Grilled foods are known for their unique, addictive flavor which isn’t quite easy to faithfully recreate in your regular kitchen, not even using a stovetop grill pan. They have made life easier as you can grill almost anything in your kitchen from vegetables to chicken to pork.
Since there are countless grilled foods that you can prepare, we’re only going to feature three that are suitable for an outdoor environment in winters. In addition, the following are also recommended by renowned grilling brands such as Fire Magic Grill, RCS Grills etc. Let’s get started:

TWO BEST BEEF GRILLING RECIPES:

SALSA STEAK
It takes 10 minutes to prepare this recipe, about 15 minutes to cook and it serves 4 people easily. The main ingredients are:
• Olive oil,
• 1 large tomato (diced),
• 1 small red salad onion (diced),
• 1 small cucumber (chopped),
• Half yellow capsicum (diced),
• 4 tablespoon of chopped coriander,
• 1 tablespoon of seeded mustard and,
• 4 serving portions of scotch fillet steak, AKA rib eye.
You can also use cuts such as sirloin (New York Cut), blade, round eye medallion, oyster blade or topside.
Here’s how you’ll be cooking the salsa steak:
1. Prepare the salsa by mixing all the ingredients.
2. Before cooking, the steak is brushed with olive oil to ensure it doesn’t stick to the grill. However, only a little amount is required.
3. Start cooking on a hot griddle or grill. Cook each side until it’s sealed ― it takes about 2-3 minutes for boneless cuts and 3-4 minutes for cuts with bone to get sealed properly.
4. If you want your steak rare, remove it immediately from the grill. For a medium or well done steak, lower the heat to medium or high respectively.
5. Continue until you get the desired degree of “doneness” and cover it up for at least 2 minutes to retain juiciness, right before you serve it.

JAVA PEPPER STEAK

This is yet another popular recipe that’s been recommended by Fire Magic Grills, if you’re using their outdoor grills and appliances. It takes about 25 minutes to prepare and cook, and can easily serve 4 people. Unlike the salsa steak, it doesn’t require olive oil, which makes it less calorically dense ― ideal for the weight-conscious.
The ingredients used in a java pepper steak that serves four are:
•1.5 pound tenderloin grilling steaks,
•4 teaspoon fine ground coffee,
•4 teaspoon ground black pepper (should be fresh),
•2 tablespoon ground cumin and,
•Salt (according to your taste).
Here’s how the java pepper steak is prepared:
• First, preheat the BBQ or broiler to get the best doneness possible.
• Next, combine all the ingredients and put them in a re-sealable freezer bag; put each steak separately in the bag then shake it up for an even coating.
•It’s time to grill the steaks. Use a BBQ, broil or pan (we prefer BBQ) and grill the steaks until you get the desired level of doneness.

THE BEST SEASONAL FRUIT GRILL FOOD:

MOLLY FOWLER’S GRILLED FRUIT
Sometimes, you just don’t feel like having ‘meaty meals’ and want to go with something that’s sweet, delicious to eat and can be prepared on a grill. Molly Fowler’s grilled fruit is the perfect recipe to fulfill that desire.
The ingredients are:
• Half cup Greek yogurt,
• Half tablespoon vanilla,
• 1 medium lemon zest,
• 6 tablespoon Greek honey,
• A handful of lavender flowers,
• 6 figs cut in half (if available) and,
• 3 large seasonal fruit such as nectarines, plums, peaches or apricots.
Olive oil is also used to ensure that the food items do not stick to the BBQ or grill.
Here is how it’s cooked:
1. First, brush nectarine halves (any seasonal fruit) with olive oil.
2. Grill the fruits on a hot grill until grill marks form nicely.
3. Combine yogurt, lemon zest and vanilla while the fruit is being grilled.
4. When you’re serving nectarines, ensure that they’re warm ― serve it with a dollop of yogurt, drizzled honey and sprinkled with a few lavender flowers. If fresh figs are desired, use them as garnish.
WANT MORE?
We understand that three recipes only may not satisfy your cravings and you might want to know more about other mouth-watering recipes. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Keep yourself updated with our newsletter and blogs so that the next time we publish an interesting and informative article (like this one), you’re immediately notified.

