There’s been an alarming trend when it comes to popcorn. It seems as if fewer people are making their own popcorn at home and more people are buying pre-popped and pre-flavored popcorn at their local grocery store. And we have to admit that we find that to be a complete shame. Although there is nothing wrong with grocery store popcorn, it just doesn’t taste as good as the popcorn that people can make at home. Popcorn made at home blows away store-bought pre-popped popcorn every single time.

So why are more people just grabbing a bag of popcorn instead of popping up their own? Well, we think that it’s because a lot of people think making popcorn at home is difficult, or maybe they’ve tried making popcorn and didn’t have satisfactory results. We can understand these points, so we’re not going to dismiss them outright. However, we will urge our readers to try to make popcorn at home and we’re going to give them the tools to do it.

We believe that everyone can make perfect popcorn at home if they know the steps to make it. To help our readers create perfect popcorn, we’ve decided to list some of the steps they will need to get the job done. So without further ado, we’re going to show all of our readers just how easy it is to create delicious popcorn that can’t be purchased in any grocery store.

Step One: Gather Your Supplies

Before thinking about popping your own popcorn, you’re going to need to gather some supplies together. And we do mean the proper supplies and not trying to improvise on the fly because you didn’t purchase what you needed in the first place. What do you need to make perfect popcorn? Well, below are some of the things that you’re going to need to make it.

Step Two: Let’s Get Popping!

The next step is to actually start popping the popcorn. Place the Dutch oven on the stove and add 3-tablespoons of oil for every 1/2-cup of popcorn kernels that you’re intending on popping. Yes, that does seem like a lot of oil, but trust us when we say it isn’t. The process is going to need that much oil in order to build up the steam in the pot. And it’s the steam that’s going to create perfectly popped popcorn.

Place the pan with the oil in it over medium heat and then pour in the popcorn kernels. No, there’s no need to wait for the oil to come to temperature—just pour it right into the pot. Now, give the kernels a stir with a wooden spoon to coat them all with oil. Keep stirring the kernels until they begin to sizzle. Once they begin to sizzle, it’s time to put the lid on the pot and move the dial on the stove between medium and medium-high heat.

During this step, it’s important to never leave your popcorn, not even for a second. Listen to the kernels and wait for them to begin popping. Once they’ve begun popping, wait a minute and then pick up the pot and shake it with the lid closed. This will prevent kernels from becoming duds and not properly popping.

Place the pot back on the stove and let the popping continue. If you begin to see any smoke, immediately lower the heat to medium, otherwise leave it where it is. Keep listening to the popcorn and once they have begun to pop only every couple of seconds then turn off the heat. Now, move the corner of the lid so that some of the steam is released but the popcorn is still mainly covered.

About a minute after moving the lid, dump the popcorn into the widest mixing bowl you have available, or onto a baking sheet. Now take about a 1/4-cup of butter and pour it immediately over the popcorn—preferably while it’s still hot. Then immediately add kosher salt over the popcorn. Congratulations! You’ve just made the perfect popcorn.

Step Three: Personalize Your Popcorn

Before we conclude this article, we would like to give our readers a few other pieces of advice that will help them create the best popcorn they can at home. Although we believe that all a person really needs to create great popcorn is to use butter and salt, some people like to personalize their popcorn with other things. Some people like their popcorn to be savory, so they will add seasonings and spices to their popcorn, and some people like their popcorn to be sweet, so they use sugary toppings. Below are topping in both categories that consumers might want to use on their popcorn to take it to the next level of goodness.

Savory Popcorn Toppings

Sweet Popcorn Toppings

A question that we’ve been fielding a lot lately is what makes lump charcoal so great. Fortunately, that’s a pretty easy question to answer and one that we wanted to answer for our readers. However, once we started writing we knew that we just couldn’t answer the question as to what makes lump charcoal superior to briquette charcoal, that we had to do a deeper dive into the subject. The result is the guide that you’re reading right now.

