your family, not just your own father.
3. Consider building the celebration around an activity you all can enjoy. Some ideas are having a family picnic, enjoying a family barbecue, taking dad to a sporting event, or even fishing together.
4. Celebrate your shared experiences. Look at old photos of you and your dad doing fun things together. Take a walk down memory lane by creating either a photo album or a photo slideshow. You may be surprised at how many things you both have forgotten about and how much they mean to you.
5. Acknowledge the importance of fatherhood. Being a father is a tough job. Dads are responsible for at least one half of the financial and emotional well-being of the family. A thoughtful card, a letter, or short speech that expresses your love will benefit both you and your dad.

All these things will help the father in your life feel special. If you have a little one who would like to do something special, bring them into Just Grillin on Saturday, June 14 for a special kid's class from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM. Here, they will make pizza for themselves and dad to eat for lunch. It'll be a great treat for everyone! Plus, there will be great Father's Day Sales all weekend long. You definitely don't want to miss this! 

See you there!

I Don't Want to Be A Chicken

What's better than having fresh grilled chicken on a cool summer night with all your family and friends? Absolutely nothing! When many people grill chicken, their number one complaint is, "My chicken is too dry." Oh, boy. Now that is the absolute worst. But have no fear! Just Grillin is here to help you make the most perfect juicy chicken that your family and friend can't help but have seconds!

1. Cook with Beer. You can cook with beer a few ways. You can buy a fancy contraption that will hold a can of beer inside the bird while it cooks upright or you can balance the bird on the beer can yourself. Or you can do as we do in our Beer-Barbecued Chicken recipe and just pour beer into the cavity. If you don’t want to use beer, water or chickenbroth will work too.
2. Experiment with Dark Meat. If you’re not barbecuing a whole bird, experiment with dark meat. It’s more tender than chicken breast and more forgiving if you overcook it.
3. Use Good BBQ Sauce. Sometimes the secret to good barbecue is in the sauce. Check out all great BBQ sauces in our store to wow your family and friends.
4. Gas vs. Charcoal? The age-old debate over which grilling method is “better” involves multiple variables, from flavor to cost to convenience. While no studies prove that either is healthier, gas does burn cleaner. Charcoal grills emit more carbon monoxide, particulate matter and soot into the atmosphere, contributing to increased pollution and higher concentrations of ground-level ozone. From a taste perspective, on the other hand, many people prefer the smokier, richer taste of food cooked on a charcoal grill.
5. Beer-Barbecued Chicken. Here's our spin on the roast-a-chicken-on-top-of-a-can-of-beer technique that's popular with barbecue aficionados. To simplify things, we just pour a little beer inside the chicken as it cooks. The beer keeps the meat juicy and a smoky-flavored spice rub both under and over the skin gives it extra flavor. Barbecuing poultry with the skin on helps prevent the meat from drying out. To keep calories and fat in check, remove the skin before serving.

If you want more tips and tricks to make chicken like the pros, join us on June 7, 2014 from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM for our Competitive Series: Chicken Class. The class will be taught by Doug Francis, from the award winning Hogs Gone Wild Competitive BBQ Team! Click here to register! You don't want to miss this!

Ribs, Ribs, Ribs!

Summer grilling is in in full swing! Have you been grilling anything and everything you could possibly imagine? Have you found out how to make perfect delicious ribs? Here are a few tips to help you along the way.

1. Prevent Ribs From Burning. The first dry rub that goes on the ribs should have a very low sugar content. If you start out with a rub that contains sugar, the ribs will turn black on you.  Sugar burns fairly fast and you don't want that.  It will create a bitter, unpleasant taste. 

2. Seasoning Your Ribs. Put your rub on liberally and let the slab sit for about 20-30 minutes before going on the smoker.  Doing so will allow the fibers in the meat to "open up" and allow the seasonings and smoke to penetrate the meat.

