Man Food News Thursday - All The Crap We Eat In A Year

SF Foodie Editor John Birdsall posted this graphic showing all of the crap that we Americans consume in a years time. This is definitely eye opening. To see the entire article in the SF Weekly click the link below the graphic.

SF Weekly Article Link

Man Gear Wednesdays - Beer Soap

Well this is an interesting find. Have you ever wanted to smell like your favorite beer all the time? Well if you answered yes then this piece of gear is for you. For everyone else this is a must have conversation piece. The Beer Soap Company makes over 100 different styles of beer soap to choose from. With an average price around six dollars or you can get any six for twenty five dollars. I give this product a three out of five beers on the Man Scale. Use the link below to check them out.

The Beer Soap Company Website

Man Tip Tuesday - All You Need Is A Little Oil

Have you ever cooked pasta? Do you ever get that annoying froth that always boils over? So did I, until I learned this little trick. Add a few drops of oil (not motor oil cooking oil) to your pot. This will keep the starch at bay which is the cause of your frothy concoction. Easy as pasta. Try it out next time you cook up some al dente deliciousness.

Warning - only a few drops of oil are needed as too much will cause you pasta to be, well um oily!

Man Site Monday - BBQ Outfitters

Every man deserves an outdoor oasis of cooking. BBQ Outfitters can make that happen. From built in's to standard grills to sauces galore they have everything to set you up right. Check out their website below for more information. Thanks.

BBQ Outfitters Website

Man Wisdom Sundays

He was a wise man who invented beer.
--Plato

Man Recipe - JIM'S "COORS BEER" BATTER FISH & CHIPS

JIM'S "COORS BEER" BATTER FISH & CHIPS

1 cup flour (more or less depends on how much you make)
2 eggs
salt and pepper
1 24 ounce can of Coors beer
fries (frozen kind)
vegetable oil (for frying)
1 or 2 lbs. cod fish
tarter sauce
1 lemon

In a large ceramic bowl, crack the eggs and drop 2 in and beat them well. Set aside.

Add 1 cup of flour and beer, mixing until you get a somewhat heavy pancake like batter, it must be heavier or thick enough to not drip off the fish so easily. Add flour or beer until you have the correct consistency, adjusting batter as needed. A slightly thick batter is ok!

Preheat the fryer with vegetable oil close to about 365°F fry each side until golden brown, but not too brown! once cooked lay each piece on the side of your metal cheese grater to drain. put plate underneath also.) now dip or add the pieces of cod fish into the batter, blend well. fish should also be cut in 2-3" thick strips. now dip in flour with a little salt and pepper added and blended-to taste. time to fry your fish and chips! cook til golden brown!

Occasionally use a cooking type scooper with a metal screen and handle to clean out the burtn residue of the flour. This will keep the oil clean.

Condiments: tarter sauce, lemon wedges, and malt vinegar.

Submitted by: Jim in the Pacific Northwest Oregon (used from Cooks.com)

Man Food Tv Episode 2 - Delay

Man Food News Thursday - Bring On The Events

On Friday October 1st you will be able to post and see cooking events on our website. This event calendar will show national and local cookoffs, BBQ's, tailgates, contests, etc... It will be free to submit your event, however events will be reviewed prior to posting on the calendar. This will become your one stop shop for all your man food essentials. Also remember to check out episode 2 of Man Food TV right here on Man Food Central or on our YouTube page at http://www.youtube.com/manfoodcentral

Man Gear Wednesday - Grill Daddy Pro

The Grill Daddy Pro is the terminator of grill cleaning machines. This must have tool not only has stainless steel cleaning bristles, egonomic design but it steam cleans your grill while you clean. Say what? Just add water to the internal resevoir then let your grills heat do the rest. The Grill Daddy Pro is possibly the coolest grill cleaning device I have ever seen. I give this a five our of five beers on the man scale. Check out the link below for more information.

