Rich's for the Home

Weber announces new holiday grilling site

As more consumers continue to grill year-round, preparation of traditional holiday meals are moving from the kitchen to the backyard. In fact, 53 percent of American grill owners say they are grilling all year long, according to the latest results from the Weber GrillWatch™ Survey. And with more and more Americans firing up their grills throughout the year, Weber has launched a new site devoted to the art of grilling your holiday meal. The site includes:

1. Grilling Tips
2. Instructional Videos
3. Grocery Lists that can be emailed

“Grilling your holiday meal is a great way to spice up the conventional fare, and with this Web site you can become an expert at grilling,” said Jamie Purviance, author of Weber’s Way to Grill™, a New York Times Best Seller. “One of my favorite holiday recipes is the Apple-Brined Turkey with Big Time Gravy, which features the method of brining to create a juicy, succulent bird. Many people are intimidated by grilling the holiday turkey, but by watching the demonstration video featured on the Web site there are no mistakes. You are taken step-by-step through the process so grilling becomes easy.”

In addition to the Apple-Brined Turkey recipe, there are recipes for the entire holiday meal—from side dishes such as green beans and squash, to pineapple upside-down cake for dessert. The Web site has helpful advice for grilling your main dish, and each recipe can be downloaded with the option of emailing a grocery list to make shopping easy. The site is a “one-stop shop” for creating the perfect holiday meal.

Weber-Stephen Products Co., headquartered in Palatine, Ill., is the world’s premiere manufacturer of charcoal and gas grills, grilling accessories and other outdoor room products. In 1952, founder George Stephen sparked a backyard revolution with his invention of the Weber® kettle. More than 55 years later, the family-owned company remains the industry leader with its Weber®, Weber® Q®, and Ducane® brands. Weber has the strongest consumer outreach program in the industry with its Weber Grill-LineSM (1-800-GRILL-OUT®), Weber’s On The Grill™ mobile application and a content-rich Web site with grilling tips, techniques, and original Weber recipes at www.weber.com. (The Weber Grill-Line and Weber Customer Service are closed on Christmas).

What's Cooking: Berry Delicious BBQ Cheesecake

Cheesecake is hands-down my fave dessert. Nothing beats it. So I love to find variations on cheesecake recipes and give them a try. Of course, I was delighted beyond words to find one that you can actually make on the grill. Yum! I can't wait to try it!

This recipe is courtesy of Lois Forsyth and was originally posted on The Recipe Center at the Vermont Casting website. A ton of great BBQ recipes are on there so make sure to check it out soon.

WHAT YOU NEED:

• 3/4 of a box of Dare's Oatmeal Cookies
• 3/4 cup butter, melted
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 eggs
• 2 large packages of cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 cups mixed fruit, fresh or frozen (raspberries, blueberries and blackberries)

STEPS:

1. Put the oatmeal cookies into a food processer and chop until fine. Mix in the melted buttter to create a paste like texture. Pour mixture into an alluminum pan (approx 12 X 10 inches) greased or sprayed with non-stick cooking spray and press firmly creating a crust.
2. In a bowl beat the cream cheese until it is fluffy and smooth. Add the the eggs, butter and vanilla all at once and beat until fluffy.
3. Coat the cookie crust with the honey spreading it thinly. Pour in 1 1/2 cups of the fruit on top of the honey and then add the cream cheese mixture. Keep the other 1/2 cup of fruit aside. Cook on a preheated BBQ at medium heat for approximately 20 minutes. Do not cover while cooking but do close the BBQ lid. Cool completely and then refrigerate.
   Serve cold and top it with the remaining fruit.

TIPS:

Check often. Mmmmmmm

Q/A on the Stove Tax Credit

Do you have questions about the stove tax credit? You are not the only one. Questions abound from our customers when they come in to look at our selection of stoves and we don't blame them. Some of the initiatives with the most benefit are confusing in their terminology and clearness about the benefits.

Fortunately, we have trained our staff members here at Rich's for the Home to answer your questions. Here are some of the most common ones:

Q- How much is the tax credit for?

A- It is for up to 30% of your purchase price, up to $1500.00. 

Q- How do we get the tax credit?

A- After purchasing your stove, keep your receipt. There will be room on the bottom of your tax forms for your credit. In addition, if you file your return electronically through a service, many have added the question to the list that you answer as you prepare your return. Retain your receipt with your tax records.