Enjoying some of your leisure time outdoors might seem like an unorthodox idea in winters but you can have a really good time if you know how to have fun outdoors. Technology has made most of us ‘indoor lovers’ thanks to Playstation, Netflix and other such inventions. However, none of this can match the quality of spending a nice evening outdoors. And how do you make it more exciting, especially when the weather is cold? The answer is a nice fireplace that keeps the environment warm and also adds to the ambience.
According to famous architectures, fireplace features are among the most popular outdoor elements when it comes to designing the perfect outdoor room or kitchen. In this article, we are going to discuss in detail how you can have a great time outdoors by making good use of fire pits and fireplaces.

EXTEND YOUR SEASON

Americans are spending generously on outdoor spaces, finding ways to make them more luxurious to enjoy every winter season. People are now looking to install fire pits with higher BTUs (British Thermal Unit) from 50,000 to about 100,000, so that they can enjoy a cozy environment while being outdoors, especially when the weather gets harsh.
Just imagine your house covered in snow; you go out, enter your outdoor room, light up the firepit/fireplace and immediately feel the warmth. Before you know it, you are completely at ease and relaxed. How does that sound?
Fire pits can emit as much as 150,000 BTUs, which is enough to warm up a big area. A square foot of space usually needs 30 – 50 BTUs of heat to get warm; however, several other factors also play a vital role in how your room reacts to a fireplace. It is better to get the room inspected by a professional before you invest in fire pits. Generally speaking, 150,000 BTUs is considered a commercial-grade firepit/fireplace and it’s quite sufficient to keep an outdoor space warm and cozy.
Fire pits and fireplaces are also a great way to improve your outdoor ambiance, making it more attractive and lively. You can also enjoy some quality alone time while cherishing the warmth they provide. Since there are a number of fireplace options out there, we thought we’d discuss a few for your benefit.
Here’s a look at the most popular outdoor heating ideas recommended by HPBA :

OUTDOOR FIREPLACES ― BRING CHARM TO YOUR PLACE

Outdoor fireplaces are usually comprised of pure stainless steel and can be complemented by stone, tile, granite or any other material that blends well with the design of your house. These fireplaces don’t require a chimney as they use natural gas, propane or wood as the primary source of heat.
However, since people are experimenting with unique and interesting designs, it’s up to you how you want your outdoor space to be. Be ready to spend at least $2,000 and up for an outdoor fireplace installation and remember that these fireplaces are installed permanently in your outdoor room.

CHIMNEYS ― INEXPENSIVE AND SUFFICIENT

If you’re looking for an inexpensive type of outdoor hearth, you should go with chimneys. They are the oldest kind of outdoor hearths and rest next to a traditional campfire and are made of clay (though some can be cast-iron). However, chimneys are not recommended to be installed on wooden decks as they can damage the deck.
Chimneys are not only an inexpensive but also alternate way of enjoying the warmth and ambiance of a fire and boast an elevated and portable outdoor hearth on your outdoor space.

FIRE PITS ― MOST POPULAR WAYS TO ENJOY THIS FALL

Fire pits are one of the most popular ways to enjoy an old-fashioned campfire in fall. They usually cost between $300 and $700, and produce anywhere from 50,000 to 75,000 BTUs of heat; ideal for an average-sized outdoor space. Due to their portability, convenience and beauty, most homeowners prefer to have fire pits installed as an outdoor element.
Fire pits are generally used to create a cozy environment and enhance the atmosphere of a room/area, but they can also be used for cooking, as some of them come with grills. Notice that they’re only ideal for outdoor use and should never be used indoors, as the risk of a fire breakout is high. If you want to install a fire pit on an outdoor deck, consider reading the manual or calling a professional to see if it’s feasible.

PATIO HEATERS ― BETTER THAN FIREPITS?