Grill Daddy Pro Website

Man Tip Tuesday - Pour Down Center

While this commercial is funny, there is some truth to pouring down the center. There is also a trick to it as well. When pouring down the center of the glass most people produce a beer head about two to three inches thick. Unfortunately this is a man drinking fail. To judge a good head (unless you are drinking Guinness) use a two finger rule. If your head is between one and two fingers thick then you have done a good job. Other than the ridicule your buddies will give you for an improper pour there are some reasons why the proper head on a beer is necessary. Too much head can release much of the carbonation too quickly making the beer see flat and too little head will retain that carbonation in the beer making you gassy.

The trick to pouring down center and getting the proper head is patience. Take your time. If the beer gulps out of the bottle you are going way too fast. Use a shallow angle and let the beer flow. Good luck and next time your buddies pour that massive head revel in the fact that you are enjoying your properly poured beer while they have to wait for their head to settle.

Man Site Monday - Hot Sauce World

You can find amazing hot sauces anywhere these days. From the grocery store, the flea market, to the airport gift shop, but if you want a smorgasbord selection in one place then you want Hot Sauce World. With hundreds of different sauces to choose from I am sure they will have something to meet your taste. The hotter the better.

Check them out here: Hot Sauce World

Man Wisdom Sundays

"Grilling is growth industry," ~ Steven Raichlen

Man Recipe - Geno's Authentic Philly Cheesesteak Recipe

So last week we brought you the first of two famous cheesesteak recipe's. Here is the second. This is Geno's (or as close as we could find to Geno's) recipe. Enjoy


Taken From: http://greensboring.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=280

My Geno's Philadelphia Cheese Steak Recipe

Okay this isn't a clone recipe but close enough. It's my Philadelphia Cheese-steak recipe after visiting Philadelphia. A Philly cheese-steak is an easy and basic sandwich guaranteed to please just about anyone. While my recipe has changed since visiting the famed city of Philadelphia, the home of the Cheese-steak, my love for the sandwich hasn't. So what's changed since my original recipe? A couple things. First the meat, secondly the steak. I was one of those delusional people who believe "Steak-ums" would be a acceptable base for a Philly Cheesesteak recipe, but I was wrong. Secondly, after going to Pat's and Geno's I've realized you need the Whiz, as in Cheese Whiz. It's the secret ingredient that makes the world go around and oh, how could I have survived without it?

First the meat. Get a huge honking chunk of "Top Round" (Not bottom) from your deli. You can either ask the meat man to slice it super thin (1/8 inch) or butcher it yourself. It's a good workout if you do the later. As with any meat you want to prepare it ahead of time. Toss it in a bowl of Hot water with 3 tablespoons of salt and 1/4 cup of vinegar, cover and let is tenderize itself. Then when you can wait no more (usually 4-8 hours) you drain the juice and fry the meat in a pan. The rest is self explanatory, and soon you'll have an authentic Geno's Philly Cheese Steak, and a new recipe for the Super Bowl. My recipe offers 3 levels of deliciousness:

Man Food TV Episode 1

Man Food News Thursday - What's In A Name

It seems that Corn Refiners Association is trying to pull a fast one by changing the name of the widely used and widely scrutinized product High Fructose Corn Syrup to the cute and cuddly name of Corn Sugar. According to the Associated Press the group plans to apply Tuesday to the Food and Drug Administration to get "corn sugar" approved as an alternative name for food labels. Approval could take two years, but that's not stopping the industry from using the term now in advertising.

If you have watched the documentary Food Inc. you how this product has shaped our society today (if you have not watched this film, please do so as it is very eye opening).

The question then becomes why not just use real sugar as apposed to a refined corn sweetener? Sugar and high fructose corn syrup are nutritionally the same, and there's no evidence that the sweetener is any worse for the body than sugar, said Michael Jacobson, executive director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest. Did you try a Pepsi or Mountain Dew throwback last year? Tasted like shit, right? Even though the nutritional facts are the same the taste is much different. Bring on the corn sugar!

For more information check out the AP atticle via the link below. Thanks.

