Harrissa with Fresh Chillies

For the Chicken:

1 (4 to 5 – pound) Chicken

With the chicken breast side down on a cutting board, using a chef’s knife or a pair of kitchen shears, cut the chicken alongside the backbone from the neck to the tail.  Repeat on the other side of the backbone and completely remove the backbone from the carcass.

Turn the chicken breast side up on the cutting board and with the heel of your hand press down in the center of the bird to crack the sternum.  Press down hard enough to flatten the chicken into two equal attached halves.  Place in a shallow non-reactive dish for marinating.

 Harissa Chicken Grilled over Hardwood 

For the Seasoning/Marinade:

2 cloves garlic, chopped

2  Tablespoons of Harissa, either from fresh chiles or a prepared powder, such as, the one from See, Smell, Taste spice company.    www.seesmelltaste.com

1  Tablespoon of olive oil

1 Cup of plain yogurt

Salt to taste

In a mixing bowl combine the garlic, Harissa, olive oil, and yogurt together.   Liberally rub the mixture over both sides of the chicken, as well as, under the skin.  Cover and refrigerate over night.

Preheat a Big Green Egg, Weber Kettle, or other charcoal grill over medium heat to 325 degrees, building the fire on one side of the grill.  Place the cooking grids on the grill to preheat.

Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing some of the excess to drain off, and season both sides with salt.  Place the chicken skin side down on the opposite side of the hottest coals.  A good trick is to have the drumsticks the closest to the direct heat, as they will take a little longer to cook.  Cook with the skin side down until the skin becomes crispy and browned, about 20 to 30 minutes.

Turn the chicken over to finish cooking another 20 to 30 minutes.  The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.  Remove the chicken to a warm platter and cover with aluminum foil.  Allow the chicken to rest 5 to 10 minutes before carving to allow all of the juices to be reabsorbed.

Carve the chicken into serving pieces and drizzle with a little olive oil and enjoy.

The Hearth and Grill Shop is your Super store for Charcoal Grills and both Natural Gas and Propane Gas Grills.  Come by this Saturday to see The Best Chicken recipe in action as we cook on a Big Green Egg.

Enjoy!

Chef Jeff

Large Big Green Egg

Large Big Green Egg with Handler

Katie came into The Hearth & Grill Shop looking for a grill to replace a “Box Store” brand grill that was falling apart. She had seen a Big Green Egg at friends house and said that she loved the flavor of what had been prepared on it.

Stephen, one of our sales representatives, showed her the five sizes of Eggs, starting with the Mini, then the small, through the Xlarge. He suggested the Large Big Green Egg for several reasons. First, the large is our best selling Egg, therefore more Eggcessories and replacement parts are available. Second, the Large is big enough to smoke 2 to 3 pork roast or a brisket. However, not so large that you would not want to fire it up for a couple of steaks or chicken breast. Also, the large Big Green Egg has great flexibility between low, slow cooking temperatures and high, searing heat for steaks.

Steven showed Katie a Big Green Egg Nest Stand and different Cypress table options. She choose the nest, because of it’s small foot print on her patio and its mobility. She added a Handler to the nest to increase it’s maneuverability.

Katie Eggcessorized her Large Egg with a Hearth & Grill “Starter Kit” which consist of a 20# bag of Big Green Egg Charcoal, an ash tool, grill grippers, starter squares, and a bag of Apple wood chips.

Big Green Egg Cook Book

Grill Wok

Alder Wood Planks

Grill Tool Set

Rub and Wooden Skewers

She also purchased a Big Green Egg vinyl cover, a baking stone for pizzas, Alder wood planks for Salmon, a grilling wok for vegetables, a Plate Setter for indirect cooking and Big Green Egg Cookbook.

Big Green Egg Cover

One thing Katie was not aware of was the Eggcellent warranty on Big Green Egg. All of the Big Green Egg’s have a lifetime warranty on the ceramic parts, including the base, dome, firebox and fire ring.