3. Smoking Your Ribs. After two hours at 225 ribs won't take any more smoke.  The meat will have reached an internal temp of around 160 degrees.  Adding smoke after this point is not a good idea.  Have you ever tasted BBQ that had too strong of a smoke taste?  It's because the fibers in the meat close around 160 internal. Using smoke at after this temperature will create a foul tasting rib.  Stick with a good clean charcoal after 160 internal and all of your pork will turn out great.

4. Perfectly Tender Ribs. The trick to getting perfectly tender ribs is to wrap the slabs in Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil. 

For more great tips and tricks, join us this Saturday, May 31 from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM, for our third class in our Competitive Series class: Ribs! Shawn Reagan from Boca BBQ will teach you all the tips and tricks on perfecting those ribs. You don't want to miss this!

The Almighty Pig!

Who's ready to cook the pork of a lifetime at our Backyard BBQ Battle in June? No, not yet? You're not ready? Well, fear no more. Just Grillin is here to save the day! Here are just a few tips to get your ready for the big competition!

1. To make a rub recipe for pulled pork, you can improvise with pantry items like salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar and dried mustard. You don't need to measure. Finish the rub with a few dashes of Liquid Smoke and let it all sit in your refrigerator over night. 
2. To adjust the sauce's spiciness, adding cayenne, hot sauce or spicy BBQ sauce.
3. You will know your pork is done if it easily comes off the bone with little effort.
4. To store left-over pulled pork, freeze it in quart-size freezer bags. When you are ready to eat it again, thaw a bag of it in your refrigerator and then place it in a small aluminum pan on the grill. 
5. Serve pulled pork sandwich recipe with coleslaw and/or beans.

Can't get enough tips on the Almighty Pig? Join the owner, Doug Driscoll, as he instructs you on making the perfect pulled pork for competition. The class is this Saturday, May 17, from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM and is $10.00 per person. Click here to register! 

You'll have everyone lined up for seconds with these great tips and more- you don't want to miss this!

For all you moms out there…

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! If you’re not a mom, wish a mom a Happy Mother’s Day. Ever wonder how to make Mother’s Day absolutely perfect? You’re in luck! Here a few tips to make any Mother’s Day special!

1. Hug it out! They are a quick and easy way to show that you care. Sure, emotional closeness is great. But we also have a physical need to feel comforted. Hugging your mom will release special “Awwww” endorphins, triggering to her brain that she is loved, appreciated and not alone.

2. Shhhh. When most kids talk to their mom, they go on and on about themselves. But, contrary to popular belief, mothers are fully realized humans. They have their own experiences, dreams and stories to tell. If you want to make your mom feel special, do some shutting up and giveher a chance to share with you. After all, a big part of feeling loved is feeling heard. And that should be a two-way street. 

3. Say thanks! The truth is: Mothers go above and beyond to make sure we are cared for. And that takes work! So say thank you for the meals that magically appear on the table and the cell phone bill that magically gets paid. 

Think about it: She’s so good at helping, you don’t even notice when she’s doing it. Mama be stealth! But that’s not an excuse to take her kindness for granted.

 4. Put her love on top. Mama will return your call when that pretty girl from last night won’t. So learn how to prioritize. Don’t put somebody who wears body glitter before the woman who gave you life. Mama’s love is consistent and unconditional. Therefore, your reverence for her should be, too. Sure, you’re busy and you know a lot of people, but you’ve got to remember to put your mother’s happiness and well-being high on your list of priorities.

So there you have it. Make sure you honor your mom this weekend. And what better way than to stop by Just Grillin to find lots of great buys for your mom that are 20%! All weekend long.

Grill on!

I Thought Someone Was Barbecuing!

The season of BBQing right around the corner! The warm sun, the friends and family, delicious food, the beach… anything that makes your heart flutter. It’s your season! Are you prepared? Stop into Just Grillin to make sure you have everything you need to throw to the best backyard BBQ blowout this summer. From accessories to sauces and rubs to grills, we have it all! Here are a few tips to make your BBQ Grilling Season a success!

1. Choose a grill or smoker. Make sure you choose a grill or smoker that best fits your outdoor cooking lifestyle. You don’t want to be cooking on something you don’t enjoy!

