HELLO Summer 2021! Summer in Canada is certainly short and sweet, so we have to make the best of it by getting in some outdoor adventures while we can. Cooking and eating outdoors are some of the greatest summer memories that I have-a BBQ on the deck on a summer evening or cooking over the fire for every meal while camping- simply delicious!
We have some awesome new cookware in the shop that will help you make the most of grilling season. Below are some of our favourites but make sure to check out the full selection in our new Outdoor Cooking Section (under Chef Gear) on the website.
Also, we had the pleasure of chatting with one of PEI's favourite grilling connoisseurs, the owner and chef of Sneaky Cheats, Nigel Thompson. When he cooks burgers, Charlottetown comes running! He kindly shared with us a simple yet delicious burger recipe-check it out below.
Our Fave Outdoor Cookware and Tools:
Lodge Campfire Tripod 60"- Outdoor cooking at its finest! This tripod is constructed from solid steel and a galvanized chain and is perfectly suited for use with a dutch oven, grilling rack or can be used to dangle your meat of choice directly over the fire.
Yu Kurosaki Senko R2 Sujihiki 240mm- This amazing knife will make slicing your grilled meat as effortless as possible. Made with R2 powder steel, this knife is low maintenance and will stay sharp for a long time. Also features a beautiful tsuchime finish.
Lodge Carbon Steel Outdoor Griddle 18"x10"- Made with heavy gauge carbon steel. This griddle is pre-seasoned for a natural, easy-release finish that improves with use. Fry eggs, burgers or sear steak on this awesome grill.
Victorinox Flexible Spatula- The flex in this spatula makes it perfect for removing delicate pieces of fish or tofu from the grill but its sturdy enough for flipping burgers too.
Lodge Melting Pot- This pre-seasoned and ready to use pot is perfect for keeping butter, sauces or marinades warm and can be easily transported from the stove top to grill.
Medium Rare Henry Apron- The perfect grilling apron! It is heavy duty, comfortable and looks sharp. Check out Nigel sporting it while grilling in his backyard (pictured below).
Lodge 8" Round Cast Iron Grill Press- This seasoned grill press is perfect for grilling burgers, making grilled cheese, searing steak and holding in the heat on the grill.
Lodge Seasoned Carbon Steel Grilling Pan- The perfect way to cook shrimp, veggies, fish (and more) on the BBQ! The grid design prevents food from falling through the grate and you still get that delicious grill flavor.
Nigel's Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe
(makes 4 burgers)
- 1 lb of ground beef*
- 1/2 lb of bacon*
- 2 medium onions
- 1/2 head iceberg lettuce
- 6 cheese slices
- 1 small tomato
- Mayo mixed with pepper and chives
- Dill pickles (hopefully you have the plug on a homemade batch)
- Ketchup/mustard
- Sesame seed buns, buttered
*For those local folks, my favourite ground beef is from MacPhee's Meats and my favourite bacon is from KJL Select Meats.
This is a very simple burger but probably my favourite one to eat. First, I like to get half of my charcoal grill blazing hot. While you are waiting for your charcoal to heat up (or propane), medium dice your onions and start cooking your bacon. After the bacon is cooked, drain the oil and then cook your onions in the same pan so your onions get all the delicious bacon flavors.
Make sure you have all your mise en place ready before you start grilling. Shred your lettuce and thinly slice the tomatoes and dill pickles. Mix about a cup half a cup of mayo with an absurd amount of pepper and 2 -3 sliced chives or 1-2 cloves of minced garlic (or both).
I like my burgers a little thinner so I make them roughly 4-5 oz each and season heavily with salt. The grill should be hot by now. Grill 3-4 minute per side and then set on cold side of grill in indirect heat. Add a tiny bit of bbq sauce of your choice and then top burgers with 1 and a half cheese slices and put your lid on. Leave for two more minutes and then take the burgers off. If you are unsure of the burger cook temp I suggest getting a thermometer. A well-done burger is 160 degrees F but if you like yours less done you can take it off earlier.
The buttered buns can flare up when you grill them so be careful and watch them closely. I like my bottom bun almost burnt, I feel like it holds the burger together and I like the taste of a little char.
Now you can assemble your burgers! Enjoy grilling, it is my happy place and it should be yours too!