We assembled and delivered her Egg the following day, free of charge in the Nashville area. We followed that up with a phone call a few weeks later to guarantee satisfaction and she could not have been happier.

Eggcessories for your Big Green Egg

The Hearth and Grill Shop is Tennessee’s largest Big Green Egg Dealer. As one of Big Green Eggs first and longest reseller we carry one of the largest inventories with more Eggcessories and replacement parts you will find anywhere in the United States!

For more information about Big Green Egg you can click here, call The Hearth and Grill Shop at
1-800-826-5803 or email us at info@hearthandgrill.com

• When: Saturday, June 2nd
• Where: At The Heath and Grill Shop
• Entry Fee: $75.00
• Gas and Charcoal Divisions
• Chicken and Rib Categories
• Dessert Category
• Cook’s Meeting 8:00 am, Saturday Morning

Here is photo of last years Backyard Challenge BBQ Cook-Off. We set a record for teams participating and BBQ lovers coming out to enjoy the Fun!!!

The Hearth & Grill Shop is proudly hosting the 8^th Annual Backyard Challenge BBQ Cook-Off!  We invite you to assemble your team and join in this year’s competition or just come by the Hearth and Grill store to what all the fun is about.

This year’s competition will be held on Saturday, June 2^nd at The Hearth & Grill Shop.  26 teams participated in last year’s event and the number of teams competing will only get larger, so booth space will be at a premium.  Competition space will be first come – first served, so enter as soon as possible, to guarantee your spot for this years Challenge.

Teams will compete for over $6,000.00 in cash and prizes.  This year’s entry fee is flat rate of  $75.00, which covers both the Gas and Charcoal Divisions.  The entire entry fee goes directly to the Cash Prizes.  Once again, the format will consist of Gas and Charcoal Divisions.  Each Division has a Chicken and Rib Category.  Cash and prizes will be awarded to the 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place finishers in each of the four Categories.  The Grand Prize, a Large Big Green Egg, goes to the team that shows the best overall score in the Chicken and Rib Categories in BOTH the Gas and Charcoal Divisions.  The Dessert category will not affect the Grand Prize standings, however, there will be a cash prize and bragging rights for the winner of the Dessert category.

Not only do we host the Backyard Challenge, but their will also be cooking demonstrations, door prizes, free bottle water and sodas.  We will also have the Largest One Day Sale of the year.  Gas and Charcoal Grills, Gas Logs, Fireplaces will all have a special One Day Sale Price lower than the rest of the year.

With your participation, The 8^th Annual Backyard Challenge will be bigger and better than ever.  Enter now and get your team together for the 8^th Annual Backyard Challenge BBQ Cook-Off.

Thank you for your participation in advance.  For more information please contact me.

Jeff M. Lunsford
“Chef Jeff”
The Hearth & Grill Shop
(615) 255-4551
(615) 244-6947 fax
chefjeff@hearthandgrill.com

See below for official rules or click to download the 8th Annual Backyard Challenge Rules (PDF).
Click to download the official 8th Annual Backyard Challenge Entry Form (PDF).

The Smokers & Drinkers Team

Getting the temperature just right!