2. Accessorize! There are new tools and accessories every day that make cooking outdoors easier and more fun. Be sure to check out our online store at justgrillinflorida.com or stop on by to pick up the best accessories!

3.  Savor the flavor! Try out a different and new rub this season. You’ll definitely impress all your guests, you grilling guru, you!

4. Think location. You don’t always have to grill in someone’s backyard. Many grills are now versatile enough to grill on the go. Check out the beach or the park to get your party started!

5. Check out our store! Stop by Just Grillin to get the best tips and tricks to making your outdoor cooking a success. We will give you the best tips on sauces and rubs to make your food tender, spicy, or sweet!

And since now you’re such a great grilling guru this summer, make sure you stop by our Competitive Series: Brisket Class this weekend! The cost is only $10.00 to learn from our award-winning BBQ Competition Team on making that perfect Brisket. You definitely don’t want to miss this! Click here to Register!

See you there!

Easter Egg Hunt!

Easter Day is right around the corner. What better way to celebrate than holding an Egg Hunt for your family and friends. If you are planning to treat your family and friends to an excellent hunt, here are a few tips:

1)      Figure out how many people will be participating. Prepare at least six eggs per participant. If you don’t have an exact number of participants, consider preparing more eggs for unexpected stragglers.

2)      Hide the eggs as close to the hunt as possible. Make sure you map where each egg has been placed, so no eggs get left behind.

3)      As a safety precaution, make sure you do not place any eggs near poisonous plants, where pesticides have recently been sprayed, or preexisting holes that may hold wildlife.

4)      If you having an egg hunt indoors, avoid areas that are off limits in your household, such as medicine cabinets, bedrooms, and nightstands.

5)      To guarantee that the egg hunt is fun for everyone, including small children, be sure to hide small prizes in the eggs, such as small candies and trinkets.

This is a fun experience for the entire family! Remember to have fun! If you aren’t hosting an Egg Hunt of your own, join us for our Just Grillin Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 19! There will be a prize in every egg for everyone. We will even have a special Golden Egg hidden with a $50 Just Grillin Gift Card Hidden inside. You definitely don’t want to miss this!

Play Ball!

Spring is in full swing! America’s favorite pastime has finally begun, the weather is beautiful, and those winter blues have finally melted away. Have you been enjoying the great weather with your family? If you haven’t, perhaps now is the time to get more active with your family! Here are a few tips to get your family time in:

1.  Plan outdoor activities one day a week. Maybe take a walk with a picnic at the end, or a bike ride. Maybe play a game of catch before your favorite team plays. The ideas are endless!

2. Take a class together. Many local parks offer free outdoor classes. Ask around and you’ll be sure to find a perfect fit!

3. Go on a treasure hunt at your local park! This encourages team work, trust, and problem solving.

4. Plant a garden together. Not only will your and your family be active, but studies show that you’re more likely to eat the vegetables you grow. What could be better than that?

5. Sign up for a local race! There are plenty of 5K and 10K runs and walks. Do it together as a family and then hang up the great medals for all to see!

After all those fun outdoor activities you’ve been doing with your family, you’re definitely going to want to tailgate before the big baseball games. Not sure what to make? Join us this Saturday from 12:00PM-4:00 PM to snag the best Baseball and BBQ recipes!

See you soon!

Wood, Pellet, and Chips… Oh, my!

Who doesn’t love a good smoked rib? What about salmon? Everyone loves some smoked BBQ. Why wouldn’t they? It is one of the most comforting and delicious meals of all time. But how do you get perfectly smoked ribs or pork or even brisket. Here are a few tips how!

1.  Practice good temperature control! The best range for smoking meat is 200-220 degrees F. To be safe, meats need to be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F, while poultry needs to be at 165 degrees F. However, to get the most tender and juicy meat you can have, the internal temperature needs to be around 180 degrees F.

2.  Have two thermometers: one telling you the temperature of the smoker and one telling you the internal temperature of the meat.

