Barbecue Seasoning for Beginners

No recipe will make your meat tastier than barbecue seasoning, whether it’s steak, rib, or burger. Barbecue seasoning dominates the food world, especially here in the southern US. However, this cooking art goes beyond meat and sauce.

If you’ve never tried out barbecue recipes, you’re missing a lot. No dinner is complete without some well-barbecued meat, chicken pork, seafood, or vegetables. Get ready to learn how you can prepare a flavorful chicken, tender lamb, succulent beef, and tasty veggies. We’ll share the tips for barbecue seasoning.

Do you love cooking? Here are the best barbeque seasoning ideas to help you prepare a savory meal. #Creekstone #BBQ #recipes Click To Tweet

Barbecuing vs. Grilling

While most people use the terms “grilling” and “barbecuing” interchangeably, they have two different meanings. While both refer to outdoor cooking of foods over heat sources, the factors that differentiate the two terminologies are the total cooking time and type of heat used to cook.

Barbecuing

When barbecuing meat, you slowly cook it using a circumvented unit of low-heat air in a large grill or smoker enclosed with a lid. You can barbecue any food at a temperature of 225°F-275°F. Barbecuing takes longer than grilling, making it the best strategy for cooking large chunks of meat. But since it requires a high level of expertise and patience, some people tend to prefer grilling to barbecuing.

Grilling

When grilling pork ribs or other meat, you heat it over direct high heat to cook quickly. While barbecuing is slow and uses low heat, grilling is fast and uses high heat. Some other foods that you can grill include boneless chicken breasts, sausages, hot dogs, hamburgers, steak, and seafood. However, grilling is not ideal for cooking a large piece of meat because the inside might remain uncooked.

BBQ Dry Rubs

Barbecue rubs are a mixture of several BBQ seasoning and spicing ingredients that add flavor when barbecuing meat. Plenty of people also use BBQ sauce on grilled foods. The two primary flavors in any BBQ rub are a salty and sweet taste.

For a basic dry rub, try this recipe from Allrecipes:

  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon salt

To prepare the BBQ rub, mix all the ingredients in a small bowl. Store the spice blends in an airtight container and keep it in a cool, dry place. This rub lasts up to three months when stored properly.

Pro Tip: If you’re using a dry rub that contains salt, cook the meat shortly after applying the seasoning. Salt draws moisture out of the meat, and if you leave it too long, the meat can start turning tough.

Marinades

A marinade is a liquid mixture of spices, herbs, and an acid (citrus or vinegar) that helps to tenderize meat and add flavor. All you should do is add some pieces of meat in the liquid and leave it to soak. The amount of time to marinate varies depending on the type of meat:

  • Chicken: Two hours and below
  • Fish: Between 30 and 60 minutes
  • Beef Meat: Around 24 or even more hours
  • Pork loin: About four hours
  • Lamb: Around four to eight hours

Preparing Savory Meals

Now that you know the basics of barbeque seasoning, you can prepare a scrumptious meal for your family, whether it’s meat, seafood, chicken, or veggies. Marinating and adding BBQ rub to your food will even make it zestier. Enjoy your upgraded cooking tactics!

Contact us to learn more about barbeque seasoning and outdoor grilling ideas.

Keep Your Pool Sparkling Clean with These Strategies

Would you want to swim in a dirty pool filled with algae, bacteria, and floating leaves? Of course not! A clean swimming pool keeps your backyard sparkling and more inviting. Discover why it’s essential to clean your pool regularly to enjoy swimming and minimize health risks for your family.

A clean swimming pool is fresh and more sanitary. Here are the tips to keep your pool sparkling clean and ready for fun. Click To Tweet

In this guide, we’ll show you the strategies to keep your swimming pool clean. The good news is that cleaning a swimming pool is very simple and doesn’t require any expertise. Follow these instructions to minimize the dirt found in and around your pool:

  • Clear leaves & debris
  • Scrub the shell
  • Clean the water
  • Check the filters
  •  Enjoy your clean pool

Clear Leaves & Debris

Nothing is more disgusting than swimming in a pool full of debris like leaves, twigs, and dead bugs. Such contaminants will easily find their way into the pool when there are many trees around. If not removed, the debris can block the pool filters and damage the pool’s filtration system. Since leaves float on water, you can use a skimmer basket or leaf net to remove the debris. Skim the pool’s surface daily to prevent the trash from sinking to the bottom of your pool. 