Patio heaters are relatively new on the market but gaining popularity very quickly. This is because they are known to produce 35,000 to 45,000 BTU’s of heat and radiate heat up to 25 feet in all directions ― that’s noticeably farther than a firepit. Prices range between $300 and $700 on average. Patio heaters are comprised of stainless steel (just like fire pits), painted steel or cast-aluminium.

CONCLUSION

While it might seem like an odd idea to spend a good chunk of your time outdoors in fall/winters, most Americans have started to shift their preference. Technology continues to take giant leaps day by day and new products are being manufactured to produce more heat, provide better ambiance and add other features in your outdoor lifestyle. In the midst of it all, you just can’t help but give serious thought to spending your time outdoors as the weather gets cooler.

According to the HPBA, Americans have always liked living outdoors. However, since the advent of the modern era, the lifestyle of an average American has changed drastically. Today, outdoor living isn’t just limited to a hibachi, picnic table and a few folding chairs. It’s now more about transitioning your indoor experience to an outdoor space ― a yard, for example. A well-rounded outdoor space might consist of these three basic elements:

1. Appliance(s) to cook
2. Dining table with chairs
3. Hearth or fireplace

What’s interesting is that many homeowners now prefer to install a patio or deck. This is because they want to make their outdoor living similar to an indoor environment, but with the added benefits of outdoor living. According to the HPBA, homeowners are now installing outdoor fireplaces, luxurious firepits, outdoor lightening etc., to make the most of the winter season and the evenings. Still, a deck and patio are one of the most commonly integrated features.

Why is there a higher demand for covered outdoor spaces today? What makes them so unique that even most home buyers tend to look for houses with a patio or deck installed in their outdoor room?

Here are some of the benefits that make covered outdoor spaces better than uncovered ones:

Better Temperature Control

Start a fire and you’re in for a magical experience ― the ambiance it creates is nothing short of spectacular. We don’t quite know why lighting up a fire has this mesmerizing effect on us but it certainly has its charm. However, if your outdoor space is uncovered and you prefer having large groups of people over, most of your guests would be freezing and only a few would get to enjoy the cozy experience.

Having a patio or deck above your outdoor space dramatically slows down the rate at which heat escapes. According to the laws of thermodynamics, heat always rises and escapes upwards. A proper ceiling helps prevent this heat from escaping the room and allows it to remain warm for a longer period of time. Having an outdoor room with a patio or deck installed would fill your space with enough heat to provide  a homely feeling and evenly balances out cold air throughout the space.

Avoid Weather Damage

We all know how savage weather can be at times. Without warning, it can tear structures and even entire buildings to shreds. However, installing weatherproof covers can help prevent such disasters. This is one of the many reasons why people prefer to have a weatherproof patio or deck installed on top of their outdoor room.

Many homeowners desire to maximum convenience while accessing their outdoor kitchen and you can too by installing appliances and the hearth permanently. This ensures that a proper cover is installed which not only looks great but also prevents your goods from ageing or wearing out prematurely.

Covered Spaces Look More Attractive

There is a major reason why home buyers look for patios or decks installed outdoors ― they find it attractive and a lot more conductive to social gatherings and parties. Patios were once used as foundations and bases for outdoor kitchens. But due to their rigidness and beauty, they are now considered a perfect option for providing overhead cover to outdoor spaces.

It is also an asset that can increase the value of your house by a wide margin. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors, homebuyers are willing to pay higher premiums for houses that have a patio installed.

Transcend the Wall of Your Home

When you set up an outdoor kitchen or room, you’re actually adding more space to accommodate more people. In simple terms, you’re changing a lifeless area into a lively and comfortable one, which can be enjoyed indoors. Covering up that outdoor space seamlessly integrates it with your home.

Final Verdict

It really pays to proper cover up your outdoor space whether it’s winter or summer. You get a cozy, comfortable and warm atmosphere[2] [3]  in the winter season and in summers, you can avoid harmful UV rays that can cause skin burns and even cancer due to prolonged exposure. Having a suitable roof also helps weatherproof the area, which prevents any kind of damage to your property. In addition, you can safely enjoy the weather outdoors when it’s raining heavily, for instance.