In this guide, we’re going to do an in-depth expose on lump charcoal. We’re going to talk about what it is, what makes it superior to other charcoal products, and how to use it. Yes, we know that charcoal briquettes are still the best selling form of charcoal right now and millions of people enjoy using them. We’re not trying to take away from that fact. All we really want to do is to illuminate the positive aspects of lump charcoal and hopefully entice a few people to try it out for the first time. Okay, let’s begin examining lump charcoal a little bit closer, shall we?

What Is Lump Charcoal & What Makes It Special?

Lump charcoal is simply firewood that’s been charred and packaged. That makes it different from most briquettes that have to be formed by compressing charcoal made from wood byproducts and sawdust, with a binder and other additives. Lump charcoal is only made from firewood, so there’s no additives or binders added to it. That makes it healthier charcoal in our opinion.

What Should I Look For In A Lump Charcoal?

The next thing that we want to talk about is what people should look for when they’re purchasing lump charcoal for the first time. The first thing that you should think about when buying lump charcoal is the type of wood that it’s made from. There are a variety of different woods used to make lump charcoal, and we’ve examined a few of them below.

Consider The Lump Charcoal’s Wood Composition

Look For Large Lumps

When buying lump charcoal, it’s also a good idea for you to look for the largest pieces that you can find. The larger the pieces, the hotter it will burn and the longer it will burn. Therefore, you should always examine any lump charcoal you intend on buying in person or read the product’s reviews when buying online. You’ll want to make sure to buy large pieces that don’t have a lot of dust in the bottom of the bag.

Look For All-Natural Lump Charcoal

To make sure that the lump charcoal you purchase hasn’t been adulterated with chemicals or unnecessary ingredients. It should say on the label that the product is all-natural.

How Should Lump Charcoal Be Stored?

Another question we’re frequently asked is how lump charcoal should be stored. After the charcoal bag is opened, you should place the unused charcoal into a container that can be sealed. This will help to prevent the unused charcoal from absorbing moisture. It’s also important to keep it as dry as possible. Store the sealed container in a shed or garage for safekeeping. If the charcoal gets wet, it will not only burn poorly but may also mold and that can cause it to pass terrible flavors to your grilling food.

Want to know which brands have the best lump charcoal? Check out this article for my reviews!

People like to argue over what grill is better: a gas grill or a charcoal one. They say the grill they prefer is the easiest one to use, produces the best tasting food, or is the easiest to clean up. Although we can’t speak to those first two points, the one thing we can say is that both of these grill types can be easy to clean. But you must take the time to prepare them properly and take a few steps to clean them up.

As you may have realized by now, this article is dedicated to helping you keep your grills clean. While gas grills are the easiest to maintain, charcoal grills can also be easy if you are willing to plan ahead and purchase the right tools for the job. With that said, let’s jump into things and find out how both gas and charcoal grill owners can keep their grills in good condition for a long time.

Set Up Your Grill Properly

One of the first things that you can do is to make sure your grill is set up properly. This means placing the grill in a well-ventilated open space that’s at least 10-feet away from your home. Make sure there are no limbs or other combustible surfaces overhead and that the legs are properly installed and firmly in place.

If you have a gas grill, you’re also going to want to check over some safety protocols before using the grill. This includes making sure that the propane tank is properly installed or the natural gas connection is secure. For propane users, make sure that you check hoses for abrasions. Make sure there are no gas leaks at connections every single time you use your grill. When lighting the gas grill, always make sure that the lid is open to prevent flash-off that can occur from gas buildup. And finally, do not attach or disconnect your propane tank while the grill is in use or while it’s hot.

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If you’re using a charcoal grill, there are a few things to check too. If the grill’s been used before, be sure to check that the previous charcoal debris has been removed from the grill and that the vents aren’t blocked. Also, make sure that the grill grate is clean and ready to go.

Regardless of whether you’re using a charcoal or gas grill, however, it’s important to make sure that the grill grate is properly seasoned. Seasoning the grates doesn’t mean that you’re altering the flavor of the food placed upon them, but only that you’re making sure the food doesn’t stick to them. If you’re grilling for the first time, add canola oil to the grates while they’re cold, and then turn on the grill for 15-minutes. The oil will begin to smoke and will eventually burn off. Now, your grill grates are seasoned.