Blue Moon BBQ was last years Grand Champion

Backyard Challenge Official Rules

1. Entry fee will be $75.00 to enter in either or both divisions: Charcoal or Gas
2. Chicken and Pork Ribs (no country ribs). You must enter both the Gas and Charcoal divisions and have entries in both the Chicken and Rib categories to be eligible for Grand Championship.
3. All meat must be inspected, in original store wrapper and in a cooler with ice, and must be held at 40 degrees.
4. After meat is inspected, you may begin to marinate products. Meat inspection will start at 6:00pm Friday though 8:00am Saturday.
5. No food products are to be sold or given to public from cook sites.
6. A 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner will be awarded in for both Divisions in each category.
7. Turn in times: 12:00 Chicken; 1:00 pm – Ribs; 1:45 pm – Dessert. 2:30 –3:00 pm Awards.
8. You will have five (5) minutes before and five (5) minutes after the hour to turn in your entries to judges.
9. Containers for judging turn-in will be provided. You must turn in at least 6 samples. Example: 6 ribs; 6 chicken thighs, etc.
10. Entries will be judged on appearance, tenderness/ texture and taste in accordance with Kansas City BBQ Society rules.
11. When you finish cooking, a container will be provided for your hot ashes, excess grease etc. please use this container to avoid fires and help keep your area clean.
12. Your cooking area must be as clean as you found it. Garbage containers will be provided. Must have a gray water (SANITIZING SOLUTION) container and cleaning containers with a solution of water and bleach.
13. Do not have any open fires on the ground. Use a charcoal starter (chimney or start the fire in your cooker). All grill fires must be contained.
14. You will have a 10 x 10 cook site area designated for you. Those needing more space need to notify the Backyard Challenge Coordinator for possible consideration as available.
15. PARKING – Each team will be allowed ONE (1) Team vehicle and ONE (1) Team parking space near the Competition Cooking Area. All others associated with the team are to park as advised by the competition staff.
16. There is no parking allowed in the Competition Cooking Area, only unload and load.
17. RV and overnight parking is limited. First come, First serve. Electricity is limited to the RV parking area.
18. Access to electricity and electric extension cords will be available on a limited basis and may not be available to all areas of the competition. Those requiring an electric outlet need to notify the Backyard Challenge coordinator prior to the event for possible consideration, as available.
19. You may cook with gas, wood, or charcoal.
20. Water and ice will not be provided.
21. A MANDATORY cooks meeting will be held Saturday, June 2nd at 8:00am to go over rules and questions.
22. No pets, fireworks, or firearms are allowed on grounds.
23. Failure to follow the above rules may cause your entry to be disqualified.
24. Value of Awards will be in excess of $7,000 in cash, prizes, and products.
25. Set up times will be Friday June 1st , 6-10pm & June 2nd , 6-8am. NO exceptions. Overnight security will be provided for the event and access to restrooms will be available.
26. You must be 18 years of age to compete. 18 or younger, a parent or guardian must be present at all times.
27. Hearth and Grill Shop, vendors, sponsors and any other participating entities shall not be held liable for any injury or loss.
28. The decisions by the judges will be final.

Competition Tips: Don’t forget tables, chairs, awning, or other covering. Have plenty of water and ice on hand. If you are competing in the Dessert Category – Freezer space is extremely limited. Consider a Dessert that does not require Frozen Items, i.e. Ice cream. Do a checklist of what you will need. Containers will be provided for judging turn- in.
**Plan ahead to have fun**

Grand Champion Prize: ~ Large Big Green Egg*
*1st, 2nd, & 3rd place cash and prizes awarded in each category.

Sponsors: Big Green Egg, Firemagic, Pepsi Bottling Group, Broilmaster, Weber, and Music City Metals

*Rules and /or prize category awards subject to change in regards to sponsorships.

Location: Hearth and Grill Shop
535 Thompson Lane
Nashville, TN 37211
(615) 255 4551

Pig Nation preparing Ribs for Judging!

Chef Jeff awarding 1st Place Prizes

All the Judges love to eat BBQ! An important Requirement!

Smoking some Chickens in a Big Green Egg during the Hearth and Grill Backyard Challenge BBQ Cook-Off? Is there anything better?

1st Place Winner Team Man Waggon

Getting Ribs ready for Judging

Backyard Challenge BBQ Cook Off Teams waiting on Results!

Real Fyre vented Gas Logs by Peterson have been warming homes, providing comfort, convenience and enjoyment for over 60 years.  The Hearth and Grill Shop has been carrying Real Fyre gas logs for the past 38 of those years.

Vented Gas Logs will provide a large, realistic looking gas log flame that is as close in appearance to a real wood fire without actually burning wood.  Obviously, one of the biggest advantages of Vented Gas Logs over wood burning is that Vented gas logs do not have to be carried in or ashes scooped and carried out.  Cutting, stacking, and seasoning wood is also eliminated.  Air pollutants are reduced and forest resources are preserved, making vented gas logs Eco-Friendly.  The ease in lighting and the appearance of Vented Gas Logs make them a wonderful alternative to burning wood.