Scrub the Shell

Failure to scrub the pool walls or shell regularly can result in a massive growth of algae. If you begin to see some algae growing, scrub the shell using a pool brush. The type of brush you use might depend on the material of the pool shell. Most brushes consist of stainless steel and nylon bristles. You can also use a robotic pool cleaner or a telescopic pole to clean hard-to-reach areas.

Clean the Water

As you remove leaves, twigs, and algae from your pool, don’t forget to check the water quality. Take samples of the pool water and test for chlorine levels and pH. Thankfully, there are many pH kits for measuring the pH in real-time. The pool water shouldn’t be too acidic or too high in alkaline. If that happens, neutralize the water by adding the right pool chemicals under professional guidance. 

Pro Tip: If your pool water appears to be oily, consider using a quality oil absorber to remove the excess oil from your swimming pool.

Check the Filters

Although removing leaves and debris from your pool can help to prevent the filters from blocking, it’s no doubt that some dirt will find their way into the filters. With the help of the manufacturer’s manual, backwash your clogged filters at least once every month. Consider washing it more frequently if your swimming pool gets dirty quickly. If a filter is too dirty to clean, replace it with a new cartridge filter.

Enjoy Your Clean Pool!

A clean swimming pool is not only visually appealing but also safe for your family. Remember to perform regular maintenance practices to keep the pool water crystal clear and your backyard looking fresh. Although cleaning the pool can be time-consuming, it will ultimately be worth the time in the long term as you’re able to keep using your pool.

Contact us for more information on maintaining a clean swimming pool.

Creekstone Outdoor Living Custom Pergolas in Houston, TX

3 Steps to Backyard Pool Safety

There aren’t many better ways to beat the heat than diving into a swimming pool in your own backyard. But to no one’s surprise, an open body of water can present safety hazards if not handled correctly. This is particularly true for families with small children. For a truly safe and enjoyable pool experience, there are a few safety measures you should take.

A private backyard swimming pool? Yes, please! Here’s how to safely enjoy your new pool this autumn. #Creekstone Click To Tweet

Swimming Pool Safety

For an adult, a swimming pool is a relaxing place to hang out and get some exercise. On the other hand, a poorly designed pool can be a dangerous place for an unprepared child. Keep your family safe with these pool safety precautions:

  1. Swimming lessons
  2. Install pool safety features
  3. Supervise kids in the pool

1) Swimming Lessons

When was the last time your kids took swimming lessons? Ensuring they know how to handle themselves in water will help them stay safe in the pool. Of course, current conditions mean that swimming lessons either aren’t happening or have to be significantly modified for safety’s sake. Get in touch with your local swimming instructor to see what you can do.

2) Install Pool Safety Features

Even a private backyard pool has to follow legal safety guidelines. For instance, your pool needs to be enclosed in a fence at least 4 feet high to prevent children from falling in. The gate on this fence must self-close and self-lock and be well secured when closed. The gate and any other potential entrances into the pool (such as a window) must be fitted with alarms that go off when someone tries to access the pool without your permission. Finally, make sure your pool drains are fitted with drain covers to prevent anyone or anything from being pulled underwater by the suction.

Pro Tip: Keep a lifesaving device and other emergency equipment near your backyard pool in case of emergency.

3) Supervise Kids in the Pool

Remember that kids are kids and prone to accidents. No matter how confident you are in your children’s swimming abilities and your pool safety features, supervise your kids whenever they use the backyard pool. Fast intervention in an emergency could save a life.

Enjoy Your Pool!

Taking a few steps to protect young children in the pool is more than worth it. With a few inexpensive additions and planning, you can ensure your kids will enjoy their time in the pool and stay safe in the process.

Contact us for more information on swimming pool safety and design.

3 Considerations for Designing a Swimming Pool

Looking to upgrade your backyard even more? Why not add the ultimate summer feature–a swimming pool! Your family will love the chance to go swimming even in the era of social distancing.