Q- Can I claim this credit for a stove placed in my vacation home or a home that I use as a rental?

A- No, the credit covers only a stove for your primary residence. Vacation homes and homes that you rent out to others do not qualify.

Q- We bought a stove right before the legislation was approved. Is there anything that we can do to receive the credit?

A- Yes, if your stove was purchased January 1, 2009-June 1, 2009, your purchase will still qualify for credit. 

Q- We've heard of the 75% efficiency requirement. How is that determined?

A- According to HPBA, the manufacturer of the stove must provide certification that the product tests for at least a 75% efficiency rating using the lower heating value i.e. the heat value of a combustion process assuming that none of the water vapor resulting from the process is condensed out, so that its latent heat is not available.  

Q- What should a retailer provide?

A- According to HPBA, retailers (and consumers) must keep exact records of any sale or purchase.  Retailers should provide a consumer with the manufacturer's certification statement for the specific product model purchased. A consumer may rely on a manufacturer's certification statement that their products are qualified energy property. Manufacturers should make this certification document available to consumers on the web, in the product packaging, or in some other easily accessible manner. 

Q- What should I do if I have more questions?

A- The IRS Notice is available for your review. In addition, feel free to come by a Rich's for the Home location to browse our selection of stoves. We are happy to help!

How to Grill Your Holiday Turkey on a Charcoal or Gas Grill

If you haven't yet tried grilling a turkey on your backyard grill, I highly recommend it. Somehow, more juices of the turkey stay in it when grilled and the result is a delicious, fall-off-the bone tenderness.

You can grill with either a gas or charcoal grill. To grill a turkey on a charcoal grill, I recommend that you watch the video below from You-Tube. Note the comments as well. The readers do make some good points below the video.

Broilmaster was kind enough to provide us with instructions for grilling a turkey on both charcoal and gas grills. Here is their recipe and grilling recommendations:

Ingredients

• 1 Whole Turkey (14-16 lbs), Thawed
• Olive Oil
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Oregano
• 1 tsp Dill Weed
• Salt & Pepper to taste

Prep

1. Remove the neck, giblets and any excess fat.
2. Rinse and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Brush the turkey with Olive Oil and lightly sprinkle on the seasonings.
4. Place the turkey breast-side up on the cooking grate on a charcoal grill or on a roasting rack in a disposable foil roasting pan on a gas grill.

Cooking

• Cover and cook 11-13 minutes per pound or until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the thigh (not touching the bone) registers 180ºF and the juices run clear.
• Transfer the turkey to a platter and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving.
• *Charcoal grillers will have to add about 12 briquettes to each side ever hour.
• Serves 12-15

Recommendations

• Method In-direct
• Lid- Closed
• Grids- Medium
• Temperature- Med to High
• Smoker Shutter- Closed

Let us know how your turkey comes out!

Buying a hot tub cover

So what should you look for when purchasing a hot tub cover? Caldera Spas has a list of 20 questions that we found very helpful when considering a cover. We hope that you will find it helpful as well.

1. What kind of foam is in the hot tub cover? What is the density, and the taper?
2. Specifically how is the foam core sealed?
3. How is the hinge reinforced? What material is it made from?
4. What is the expected R-value of the cover?
5. What kind of material is used for the top covering?  What are the specifications? How is it treated for UV and mildew?
6. What kind of material is used for the bottom covering? What are the specifications? How is it treated for UV, mildew and cold?
7. How is excess water drained out of the spa cover?
8. Is it labeled a safety cover? Is it in compliance with the ASTM standard?
9. How many tie-down straps are on the cover?
10. Does each hot tub cover come with child-resistant locking hardware with keys?
11. What keeps the heat from escaping at the hinge area?
12. Is the hot tub cover internally reinforced? If so, how many places and where?
13. What kind of thread is used and how is it treated?
14. What is the expected life of the cover?
15. Is the hot tub cover warranted? Please explain.
16. How should I care for the cover? Are there any special guidelines for winter time?
17. What's the best way to get the cover on and off?
18. What are the most popular colors?
19. How long has the manufacturer been making hot tub covers?
20. Why should I purchase from a local dealer versus on the Internet?