Vented Gas Logs must be operated in either a masonry or prefabricated wood burning fireplace.  They must be used with the damper fully opened, just as if a wood fire was being burned.

There are several different types of controls for Vented Gas Logs.  The easiest is a manual gas floor valve on the outside of the fireplace and with a match or wand lighter the fire is lit manually.  This manual ignition may be prohibited in some areas (varies from county to county) and local codes may dictate that a safety pilot be required for Vented Gas Logs.  A safety pilot system on Vented gas logs may also be a good idea for families that have young children.  If the safety pilot is blown out or goes out for whatever reason there will not be any raw gas in the house.  There are also gas log remote controls for Vented gas that make lighting easy and safe.  Variable remote controls, which not only turn the unit on and off, but also move the flame up and down, are the most popular.  There are also, electronic pilot ignition units that do not have a standing pilot, but light only when the unit is turned on.

The dimensions of the fireplace and the type of controls will determine what size Vented gas logs would be best for any fireplace.  There are NO standard masonry fireplaces.  Every bricklayer or mason can make a fireplace any size they want.  The most important dimensions to measure are:  Across the back wall of the fireplace, across the front of the fireplace, the depth of the fire place and finally the height.  These dimensions with the controls and gas line factored in will ensure the perfect size logs for a fireplace.

The positive features of Vented Gas Logs are:

• The most realistic looking flame pattern to imitate a real wood fire
• The flame dances and engulfs logs like a real wood fire
• The flame is more substantial and has the best ambiance
• The ease of use over wood fires

The negative is that Vented gas logs burn a substantial amount of gas and they have to be operated with the fireplace damper fully open on the fireplace just like a real wood fire.  With the damper open, heat will be going up  the chimney, so Vented gas Logs are not an efficient heat source.  This may not be a negative, however.  Installing Vented Gas Logs in a fireplace where appearance and ambiance are more important than heat, such a formal den or dining room may be ideal for entertaining family and friends.

Real Fyre vented gas logs are available in more than 40 authentic styles and are handcrafted and hand painted to create the most realistic Vented log sets available.  Shop at The Hearth and Grill Shop to see the largest selection of Real Fyre Vented Gas Logs in the Southeast United States.

The Hearth and Grill keeps a large inventory of oversize and extra wide Vent Free Gas Logs in our inventory ready to ship.  Today’s Fireplaces are being built larger and larger.  Both Vented and Vent Free Fireplaces have become more of the center piece in the great room of new homes.  However, more and more people are interested in Vent Free Gas Logs due to the low cost energy savings that come from Vent Free Gas Logs compared to Vented Gas Logs.  This poses a conundrum.  Manufacturers are by law not allowed to produce any Vent Free product over 40,000 BTU’s per hour.  Therefore when you make a large set of Vent Free Gas Logs the flame looks small because it has to be so spread out.

Vantage Hearth products has combated this dilemma by creating the Magniflame series, which boast a triple burner to achieve the look of a real wood fire.  The burner on the Magniflame is also cantilevered to produce tall flames that will not be dwarfed by its massive 19″ high refractory cement logs.

Indoor Vent Free models feature two burners of bright yellow flames, plus the lower burner for the glowing ember bed.  Outdoor models feature two burners of bright yellow flames stainless steel chassis and grate.  The Magniflame series are available in 24″, 36″ and 48″ gas log sizes.

The Hearth and Grill Shop after 38 years in business continues to provide the newest and highest quality products in the hearth and fireplace business.

The Hearth and Grill Shop offers Oversize Vent Free Gas Logs

Vented Gas Logs

Vented Gas Logs by Real Fyre

Vent Free Gas Logs

Vent Free Gas Logs

One of the most frequently asked questions at The Hearth & Grill Shop is, “What is the difference between Vented and Vent Free gas logs?”  The answers to that question are outlined below.