A backyard swimming pool unlocks endless possibilities! Here are a few things to keep in mind while you get ready for it. #Creekstone Click To Tweet

Before You Start Digging

Installing a swimming pool isn’t as simple as lining a hole with concrete and filling it with water. Not only do you have to find someone you trust to install it, but you also have to consider your long-term plans and work around whatever backyard features you already have. Here are just a few things to remember during your pool design process:

  1. Future backyard renovations
  2. Current backyard features
  3. Finding a reliable contractor

1) Future Backyard Renovations

Do you have future projects planned for your backyard? If you’re trying to design an outdoor space fit for hosting, you may also be considering features like an outdoor kitchen or a shaded dining area. You won’t want to have to move a pool pipe to make room for a propane line later! Have a clear image in your mind of where you should or shouldn’t place your pool hardware.

2) Current Backyard Features

What’s in your backyard already? Aside from decorative features like plants, consider any electric or gas appliances with buried pipes or cables. Their placement will influence your pool shape and where all the hardware ends up.

Pro Tip: A lot of important factors go into designing your new swimming pool. Don’t get overwhelmed–focus on one thing at a time.

3) Finding a Reliable Contractor

Finally, hire a pool contractor you know you can trust. You’ll have this swimming pool for years–you want it to be high-quality and reliable! With a general outdoor renovation company, you can rest assured the team will take your entire backyard and your future design plans into account during your pool construction.

Get Ready for Your New Pool

Once these primary factors have been dealt with, it’s time to start designing your swimming pool! Your contractor will help you find the right features and style. Design the pool of your dreams to add that finishing touch to your yard!

Get in touch with us to see what your completed pool could look like.

5 Outdoor Plants & Flowers to Add Color to Your Backyard

Outdoor kitchens and a party-ready atmosphere certainly add a lot to your backyard. But don’t forget natural beauty! A well-tended lawn and eye-catching decorative plants bring an atmosphere of tranquility that anyone will appreciate.

Bring nature to your backyard! These 5 flowers thrive in the Houston climate and add fragrant color to your hangout space. #Creekstone #backyarddesign #outdoorliving #flowers Click To Tweet

Plants That Withstand the Houston Climate

As many Texan gardeners know, it’s important to find plants that can survive and even thrive in a Houston summer. Fortunately, a long list of beautiful flowers can do just that! Here are just a few colorful plants to keep in your backyard all year round:

  1. Azaleas
  2. Gardenia
  3. Lilacs
  4. Star jasmine
  5. Milkweed

1) Azaleas

Most of the year, azalea bushes are dark green. But every spring, the entire bush is covered in fragrant dark pink flowers. These plants are perfect as a poolside accessory! Plant your azaleas in the spring in a lightly shaded part of your yard for best results.

2) Gardenia

Known for their dark green leaves and their vibrantly white flowers, gardenias bloom in early summer and release a strong fragrance. These plants require a bit more attention to grow, but once the bush is strong and healthy, they thrive in the hot Houston climate. Plant your gardenias in an area of full sun to light shade.

3) Lilacs

Lilacs are the perfect choice for a homeowner looking to plant a rainbow of flowers! Colors include pink, purple, white, and yellow. Better yet, lilacs planted as a hedge can grow up to 9 feet tall and serve as a natural privacy fence with minimal care required! Plant your lilacs in the spring or fall in a space that gets a good amount of sun every afternoon.

4) Star Jasmine

White, sweet-smelling star jasmine originates from Japan and China, making it an excellent candidate for the warm Houston climate. This plant has a slow start, but once it gets going, it can grow up to between 3-6 feet high! Depending on how they’re planted, they can either spread out as ground cover or climb nearby structures for a breathtaking look.

Pro Tip: Want a truly elegant pergola in your backyard? Plant some star jasmine nearby and train it to climb the structure! The flowers will provide a wonderfully perfumed atmosphere.

5) Milkweed

Finally, families with children will love the chance to watch butterflies! To attract these colorful insects, plant milkweed around your yard. Don’t worry–the plants aren’t poisonous to people (though they can be harmful to pets). The bright orange and black monarch butterfly exclusively feeds on milkweed nectar, all but guaranteeing you’ll see plenty of butterflies in your backyard! Plant your milkweed in full sunlight and give the leaves plenty of time to grow.

Natural Decor for Your Yard

At the end of the day, nature is the best decorator on the planet. Fragrant, colorful flowers are the perfect way to bring a pop of color and gentle beauty to your outdoor hangout space.

Join the conversation for more ideas on starting your own summer flower garden.