Associated Press Article

Man Food TV Promo Video

Man Gear Wednesday - Outlaw Beer Holster

Photo Courtesy of beeroutlaw.com

So a few weeks ago I brought you the beer gun belts and now to add to your collection it is the Outlaw Beer Holster. Everyone loves a good cowboy, whether it's Clint Eastwood or John Wayne. Instead of being the scourge of the plains you can be the scourge of your local bar with this new toy. Your six pack can replace the six shooter with this ingenious invention. No more forgetting which beer was yours. The San Diego based company called Beer Outlaw produces and sells this tackle of the trail. Prices range from thirty dollars for a basic model to fifty for a custom job. Check out their website below. I give this piece of gear a five out of five beers on the man scale.


Beer Outlaw Website

Man Tip Tuesday - Leave It Alone

When you grill a steak how often do you check it and how many times do you flip it? Well if you said more than once for either answer you were wrong and here is why. When you continuously check the steak you break the heat seal of your grill causing uneven cooking of the steak. The more times you do it the more uneven your steak will be in the end. Ever had a steak where one part was well done and the other was still bloody. Secondly you only flip your steak once. The more flips the less tender your steak will be in the end. One flip is all you need. Next week I will continue this segment as I talk about the perfect steak grilling times.

Man Site Monday - Pure Spice

Pure Spice is a site where you can get over 350 of the worlds best spices and combination. Now I know you can pick most of these same spices up at your local grocery store however this site has some hard to find spices as well as some of the best blends money can buy.

Check them out here: http://www.purespice.com/

Man Wisdom Sundays

"Grilling, broiling, barbecuing - whatever you want to call it - is an art, not just a matter of building a pyre and throwing on a piece of meat as a sacrifice to the gods of the stomach." - James Beard, 'Beard on Food' (1974)

Man Recipe - Pat's Authentic Philly Cheesesteak Recipe

OK, so I found this one online and thought I would share it with you. It is the bomb. Geno's and Pat's have been battling it out for decades in what could be the most famous food fight of all time. Today I will show you the Pat's reciepe and next Saturday I will give you Geno's. Enjoy:

From http://hubpages.com/hub/Philly-Cheesesteak-Recipe

Philly Cheesesteak Recipe - Makes 1 Philly Cheesesteak

1/4 pound very thinly sliced steak (rib eye is recommended)
1/4 cup onion, sliced or chopped Cheez Whiz processed cheese spread or provolone cheese Italian style roll Saute the onions in a small amount of oil in a heavy skillet. Add the sliced steak when the onions are almost done. Cook the steak for about 5 minutes, or til it is how you like it.Follow the instructions on the Cheez Whiz jar to heat it.Toast the roll if you want, but the authentic Philly cheesesteak recipe doesn't.Put the sauteed onions and sliced steak on the roll. Drizzle with heated Cheez Whiz or add a slice of provolone on top. (The heat from the steak and onions will melt the provolone cheese.)The onions are optional. You can add other garnishes such as sauteed mushrooms and/or peppers if you like. Some people like to douse their Philly cheesesteak sandwiches with ketchup. The choice is yours.

Man Review Friday - Man Food TV is Coming Soon

So I have decided to change the format of Man Review Friday. Starting next Friday you will be getting a weekly installment of Man Food TV. This will be a four to five minute product review show that will give my opinions of products, gear, gadgets and you name it. I want this show to be totally interactive. If you want to see a product reviewed put it in the comments from this site or the youtube channel that the videos will be uploaded too. Also remember to subscribe to the youtube channel so you will not miss any of the action. Thanks.

Subscribe here to Man Food TV
Man Food Central YouTube Channel Link

Man Food News Thursday - Recipe Contest Ends Soon

Want to win some cash. Of course you do. Well there are a couple weeks left to enter the Better Recipes: 8 Weeks of Easy Week Night Meals Recipe Contest.

Better Recipes
8 Weeks of Easy Week Night Meals Recipe Contest

Official Contest Rules

Void outside the 50 United States and where prohibited. Do not proceed to enter this contest if you are not at least 21 years of age and a legal resident of, and located within, one of the 50 United States (excluding Puerto Rico) at the time of entry.  Internet access and photo uploading capability required to enter.

 NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN.

The 8 Weeks of Easy Week Night Meals Recipe Contest begins August 1, 2010, and ends September 25, 2010 (“Contest Entry Period”) and is comprised of eight weekly contests. Weekly entries must be received by 11:59 p.m., C.T., on the following dates to be eligible:

Week 1:  8/1/-8/7/2010
Week 2:  8/8-8/14/2010
Week 3:  8/15-8/21/2010
Week 4:  8/22-8/28/2010
Week 5:  8/29-9/4/2010
Week 6:  9/5-9/11/2010
Week 7:  9/12-9/18/2010
Week 8:  9/19-9/25/2010

Non-winning weekly entries will not be carried forward for subsequent weekly judging.  Entries become the property of Meredith Corporation, 1716 Locust St., Des Moines, IA ("Sponsor") and will not be acknowledged or returned.

ENTRY: To enter, visit www.betterrecipes.com/8weeks and register.  Then follow the links and instructions to upload your recipe.   

Recipes must be created by the entrant, and cannot have been previously published, won another competition or contest or been used for advertising or promotional purposes. 

Multiple entries are allowed, but each recipe must be submitted as a separate entry and each entry must meet the following requirements:

Entry must: (1) include recipe name and the number of servings that the recipe yields, (2)  use ingredients that are available in most grocery stores; (3) list ingredients with measurements in order of use; (4) include step-by-step preparation and cooking directions (“Entry Materials”).

PRIZE: Each Finalist will receive a $250 check. One (1) grand prize winner will receive a $2,500 check.  One weekly prize per person. Potential winners will be notified by phone, mail and/or e-mail and prizes delivered approximately thirty (30) days from date of winner verification. Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize (or portions thereof) of equal or greater value if prize (or portions thereof) cannot be awarded as described. Sponsor will determine all elements of prizing in its sole discretion. Prizes may not be assigned, transferred, or changed, except at the sole discretion of Sponsor.  Prizes are awarded “as is” with no warranty or guarantee express or implied. Sponsor disclaims all and any liability for the actual provision, quality or nature of any third party product or service accepted by the winners. The awarding of any prize is contingent upon full compliance with these Official Rules.  Entrants agree to be bound by Official Rules and agree that if any potential winner fails to provide proof of identity, refuses to provide required affidavit, is found to have violated Official Rules or otherwise does not meet eligibility criteria, prize will be forfeited and awarded to the entry with the next highest score. Entrants understand that Sponsor is not liable for injuries, losses or damages of any kind arising from participation in this contest and acceptance, possession and use of prize. Sponsor is not responsible for any typographical or other error in the printing of the offer, administration of the contest or in the announcement of the prize.  Decisions of Sponsor are final and binding.

For Complete rules, instruction or to enter check out this site: http://www.betterrecipes.com/Sweepstakes/Official_Rules/2010/08/easyweeknightmeals.html

Man Gear Wednesday - Custom Grill Grates

This couple is doomed to fail, Right? Go Ohio State

So you have seen the the college team grill covers, but how cool would you look with your college team logo on your grill grate. Yeah that is right. YMI Custom Grates offers 18 of the top collegiate teams logos on specially made grill grates. Starting at $135 you too can support your team in grilling style. With the college football season just firing up this would make the perfect addition to this seasons tailgate parties. Check out their website at the link below.

YMI Grates Website Link

Man Tip Tuesday - Grill Care

While it is a no brainer to oil your grill grates prior to cooking, I am a firm believer that you should always oil them again after you clean them. What I do is each time I am finished cooking on my grill I do this three step process:

1. I crank the heat to about 500 to burn off any impurities and residue.
2. I shut the grill down them I use a stiff bristle brush to scrub off the grates
3. I take a papertowel doused in olive oil (use the oil of your choice) and rub each grate until they are covered

This process not only keeps your grill lasting longer it helps to keep the food from sticking. This is actually similar to what the Japanese do with thier wok's.