1. Vented and Vent Free gas logs are as different in operation as night and day.  They are not interchangeable and an old set of Vented logs cannot be turned into Vent Free.  Vented logs operate more closely to a real wood fire, than do Vent Free.   Vented gas logs must be operated with the damper fully open on a wood-burning fireplace, either masonry with a flu and chimney or a prefabricated firebox with vent pipe.
2. Vented gas logs, such as Real Fyre logs by Peterson, are typically installed for their realistic appearance, providing the flame and coals that most closely resemble a wood fire.  Vented gas logs will produce heat, however, Vented gas logs use more gas than do the vent free and have to be vented with significant portion of the heat going up chimney, therefore they are NOT an efficient heat source.
3. Vent Free gas logs, such as Empire Comfort Systems, Peterson, and Vantage Hearth, are designed and manufactured to be operated in a wood burning fireplace, in good working order, with the damper closed or in a manufactured Vent Free firebox.  With the damper closed all of the heat being produced by the Vent Free logs stays in the room.
4. Vent Free logs, also burn less gas than do the Vented gas logs.  Typically, half to two-thirds of gas is used with Vent Free, compared to the Vented logs.  The combination of consuming less gas and being operated in an environment where all the heat stays in the room make the Vent Free logs extremely efficient.
5. It is important that a set of Vent Free gas logs be set up according to the manufacturers directions.  With the logs arranged properly and the burner combusting all of the gas that comes into the vent free logs are close to 100% efficient.  However, they do not have quite as realistic appearance, compared to the Vented gas logs.
6. Vent Free gas logs are designed to be a supplemental source of heat and there are codes governing where vent free products can be used and how many BTU’s they can burn within the home.
7. Vent Free gas logs can be used in an existing Masonry or Prefabricated wood-burning fireplace with the damper closed.  With the damper closed all the heat will travel to the top of the firebox and then out of the front of the fireplace.  There are strict clearances involved with combustible materials above and around the fireplace opening.  If there is a combustible (Wood) mantle or mantle shelf above the opening of the fireplace a deflective Hood may be necessary help alleviate clearance issues when using Vent Free gas logs.

Hopefully, this helped to clear up questions about the difference between Vented and Vent Free gas logs.  Come by The Hearth and Grill Shop to do your own comparison with live burn examples of both Vented and Vent Free gas logs available year round.

Broilmaster Grill

Cal stopped by The Hearth and Grill Shop on Friday 2/10 looking for a replacement for his Natural Gas Grill. He picked a Broilmaster  Gas Grill on a Patio Stand with two side shelves. He said he needed some heat on his upper deck but could not run gas lines and did not want to give up the space for a freestanding unit with a propane cylinder. We showed him the Aura Electric Infra Red Unit ( it was on and HOT, see our picture!) and it was just what he needed so he purchased two.

Aura Infra Red Unit

Aura Infra Red Unit

Empire Infra red gas heater

I then showed him the Empire Infra Red Gas Heater (also burning on our showroom floor) saying it would be perfect for the ‘Party Barn’ on his farm. He agreed and said to add one to his order with two 20 lb. cylinders which gave him just what he needed!

If you are ever in Nashville, Tennessee we invite you to come visit our showroom floor which happens to be one of the largest in United States.  We have a warehouse the size of a football field stocked to the roof with product and ready to ship anywhere you need!  If you can’t find what you are looking for on our website please don’t hesitate to call any time!  1-800-826-5803 or email us at sales@hearthandgrill.com

We take special care in all assembly!

We stock hundreds of Grills!

The Hearth and Grill Shop Warehouse in Nashville Tennessee is the size of an American Football Field and might just be the largest in North America for Fireplace and Grill products!

Our experienced staff is on hand to answer all of your questions

The Nashville Home Show for 2012 is presented by the Home Builders Association of Middle Tennessee, HBAMT.  If you are considering a new Fireplace, Gas Logs, and Outdoor Kitchen with all the amenities, or a new Grill for your Deck or Patio, visiting The Hearth and Grill Shop booth is a great place to get started.