Clear Away Grease & Ash

Much of the maintenance that gas and charcoal grills require isn’t all that different. For gas grills, make sure to remove the bottom tray and use a plastic scraper to scrape the grease into the trash. If using a charcoal grill, make sure to dump out the charcoals after they’ve cooled into a metal can.

Keep The Grill Clean

The next thing you’re going to want to do is to clean the grill inside and out. For that job, you’re going to need a few tools. One of the most important tools to use is a grill cleaner made specifically for your type of grill. It’s also a good idea to have a microfiber cloth available, a sponge, a grate scraper, and depending on the type of grill you own either a window cleaner or stainless steel cleaner. The grill should be cleaned thoroughly after every 5 to 10 uses. Remember, a clean BBQ grill will not only last longer but will also be more effective.

Cleaning Grill Grates

To clean your grill grates, use a grill brush (preferably not a wire one as they can be dangerous) or grill stone. Scrape off any stuck-on food and grime to avoid bacteria from building up on the grill surface or food ending up getting stuck to it.

To clean gas grills, make sure that the burners are off and scrub them thoroughly. When they’re clean use cooking oil to season the grates. Charcoal grills should have their grates clean while they’re hot. Sprinkle on a little water on the grates and then use a grill brush to steam clean the grates.

Clean The Exterior Of The Grill

Next, you want to make sure the exterior of the grill is clean. How you clean it is going to depend a lot on the type of grill that you use. Below you can learn how to clean grill lids made of various materials.

Stainless-Steel Lids

If the grill has a stainless-steel lid, then you should clean the exterior with soap and water or a suitable grill cleaner. Use a sponge and scrub with the grain of the stainless-steel to avoid marring it. Once the grill is clean, rinse it off completely and then use a clean cloth to dry it.

Porcelain-Coated Lids

Porcelain-coated lids have to be treated like glass. They’re very fragile and if mishandled will crack. Therefore, the best way to clean them is to use plain dishwashing soap and water. Rinse and dry it thoroughly after cleaning, and then polish it with a window cleaner and microfiber cloth.

Powder-Coated Lids

Powder-coated steel lids can be cleaned with dishwashing soap and water, and then dried with a microfiber towel. Never use a stainless-steel polish on these lids. Some might have a stainless-steel look to them, but they aren’t stainless steel and you’ll end up marring their surface.

Painted Lids

The problem with painted lids is that the paint tends to wear off and then they rust. If this hasn’t happened yet, then the grill can be cleaned with a microfiber cloth and dish soap. Just make to thoroughly dry it after cleaning it. If the surface has begun to rust, then use sandpaper to remove the rust before washing the surface. After that’s been done, the surface should then be dried and new paint applied to it.

Anyone who has kids or works from home will know the struggle that is keeping a coffee warm. Any hot beverage you prepare can go cold as you take a call or forget it is there for a while, and its a shame to waste a perfectly good cup of coffee. So rather than trying to stomach the taste lukewarm, use a handy method of reheating the drink. The following are some of the simplest yet effective ways you can keep a hot beverage warm.

Use A Thermal Carafe

Anything that can keep a coffee hotter for longer is going to be useful, which is exactly what you get from a thermal carafe. These neat products can brew multiple cups then keep them warm before your pour. Once the brewing process is finished, the thermal material will ensure it is still piping hot when it comes to pouring.  Also, the carafe can store more fresh and hot coffee that is good to go.

Hot Plates

Another useful technique since the plate itself is hot but it is not without a downside. The issue is that they are so hot, they continue to heat the brew. You are left with coffee that is bitter and on the strong side. Plus, not everyone likes more caffeine to be extracted than they are used to.

Microwave

One of the most common at-home hacks for a cold mug of coffee is to stick it in the microwave for a few seconds. The issue is that it is difficult to heat to the ideal temperature and it can leave the mug being too hot to handle. Also, it can impact the taste to a point where it is burnt. A lot of the time, it will heat the top but does not give you even heat to the bottom.