While there are a plethora of other reasons that clearly demonstrate the benefits of having a covered outdoor space, we are certain that the ones mentioned above are quite sufficient for you to decide whether you should cover up your own outdoor living space or not.

Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away and everyone is busy planning the perfect get together with their family and friends.
Since Thanksgiving is all about having one awesome get together at home ― we’ll be focusing on something that doesn’t derail too far from the boundaries of your home: an outdoor kitchen.
Outdoor kitchens are a perfect way to bring people together. They are usually built in your backyard or deck, which gives you enough space to invite plenty of people. Everyone can sit out, enjoy delicious turkey and have fun together.
Many people like the idea of turning their yards into an “outdoor room” which is simply perfect for Thanksgiving. In fact, 30% of the U.S. citizens who love outdoor get togethers plan to upgrade their outdoor kitchen every three years.
In this article, we share 5 reasons that make outdoor kitchens perfect for occasions such as Thanksgiving.

1. ENJOY THE WINTER SEASON OUTDOORS

Covered outdoor rooms are one of the best ways to enjoy winters without getting cold. A regular outdoor kitchen produces about 50,000 BTUs of heat, which makes your covered space more cozy and comfortable ― allowing you to enjoy the winters outdoors ― especially around Thanksgiving without worrying about getting cold. It’s also a perfect way to lower your air-conditioning costs while enjoying the perfect outdoor gathering, and have more to spend on Thanksgiving.

2. IT’S A GREAT SOURCE FOR ENTERTAINMENT

We tend to keep our indoor kitchens as compact as possible since it’s normally used to cook food for a single family, and only a handful of people can access the kitchen at any given time. However, since an outdoor kitchen is much roomier, it allows you to have more people and particularly cooks so they can prepare as much food as is required.
Since outdoor kitchens are normally set up in backyards, these places are great for letting your children play without any toys. Children are creative; they like to explore and having an open space such as this is always fun for them.

3. INVITE MORE PEOPLE

Homes are often designed according to the number of heads in a family. Your home might not have ample space to accommodate all guests, making it difficult for everyone to have fun.
This is also one of the reasons why a number of people don’t want to have get togethers at their place. Therefore, outdoor kitchens are a better choice for occasions like Thanksgiving ― you want a spacy area where more people can sit and enjoy themselves to their heart’s content.

4. IT’S MORE FUN COOKING OUTDOORS

You cannot cook with grills and smokers inside your house because it leaves behind soot which will eventually ruin the look of your indoor kitchen, and also makes it uncomfortable to breath in. This is one of the reasons why 71% of the U.S. population prefers to cook on grills and smokers outside.
Cooking this way can also be lot of fun. This is because you’re not afraid to experiment with recipes, grilling techniques ― which can be hazardous indoors, should any kind of unfortunate incident take place. According to HPBA, 54% of the US residents cook outdoors for personal enjoyment, 42% of them cook because it provides entertainment to family/friends, 23% of them experiment and make outdoor cooking a hobby and 32% prefer outdoors simply because it’s more convenient.

5. MAKE YOUR DAY MEMORABLE

Thanksgiving can be a boring day when you have nothing unique to give to your guests. However, when it comes to outdoor gatherings, everything becomes that much more joyful ― the ambiance, cozy environment, delicious food and lively conversations. Plus, as people, we tend to spend a great deal of our time outdoors because it’s more engaging and fun.
Having an outdoor kitchen is perfect to bring people together because it’s more convenient, the environment is healthier, the ambiance is unique and it adds an extra layer of aroma and flavor to everyone’s favorite food.

FINAL VERDICT

Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away. If you want to make it memorable, nothing is better than having an outdoor kitchen that conveniently sits on your yard or deck. It not only provides a cozy ambiance but also sparks your creativity as you look for ways to make your meals more delicious and inspiring.