Caldera has a Color Selector tool that helps you see what certain colors of covers will look like on your hot tub. They have various color options for you to try out on the selector tool before you buy them. You can even choose your hot tub colors and add the cover in various colors to get the full picture.

Visiting Caldera will also provide you with potential accessories for your hot tub cover and information on how to care for your hot tub cover. It is a wealth of information. Of course, Rich's for the Home is also happy to answer your questions so come visit or give us a call if you have any.

Safety for your outdoor firepit

Fire pits can offer a cozy and fun way to spend clear, Fall evenings. They offer a variety of activity for your family including s'more making, marshmallow roasting, singing, visiting and more. They can even assist you with educating your children about how to make a safe fire and keep it burning brightly.

Here are some safety tips that Rich's for the Home recommends to keep your fire and family happy:

1. Use Fire Starters to start the flames as opposed to paper. Paper breaks apart easily. It can blow away and spread flames.
2. Make seating around the fire movable so that people can move back if flames get too big or too hot.
3. As tempting as it is to place your fire pit right on your back porch, you should consider other placement if your porch is made from wood and/or if your house is within 8 feet of it.
4. Don't use your fire pit to burn garbage.
5. Stack wood near your fire pit in a safe (not towering) small pile. Better yet, keep it enclosed via a bin or wheelbarrow. Move remainder of wood far away from fire pit when done with fire.
6. Don't toss in items that won't really burn. It is not the place for soda cans.
7. Buy a screen for the top of your fire pit. Use it if embers start flying.
8. Teach children not to run and play around the fire pit while a fire is burning.
9. Teach children to respect the fire and the power of it. Show them what a flying ember can do to nearby leaves, for instance. Or how a stick turns black when it is placed in the fire.
10. Instill rules such as not starting a fire without an adult home and how to make sure the fire is out when people are done with it. 
11. If you have small children, practice the "Stop" concept. Children need to learn that when you say "Stop!", they are immediately to stop moving and freeze wherever they are. Practice it often, reteach it as often as you can and demand respect of it. (This also helps you if you have a busy road near your home).
12. Use long-handled lighters as opposed to short, wooden matches.
13. Make sure that your wood supply is dry, versus green, and that you have a good amount of smaller pieces to assist in starting the fire.

You can prevent chimey fires

According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America and the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were 24,500 residential fires in the United States originating in chimneys, fireplaces and solid fuel appliances in 2005. These fires resulted in 20 deaths and $126.1 million in property damage.

"Virtually all of these fires were preventable," accounts the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). Along with the National Fire Protection Association, they recommend yearly chimney inspections to help prevent those hazards.

Recommendations are that you have your chimney professionally cleaned on an annual basis. In addition to not having your chimney cleaned on a regular basis, you should check for fire hazards in your home. These include:

1. Potential Electrical Fire Hazards- Do not let trash, dust or spiderwebs build up. Unprotected light-bulbs can be another hazard as they can break.
2. Power Delivery- Wiring can age and/or become overloaded. At that point, it is a fire waiting to happen. Don't turn one plug into multiple plugs either.
3. Motor and Power Tools- These can overheat and also cause fire. If they become uncomfortably warm to the touch, stop using them.
4. Physical Blocking of Registers, etc- Keep heat registers clear of items. And don't set anything on top of your wood/pellet stove. Keep items several feet away from open flame.
5. Protect your Burners- Keep dishtowels and additional flammable items away from your cooking stove top.
6. Unattended Flame- Do not leave candles unattended. Blow them out when going to another room or check on them often. Make sure that fabric, curtains, etc are not in reach of the flame.

For more information about chimney safety, or for a list of CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps, please visit CSIA. The CSIA is located at 2155 Commercial Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168.

GreenSmart Lopi Stove

The Lopi website tells us that The Berkshire™ GreenSmart (GS) is the newest cast iron gas stove, and features the revolutionary GreenSmart system.

What is GreenSmart?

GreenSmart is a gas technology that is energy-efficient and saves on the usage of energy. In other words, it will reduce your energy bill but still keep you warm. I know that we can all use a little (or a lot) of that.

"The real power of GreenSmart system is the entire collection of components, controls and technology features like: accent lights, flame adjustments, blower control and a choice of pilot ignition modes, a collection of features only available on GreenSmart models."