3. Keep it low and slow! When the temperature is low, the meat cooks at a slower rate. That’s ok! That is what is going to get you the most tender meat around. The lower temperature allows the slow breakdown of the meat fibers.

4. Keep a good ring of smoke around the meat at all times! This allows the meat to really take in that good smoking flavor!

The last thing to remember is that smoking is far more an art than it is a science. Practice and patience are the secret. If you are still a little confused about everything, make sure to come to our Pellet Grill 101 class this Saturday from 10:00AM-12:00PM! You don’t want to miss this! Click here to register!

See you soon!

What the heck is a Big Green Egg?

Do you ever hear your friends and fellow grilling gurus talk about a Big Green Egg? Are you often confused about what it is or what it does? Look no further! Just Grillin will explain everything you need to know about a Big Green Egg!

1. Simple to start grill. No need for lighter fluid!
2. Precise temperature control. Grill, smoke, and bake at exactly the temperatures you need by adjusting the air flow controls.
3. Safe to use! The ceramic surface does not get as hot as a metal grill.
4. Easy to clean up! Has stainless steel cooking grid and an a green exterior that wipes clean easily without chemicals. As for the inside, the residual heat burns off any grease.
5. Big Green Egg has state of the art ceramic technologies that provide improved insulation, thermal shock tolerance, and material strength! The high quality ceramics will not crack or deteriorate over time.

Need to know more? Come to our BIG GREEN EGG 101 class this Saturday, from 10:00AM-12:00PM. Any question that you have about a Big Green Egg, we can answer! Make sure to visit www.justgrillinflorida.com to register for the class or call the store at 813-962.1700.

See you there!

Spring is in the Air!

Happy First Day of Spring! Finally, the cold weather is starting to melt away and we can prepare for many Cookouts since the weather will be so great! What else could you ask for this Spring? Here are a few home maintenance tips to get your Spring Season off on the right foot!

1. Check for loose or leaky gutters. Improper drainage can lead to water in the basement or crawl space. Make sure downspouts drain away from the foundation and are clear and free of debris.
2. Low areas in the yard or next to the foundation should be filled with compacted soil. Spring rains can cause yard flooding, which can lead to foundation flooding and damage. Also, when water pools in these low areas in the summer, it creates a breeding ground for insects.
3. Use a screwdriver to probe the wood trim around windows, doors, railings, and decks. Make repairs now before the spring rains do more damage to the exposed wood.
4. From the ground, examine roof shingles to see if any were lost or damaged during winter. If your home has an older roof covering, you may want to start a budget for replacement. The summer sun can really damage roof shingles. Shingles that are cracked, buckled, or loose or are missing granules need to be replaced. Flashing around plumbing vents, skylights, and chimneys need to be checked and repaired by a qualified roofer.
5. Examine the exterior of the chimney for signs of damage. Have the flue cleaned and inspected by a certified chimney sweep.
6. Inspect concrete slabs for signs of cracks or movement. All exterior slabs except pool decks should drain away from the home’s foundation. Fill cracks will a concrete crack filler or silicone caulk. When weather permits, power wash and then seal the concrete.
7. Remove firewood stored near the home. Firewood should be stored at least 18 inches off the ground at least 2 feet from the structure.
8. Check outside hose faucets for freeze damage. Turn the water on and place your thumb or finger over the opening. If you can stop the flow of water, it is likely the pipe inside the home is damage and will need to be replaced. While you’re at it, check the garden hose for dry rot.
9. Have a qualified heating and cooling contractor clean and service the outside unit of the air conditioning system. Clean coils operate more efficiently, and an annual service call will keep the system working at peak performance levels. Change interior filters on a regular basis.
10. Check your gas and battery powered lawn equipment to make sure it is ready for summer use. Clean equipment and sharp cutting blades will make yard work easier.

Don’t forget to check out BROILMASTER Days this weekend at Just Grillin! We’re starting at 10:00 AM with a FREE class on smoking wings. At noon, a BROILMASTER representative will show you all the new grills BROILMASTER has to offer. You don’t want to miss this!

Happy New Year