Some barbecue traditionalists insist that barbecue must be cooked low and slow in a pit dug in the ground with glowing embers above. But the African American slaves who perfected Southern barbecue techniques probably weren’t cooking brisket in this way!
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In a world where instant is the norm, slow-cooked meals are a welcome departure. When done right, the process is truly an art that results in a hearty, delicious meal and leaves your house smelling wonderful. This technique requires patience and attention to detail, but it is incredibly rewarding once you master it. It’s also a cost effective way to feed your family, as tougher cuts of meat like lamb shanks or brisket are cheaper than premium cuts like ribeye or filet mignon.
For years, BBQ purists have been waging a war to redefine the word barbecue, claiming that it only applies to large hunks of meat roasted low and slow with indirect heat and wood smoke. While their logic may sound logical, there are many flaws in their argument. First, they forget that the word has been used in this broad sense for centuries. Even James Beard and Julia Child use the term barbecue when describing grilling. Furthermore, the definition of barbecue in Webster’s New World College Dictionary is simply “to cook food outdoors, usually over a fire or on an open flame.”
Another problem with these revisionists’ logic is that the word barbecue itself derives from a Spanish verb, barbacoa, which means to “cook with smoke.” It’s this element of smoking that unites the many different types of cooking that fall under the barbecue umbrella.
In addition to the flavor and texture that comes from smoking, slow-cooked foods are also extremely convenient. While they require more patience and attention than a quick meal, they are much easier to manage for busy households. And because they cook for longer periods of time, they are a great choice for entertaining guests.
With these benefits in mind, it’s no wonder that more and more people are embracing the art of the slow cooker. And as they do, they are discovering a whole world of flavourful dishes that will impress their guests and elevate their BBQ game. From rich stews to succulent braises, there’s a dish to suit every palate in this collection of 80 recipes for deliciously comforting one pot meals.
It’s a Social Event
The social element of BBQ goes beyond the food and into a deeper realm of shared experiences. People come together to enjoy the smell of sizzling meat and the camaraderie created as they linger around the grill. These moments create a bond that lasts long after the meal is over. The barbecue experience is often a family tradition that is passed down through generations, bringing a sense of connection and community. It is also a common feature of regional and cultural celebrations.
The word “barbecue” is a mashup of two words—“barb” and “becue.” The former is the slang term for an outdoor barbecue, while the latter refers to the food cooked at such a gathering. The term is most closely associated with the south, but it can be found throughout the country. A barbecue can be any type of food that is cooked over an open flame or coals. It can include meats such as beef, pork, chicken and sausage, as well as fish, fowl and vegetables. It can be served with sides such as coleslaw and baked beans, or hushpuppies and cornbread.
Whether it’s a backyard picnic, a neighborhood get-together, or a company barbeque, BBQ is more than just a delicious way to cook. It’s a social event that brings friends and family together, fosters a sense of community, and creates cherished memories.
A barbecue can be any type of food that’s cooked over an open flame or coals, including meats such as beef, pork, chicken, and sausage, as well as fish, fowl, and vegetables. It can be served with sides of coleslaw and baked beans, or fried corn and hushpuppies. It can be prepared in a variety of ways, from slow-cooked meals in dirt pits dug in the ground to modern gas grills and specialty cookery such as smokers.
When planning a company barbecue, it’s important to consider how employees will travel to and from the event, as well as any offsite locations. Make sure to reimburse employees for their time if the barbecue is held during work hours, and be aware that alcohol can lower inhibitions and lead to inappropriate behavior. If you choose to serve alcoholic beverages, it’s important to use drink tickets and enforce a zero-tolerance harassment policy. You should also consider choosing a location that’s safe and easy for employees to access by public transportation, or at least provide shuttle service to the event.
It’s a Gathering
A barbecue, sometimes known as a barbie (short for barbeque), is an informal outdoor cookout. Whether it’s in your backyard, at the park or the beach, a BBQ is all about connecting with family and friends.
Whether you’re serving up burgers, chicken, salad or grilled veggies for the vegetarians at your BBQ party, make sure you also have popular side dishes like potato salad and coleslaw to round out the meal. If you’re going with a theme for your BBQ gathering, add a themed party favour to help guests get into the spirit of things. For example, a monogrammed hot sauce bottle or s’mores kit are great for a birthday or baby shower BBQ.
The food at a BBQ is always a highlight. It’s common to think of hamburgers and steak when you think of BBQ foods, but there are a whole lot more options to choose from, including shellfish, vegan salads and even grilled iceberg lettuce. Having plenty of drinks on hand is also important for your guests’ comfort and satisfaction.
It’s important to remember the purpose of a BBQ is to gather and socialize, not argue or push your political or religious views on others. Keep the conversation light and fun by talking about favourite vacation spots, places to eat, your children’s activities or memories of past BBQs you’ve attended. Show up within the time frame suggested by your host and don’t overstay your welcome. Your hosts have gone to a lot of effort to prepare for the gathering and they’ve probably already had a long day. Make their night by ensuring you’re respectful of their space and the time they have given them.
It’s a Celebration
When we talk about BBQ, it’s usually in the context of a large outdoor event hosted on the weekend. People cook pork and beef briskets over coals in pits dug into the ground. They eat their food on a picnic table, with sides like coleslaw and potato salad, and drinks such as lemonade and sweet tea. It’s an event that celebrates American cooking and community.
But that’s not the only way to use the term BBQ. Some people use it to refer to the event itself, an en plein air spread where guests squabble over regional styles of BBQ. They might even host a bracketed competition with minor league contenders falling into the “patio division.”
There’s nothing wrong with these definitions of BBQ, as long as you understand that barbecue is not just a meal, but also a style of cooking and a social gathering. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people who misunderstand this definition and classify hamburgers, hot dogs, shish kabobs, or anything cooked on a grill as barbecuing, when it is not.
That’s because the word barbecue actually refers to a way of cooking meat, fish, and fowl (plus vegetables) over a wood or coal fire in a closed pit. This method of cooking is called barbacoa in Mexico, and it’s not the same as grilling burgers or hotdogs over flames.
But many people also use the term barbecue to describe a picnic-style outdoor eating event where pork, chicken, and beef brisket are served with popular side dishes like potato salad, coleslaw, and macaroni and cheese. They eat their meals on a picnic table with checkered linens, and they drink sweet tea and lemonade.
If you’re a fan of this classic American celebration, be sure to check out the barbecue experiences offered on Cozymeal. From a classic backyard BBQ to an event in Manhattan where chefs showcase their talent at NYC parks, there’s sure to be something for everyone. And don’t forget the party favors – you can never have too many monogrammed hot sauce bottles or s’mores kits for your friends and family!