Premium gas grills

The Hearth and Grill Shop will have our Experienced Technical Staff available to answer all your questions. Our highly experienced team works with Residential Home Owners and Construction Contractors in selecting the highest quality solutions for all your Outside Grill enjoyment or any of your inside the home Fireplace needs.  Come out and see us the weekend of February 24th thru the 26th.

The Hearth and Grill Shop is happy to help design any type of installation you are seeking.  We are happy to share our over 40 years of Fireplace and Grill experience with you!

Then Nashville Home Show is an annual event and has been a Middle Tennessee tradition for more than 40 years.  The Hearth and Grill Shop has been a part of the HBAMT Home Show for the last 38 years.  This years show will once again be held at the Williams County AgExpo Park in Franklin, TN February 24, 25, 26, 2012, just off I-65 South at Peytonsville Road at Exit 61 with plenty of Free Parking.

Premium fireplaces on display

Join us February 24 thru 26

A Hearth and Grill tradition for 38 years

The Fire Magic Echelon Diamond series has back-lit knobs and built-in halogen lamps for easy grilling at night. The optional Magic View window lets you see what you're cooking without lifting the hood!

Fire Magic offers a full line of accessories to compliment and be seamlessly integrated into your outdoor kitchen including a variety of side burners, warming drawers and even vent hoods (for an enclosed kitchen), along with any combination of storage and access doors and drawers desired; Fire Magic also offers easy to install, pre-fabricated grill islands that take only minutes to assemble. Other top quality built-in grills that we offer include: American Outdoor Grill [AOG] (manufactured by Fire Magic), Broilmaster, Holland Grill and Weber; all of our outdoor built-in gas grills are available in either natural gas or propane gas (LP) configurations to best suit your needs.

Fire Magic also offers built-in charcoal grills, but our most popular charcoal grill here at the shop is the Big Green Egg.In 1974 Big Green Egg was established in Atlanta, GA and is the single company responsible for the popularization of kamado style cookers that has increased rapidly over the last few years. Don’t be fooled by imitators! Using a Big Green Egg, with its brilliantly versatile range, ensures astounding cooking qualities, credited to its overall design and exclusive heavy-duty ceramic walls (covered by a lifetime warranty).  Stay in and enjoy bread, pizza and much more, made on your very own brick oven! Where do all these components go? We’ve got you covered offering custom island building projects framed in galvanized steel or done entirely in masonry, either being finished to your liking; granite countertops add durability and value to your outdoor space.

True is the leading manufacturer of commercial refrigeration and their new line of home products – True Professional Series includes outdoor rated glass door refrigerators.

Don’t forget the drinks! We carry commercial-grade, outdoor-rated refrigeration to meet your demands (manufactured by True in America) offered in several different customizable combinations. We also stock icemakers by Hoshizaki capable of making 92lbs of ice a day while only measuring 15″ wide. When planning the design, why not do a raised bar and incorporate a glass rack, kegerator, sink and built-in blender to create the perfect gathering place at any party? All of these products will fit in perfectly with your grill island.

These premium fireplaces can be finished to show no visible metal for a true masonry look at a substantially lower cost!

To take your outdoor kitchen to the next level, add on an outdoor living space! We offer pergolas, arbors and screened patios to extend the open concept living space into your outdoor kitchen. Nothing says home more than a hearth; extend the outdoor season by adding warmth with an outdoor wood-burning or gas-burning fireplace (whether vent-free, direct-vent or vented gas logs). Each category also offers contemporary alternatives for a more modern look and feel. We also do custom built or manufactured wood-burning fire pits and gas-burning fire pits (whether natural gas or propane (LP) gas).

All of our outdoor products are designed to the highest standards and built to exact specifications to withstand the elements; you won’t be disappointed! As authorized dealers for all of our products, your purchase is covered by the full warranty, unlike several other online dealers. Our local clients can always rely on our expert service crew to keep their outdoor appliances in tip-top shape year round.

Let’s get building!

Thanks,

Hayes Hatcher