GreenSmart models even have a remote control with a "Smart Mode". It has the ability to adjust the flame height based on the temperature setting. Instead of turning the flame on or off, as many models do, the flame can modulate up/down slightly as needed. It prevents it from having to restart when it gets colder in the room so it both conserves fuel and increases the heating ability of the stove. 

Lopi reports that the GreenSmart Stove has a realistic wood-like flame. And "with the combination of convective heat, radiant heat and 31,000 maximum Btu heat output, this stove is ideal for mid-sized homes and for zonal heating large areas of your home."

Rich's for the Home cares about our environment just like you. We realize not only the importance of saving energy but also feel responsible to offer consumers choices that are eco-friendly, safe and smart.

Get smart. Get GreenSmart.

Big Green Egg

If you are considering purchasing a new grill for next season, I encourage you to start saving your pennies now for a Big Green Egg. Every person I have ever met who has one has been very happy with it. Big Green Eggs are marvelous at keeping an even temperature and you can also use them to both smoke and bake food. This means that if you want to brave some crisp Fall weather, you can even cook with a Big Green Egg this time of year.

Many people also use it to smoke their holiday turkeys and hams.

Here is a sampling of what customers have to say about the Big Green Egg:

“Being from Memphis, I thought I had tasted the best in pork BBQ, until I cooked it on my new Big Green Egg! My kids still have fork wounds from fighting over leftovers.” Glen Allen, VA

“If you are looking for a grill, you have found it here; the EGG is the BEST! I’ve had mine for 18 months and it does it all. It will be the last grill you ever buy!” Michael, Monroe, LA

“I bought an EGG for my husband for Father’s Day. I may never have to cook again! The BEST smoked salmon and ribs ever. We had guests over the other night and I think we sold two more EGGs for you! Holly Holland, Atlanta, GA

“Just got my Big Green Egg for Christmas. Had heard of them before and thought it was too expensive and wasn’t worth the price. Boy, was I ever wrong. It’s the best cooker I have ever owned and I have owned a lot. I’ll never have to buy another one! Bill Mitchell, Greenville, SC

“I started out cooking with a Weber Kettle. Next came a Broil Master gas grill. For smoking I used an electric smoker. While cooking the Thanksgiving turkey one cold fall day for 12 hours, the bird was still not ready for dinner and I had 20 guests to feed. After that experience I bought my large Big Green Egg. Having now discovered all the different ways to cook and smoke, I no longer use my kettle or gas grill. Everything I have cooked turned out great; if you are trying to make up your mind to buy an EGG, do
it! You will not be sorry. David Easterwood, South Fulton, TN

“I have been writing copy about consumer products for more years than I care to say; this is the first time I cannot say too many good things! The EGG does it all, it’s user friendly and gets great “mileage.” Oh, yes; the food is terrific, too.” Tony Miller, Freehold, NJ

“I bought my first kamado in Okinawa in 1963. I have never been without one since. I always thought someone should modernize the concept and thought of doing it myself. Thanks to you I will continue to have a source for this unequaled method of cooking.” John Campbell, Morgan, TX.

Visit Rich's for the Home soon to view their selection of Big Green Eggs. We are here for you!

We're Social!

In case you didn't yet know, you can follow us and befriend us on some social sites. There you will get updates, notifications of sales and of course, ask us any questions that you might have. It's kind of like a mini-newsletter.

Are you on Twitter? Follow us there and it will work somewhat like an RSS feed. You will get an update in your stream when we update this blog. We also post helpful tips and sometimes point out past posts when the information is still timely.

We are also on Facebook! There you will find our blog updates, as well as links to our videos and other helpful information. You will also see product pictures, pictures from the home shows and fan pictures that people have sent in. (Note: Fans seem to LOVE their Big Green Eggs!)

See you online!

Backyard Halloween Activities

Here are some fun, backyard Halloween activities courtesy of Green Halloween.

• Dunk for apples or try to bite apples hanging from strings.
  
• Make recycled paper hats. Get patterns and add decorations as wanted.
  
• Put on a Halloween themed puppet show
  The kids can do the entire thing themselves including making the puppets and creating the story or you can read a book as they act out the story.
  
• Make a mural.
  Use a long sheet of tree-free or recycled paper and tape it to the floor or wall. Give kids some crayons and ask them all to draw some Halloween scenes. Then ask them about what they’ve drawn. Older kids enjoy this too. They can vote on the scene they like best and the winner can be given a prize. Check here for healthy art supplies.
  