Coffee Cup Warmer

Arguably the most effective method for ensuring your cup stays warm as it does so without impacting taste. Coffee cup warmers are some of the most reliable products when you buy from a reputable brand and often protect the cup from spills, have adjustable temperatures, and can accommodate different sized cups. This is a great way of keeping any hot beverage at drinking temperature for long periods.

Preheat A Mug

Another life hack style way of keeping a coffee warm, it is effective and easy. Before you pour the coffee, fill the mug with boiling water, and leave it to sit for around a minute. Pour the water away then add coffee into your already hot mug to keep it hotter for longer.

Mug Cozy

Mug Cozy’s come in different forms but work in the same way. By wrapping a mug with what is usually a knitted design it can keep a coffee warm for longer. Although they are affordable, they still only work for so long before the liquid cools.

Cup Sleeve

Similar to a mug cozy, these are like the paper sleeves attached to your takeaway cup so holding it doesn’t scald your hands. The other benefit is that it helps to stop the cup from cooling so fast. Often made from neoprene for a product you can use time and again or a cardboard style material from a café.

Thermos Flask

A thermos flask is ideal for when you need to keep a coffee warm on the go. It lasts for hours without impacting the taste of the coffee. The downside is that they are bulky so not as practical as other methods. Also, for a daily coffee, they are difficult to clean and take up more room on a desk. Still, a thermos flask can often hold more than one cup so it means fewer trips to the coffee machine.

Candle Warmer

Working with a similar method to a hot plate, a candle warmer is something a lot of people already have for scented candles. These will work to a certain point before the drink stays at a warm temperature, rather than hot.

Coffee Cup With A Lid

We’re not talking about the ones you get from your local coffee shop before throwing it away, these are the reusable kind that has a convenient lid that stretches over the cup. The benefit of trapping the heat means the contents will stay hot for much longer and it is possible to purchase a lid on its own that will fit a standard mug.

Immersion Heater

An easy way to keep a coffee warm is within the immersion heater that is put into the liquid to keep it warm. Probably better when on the go so for, a long car journey, they certainly have their perks. Make sure the product you consider is made from food-grade materials and has a proven safety record.

Smart Mug

Probably the most expensive method although using modern technology does have its benefits. Controlled via a smartphone, a battery operated self heating coffee mug allows the user to maintain an ideal temperature. You can even receive notifications to tell you when it is at the right temperature or is being neglected. They usually come with a charging coaster to protect a surface. Some people will argue that a smart mug is an unnecessary expense when other methods are just as effective yet a fraction of the price.

What Is The Best Method?

When looking for the best method, it is easy to cancel out some of the convenient yet less effective ways of maintaining heat in a cup. Considering all factors, we believe the best method is by using a coffee cup warmer. Since this is what they are designed for they make it easy to tailor the temperature to your preference so the coffee is always ideal. Anyone who reaches for the cup they made an hour ago will be glad they have one.

If you want to make the perfect cocktail, a shaker is a big part of the process and easy to get wrong. You don’t want the contents to come out wrong when you’re trying to impress your guests so for that smooth barman confidence, it is important to do your research. Choosing a cocktail shaker is only one part of the battle but once you master all the steps, you’ll be trying to find any excuse to make one. Here we outline some of the important tips to remember before you attempt your first cocktail with a shaker, as well as some advice on the different options.

Different Types of Cocktail Shakers

[wc_fa icon=”cutlery” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Boston Shaker

The simplest of shakers, they are made of two pieces that seal together with the bottom being larger (approx 28-oz) than the top. The Boston shaker is commonly made from hard-wearing stainless steel that also helps to maintain a cool temperature once the ice starts working its magic in there. They don’t get stuck when closed and are one of the most affordable options, also popular because it is easy to use.

[wc_fa icon=”cutlery” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Cobbler Shaker

This three-piece construction has a built-in strainer and is easy to get to grips with. The downside is that they are more susceptible to freezing shut or leaking but can be easy for a beginner.

[wc_fa icon=”cutlery” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Frech Shaker

Requiring a separate strainer should you need to use one, a French Shaker is less common but a favorite for many because of its eye-catching design. Again, they can freeze shut from time to time and is another two-piece.