Man Site Monday - Uncrate

Do you hate getting those crappy gifts from your significant other or kids. Well I have a website that can put all those bad gifts into the past for good. That site is called Uncrate. Uncrate is a web magazine for guys who love stuff. Our team digs up the best gadgets, clothes, cars, DVDs and more. New items are posted daily. Enjoy responsibly.

Check em out here: http://www.uncrate.com/

Man Wisdom Sundays

"In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is strength, in water there is bacteria." - David Auerbach

Man Recipe - Beer Can Chicken

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 teaspoon black pepper 
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 3 tablespoons BBQ rub or you choice of rub
• 1 can of premium beer (don't use the cheap stuff)

Directions

1.  Pre-heat the grill to medium-high
2. Take out the internals and dispose. Rinse chicken thuroughly, and pat dry. Rub chicken lightly with oil then rub inside and out with salt, pepper and dry rub. Set aside. 
3. Open beer can and drink about half the beer. Place beer can in a baking pan. Put the bird on the can. Place pan in the center of the cooking grate, balancing the bird like a tripod with the two legs and can.
4. Cook with indirect heat and the grill cover on, for approximately 1.5 hours or until the internal temperature registers 165 degrees in the breast area and 180 degrees in the thigh, or until the thigh juice runs clear. 
5. Remove from grill and let rest for 10 minutes before carving. 
6. Enjoy

Man Review - Red Hook Long Hammer IPA

How many times have you read a beer review and wondered what the hell is this guy talking about and what is ASTMD? Well guess what I am not going to bore you with that stuff. I am going to get to the meat of why I like or do not like this beer.

First off it is an IPA, however it is not overpowering and hoppy like most IPA's. There is a little bite on the first swig, yet it goes down very smoothly. There was very little head on the pour. Now the good part. Does it taste good? Yes, it was actually very good. Most people cannot get into IPA's because they can be very overwhelming compared to your average beer. Long Hammer however is great for someone who wants to expand their taste into a the world of IPA's.

Beware - For the beginner, I will tell you this beer can seek up on you. At 6.5% ABV it is more than your Buds and Millers. In layman's terms you will get drunk quicker. So watch out.

I give Red Hook's Long Hammer IPA a 4 out of 5 beers on the man scale. Make sure you check out the links below for more info on Red Hook and Long Hammer.

Red Hook Brewery

Red Hook Long Hammer Website
Red Hook Brewery Website

Man Gear - Whiskey Barrel BBQ

Can you imagine this conversation piece at your next backyard cookout. The Whiskey Barrel BBQ pit. This ingenious creation is made from a real whiskey barrel that has been lined with a metal plate to keep the barrel from catching fire. Complete with metal cooking grate this dynamic grilling machine retails for around $950. I give this contraption a four out of five beers on the man scale. You can find it and more information at the link below.

Whiskey Barrel BBQ Link

Deep-fried beer invented in Texas

From the Dallas Morning News:
By ERIC AASEN / The Dallas Morning News
eaasen@dallasnews.com If Big Tex looks a little glassy-eyed this fall, blame it on the Fried Beer. Or the Deep Fried Frozen Margarita.

Booze is generating a buzz for the State Fair of Texas, as fried-alcohol dishes made the list of top new fair foods announced Wednesday.

Eight imaginative contenders are vying for the Sixth Annual Big Tex Choice Awards, with the winners getting plenty of publicity – and long lines of eager fairgoers willing to gobble up the fried goodness.

But have your ID handy for the Fried Beer and Deep Fried Frozen Margarita – you must be 21 or older to partake.

Kiddos, don't fret. Try the Deep Fried S'mores Pop-Tart and wash it down with Fried Lemonade. Chocoholics, the Fried Chocolate will give you your cocoa fix.

Proud of your Texas roots? You might swoon over the Texas Fried Frito Pie or the Texas Fried Caviar. Like your lettuce with grease? Try Fernie's Fried Club Salad.

On Labor Day, judges will name two winners: for best taste and most creative. The creations will make their debut at the fair, which starts Sept. 24.

Fried Beer is a beer-filled pretzel-like dough pocket that's shaped like ravioli. Take a bite and the beer pours out.