• Build A Scarecrow
  Form groups and have a variety of old clothes, pillowcases for heads, markers and recycled newspaper. Groups have 20 minutes to create. Give prizes to the scariest or funniest, then place outside.
  
• Guess The Ghost - Great for Young Children
  Have one child leave the area. Then take a large sheet and have a different (child) stand and hide under the sheet. Mix up the remaining children in the room and then allow the child who left the room to come back inside. That child has to guess who's the ghost, by process of elimination they need to figure out which child is hiding under the sheet. Then that "Ghost" goes out of the room and a different child becomes the new ghost, mix up the remaining children and repeat until all of the children have had a turn being the ghost.

Winterizing your Yard

I suspect you saw just as I did this AM that the first frost of the year arrived last night. Well, at least it did in my area. Perhaps you have already had a frost. Either way, it's a good reminder to hurry up and finish winterizing your yard, if you have not already done so.

We recommend:

1. Picking the last of your summer veggies. Use them, give them away or find a way to can or freeze them.
2. Pulling up the plant remnants and mulching your beds.
3. Planting winter greens such as sugar snap peas, cabbage, lettuce etc if so inclined.
4. Purchasing a cover for your hot-tub and using it.
5. Purchasing a cover for your grill and covering it well.
6. Stashing your grill and outdoor furniture away in storage (If you are like me, keep 1-2 chairs out for the sunny warm afternoons we are still having).
7. Clearing any leaves and branches from your driveway, yard and sidewalk as they accumulate.
8. Buying material to wrap your outdoor pipes if needed.
9. Picking up planters, chairs, toys and anything else the wind can toss in the air.
10. Tying back any plants you want to keep that might be sensitive to the wind.
11. Crossing your fingers and hope for snow! (smile)
12. Don't forget to shop Rich's for the Home if you are in need of a stove or fireplace for the winter.

Resources from the Web

A Clean Sweep- This Chimney Sweeper not only knows what he is doing professionally, but he accomplishes it in a Top Hat & Tails. Read more.

Ever wonder the difference between wood, gas and electric stoves? Here's a basic tutorial. 

Here is a great list on what to accomplish in your garden in these early days of October. Yes, your garden can still highlight your outdoor room-even here in the Northwest.

RV'ing within Kansas? Some campgrounds and RV parks have hot-tubs as well as other great amenities. You can sort a list of those here.

When hot-tub shopping, don't forget to consider the weight of the hot tub when filled with water. 

Here is a way to both spice up your fireplace and make it a comfortable spot to sit.

Here are the EPA guidelines for stoves. 

Don't forget to keep your family safe! Here are some safety gates for woodstoves and fireplaces.

Having one last grill party? Don't forget to review the appropriate grilling temperatures for meats.

Rest and Relaxation

This past weekend, I went out of town for three days to the lovely city of Los Angeles. And although I had some business to attend to, I also had a lot of FUN. I kept in touch with my family but I didn't worry about things (they had care) and in reality, I just concentrated on me.

Normally, as a mom, I would be a little ashamed to admit that. But I realized something very important my second and third day there: I felt good. I felt relaxed, rested and rejuvenated.

When I returned, I felt better able to attend to what was required of me. And it was all because I took a few days just for me.

How are you dealing with stress these days? Studies show that stress decreases our happiness and our lifespan. As you know, it really is up to you to take charge of your health and that means taking breaks when you need it.

If you can't physically take a break, time alone with a relaxing activity is very important. So hit the hot-tub, schedule a bath and book session, take a walk, have coffee on the porch or schedule whatever activity you need to unwind. It's worth it-and so are you.

What's Cooking: Honey-Apple Pork Chops

Thanks to Grilling Recipes for sharing this YUM recipe. My family members all enjoyed these chops. There are more recipes on the site so be sure and visit today.

WHAT YOU NEED:

• 4 pork loin chops -- about 1-inch thick
• 1-1/2 cups apple cider
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoon honey
• 1 clove garlic -- minced
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

STEPS:

1. Combine all ingredients, except pork chops; mix well.
2. Place chops in a shallow dish; pour marinade over chops.
3. Cover and refrigerate overnight, turning meat occasionally.
4. Remove pork chops from marinade.
5. Place on grill approximately 6 inches above medium coals. Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning and basting with marinade frequently.