Cocktail Shaker Tips

[wc_fa icon=”cutlery” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Add Ice First

The temptation can be to add it last but avoid spilling any through splashing by adding a handful of five cubes to the large tin. This will chill the shaker for longer so the cocktail will benefit. For a single cocktail you can fill her up halfway if necessary but if you are making multiple glasses then there’s nothing wrong with taking some ice out to make room for more of the good stuff.

[wc_fa icon=”cutlery” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Don’t Overfill

You might want to get as much of the ingredients in the cocktail shaker as possible, but this is detrimental to the contents. They need room to move and mix well, not to mention this approach is likely to cause spills so you will lose some of the liquid anyway. A small shaker is usually designed for a single drink, even when leaving plenty of room.

[wc_fa icon=”cutlery” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Shake For Different Amounts of Time

Not every cocktail needs to be shaken for so long, which is why it is important to pay attention to what the recipe says. Cocktails with more ingredients need more time to blend, as do egg-based cocktails.

[wc_fa icon=”cutlery” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Keep An Eye Out For Frost

This can be a good indication that your cocktail is ready as when frosting appears on the outside it means that enough time should have elapsed. You’re not going to notice this on certain materials but a stainless steel cocktail shaker should make it obvious.

[wc_fa icon=”cutlery” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Use A Tight Grip

Waste not, want not and all that but different cocktail shakers require a different grip. Any three-piece construction will be best held with a finger stretched over the lid to keep it in place but otherwise, hold on tight, especially after a couple of your mixed creations.

[wc_fa icon=”cutlery” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Shake Over The Shoulder

Ever wondered why bartenders use this approach? Well, they are considering their punters. If the cocktail spills, it might go over the backside, but it won’t spill all down a patron’s front. Not only this, but it’ll make you look like a pro when you’re doing it.

[wc_fa icon=”cutlery” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Shake Hard, Shake In One Go

You have to shake with the intent to get the ingredients to mix properly. Otherwise, you are going to have to reseal it and go again which can be messy and is just not a good look, even for a bartender in training. Use a fair amount of power to get things moving, your arms will appreciate the workout anyway.

[wc_fa icon=”cutlery” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Dry Shake Egg Cocktails

For some recipes, it can be better to shake without ice. This is the case for those that involve eggs as it will make it easier for the whites to foam which can be important for some types of cocktails.

[wc_fa icon=”cutlery” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Have Everything Ready

If you are making a cocktail in a bostin shaker but need a strainer to pour, make sure you have it to hand so you aren’t spending time trying to find it. The same goes for all the ingredients, limes, measuring glasses, etc.

[wc_fa icon=”cutlery” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Practice With Water

Because the process of straining can be challenging, practice pouring without wasting any of the important ingredients. Use water to hone your skills and practice your shaking technique so if it spills over your shoulder you’re wet, not sticky!

[wc_fa icon=”cutlery” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Start Simple

Don’t bite off more than you can chew by attempting a manhattan or a cocktail that requires the mixing of tens of ingredients. Keep it simple, to begin with as you build your confidence. It won’t be long before you’re getting more creative but try not to run before you can walk or things can get messy, and you could waste some of the more expensive ingredients.

[wc_fa icon=”cutlery” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Try Different Recipies

Once you have a quality cocktail shaker, try and mix things up a bit. Don’t stick the same handful of cocktails, once you’ve mastered them, learn some new ones. With hundreds of options at your disposal, there is always something new to learn and enjoy.

Benefits of Using A Cocktail Shaker

Some people think that using a spoon to mix their ingredients will suffice but it really does not have the same effect. A cocktail shaker is great for getting the ingredients to blend together properly but also chilling the drink quickly thanks to the motion and the sealed metal interior. Not only that, but the ice dilutes to take the edge off of some drinks so you don’t wince at their strength.

Also, using a cocktail shaker looks good. If you are serving a guest a drink you have mixed with a spoon, it will probably get some laughs, but when it comes to taste, they will likely notice the difference.