But don't cry over spilled suds. Simply use the dough to soak up the rest of the brewski.

"Why drink your beer when you can eat it?" creator Mark Zable said.

The Deep Fried Frozen Margarita includes a funnel cake batter mixed with either tequila or tequila-flavored wine, dusted with margarita mix and served in a salt-rimmed plastic glass.

It tastes just like a margarita, although it won't produce much of a buzz, said Jake Levy, one of the dish's creators. It's based on the margarita recipe served at his family's Desperados restaurants.

"If somebody were to eat a dozen of them," he said, "they might get a little head rush."

Beer blasts

 

For three years, Zable has been on a mission to concoct Fried Beer. He remembers staring at a bar menu in a restaurant. Calamari. Nachos. Fried cheese.

Bor-ing.

"Someone needs to figure out a way to fry beer," he thought.

Zable started experimenting. But the beer-and-dough concoction kept exploding once it hit the fryer. He kept getting burned.

So he consulted with a food scientist – still, no luck.

Then, earlier this year, he finally found the recipe for success. Now Zable keeps the process shrouded in secrecy and has applied for a Fried Beer patent and trademark.

Food vendors at fairs across the country often copycat the Texas fair's top foods. So Zable is doing whatever he can "so I can't be knocked off."

He has been a Big Tex Choice finalist twice before, but that doesn't cut it. He yearns for the trophy, an Oscar-like award with a Big Tex head.

"I really, really want one of those trophies this year," he said.

Levy did backflips in his restaurant when he heard that his Deep Fried Frozen Margarita had been named a finalist. When he won a Big Tex Choice Award for his Deep Fried Latte in 2007, his family received requests from media outlets worldwide.

"We got a little taste of that, and we definitely want to do it again," he said. "If you're the 'it' food at the fair, you are at the pinnacle."

He's baaaack

 

Don't forget the fry king.

Abel Gonzales Jr. returns again as a finalist, this time with Fried Chocolate.

He's received Big Tex awards for Texas Fried Cookie Dough, Fried Coke and a Fried Peanut Butter, Jelly and Banana Sandwich.

And don't forget last year's winner, Gonzales' Deep Fried Butter, which generated headlines nationwide.
Oprah Winfrey tasted the fried butter – and liked it – during her visit to the fair, where she taped an episode of her talk show.

This year, Gonzales had brownies on the brain. It became his fried focus.
The brownie is stuffed with a piece of white chocolate, a cherry and pecans. The treat is then dipped into chocolate cake batter and fried.

But even Fried Chocolate might have a hard time toppling Deep Fried Butter, Gonzales said. Then again, he thought there was no way he could top Fried Coke, which won a Big Tex award in 2006
"You just go and try to do the best you can," Gonzales said. "If you start thinking, 'Ooh, I've got to start thinking of something bigger and better,' you're not going to come up with anything at all."

Steak Tip - Does price = Quality? Hell No!

So my wife and I went out to what is know as one of the best steak houses in the nation. My wife and I are not upscale in any way. We are just your average American family from the Midwest. After paying an arm and a leg for a 24oz. Porterhouse I wanted to sink my teeth in right away. To my amazement it was only average. This got me thinking why would so many people adorn this place as being so good.when it was actually sub-par. Then it hit me. The usual customers at this establishment were mostly upper class and after putting two and two together these folks wouldn't be caught dead at a place like Long Horn or Logan's Roadhouse. They have no frame of reference, they don't know you can get a better steak at a cheaper price somewhere else. The problem with this is that these people who are giving an uninformed opinion on quality have such a great influence over public opinion that this place is seen as the best. When is society going to awaken from this trance and remember that just because it cost more and someone who can afford the more said it was the best, doesn't always mean it was the best. I am now stepping off my soapbox. Thanks let me know what you think in the comments below and remember to tell your friends about this blog

Man Gear - The Hops Holder

A friend of mine sent me a link to this product. This is the perfect gear for any party, tailgate or Tuesday. Every guy loves those bullet belts that Rambo wore across his chest. This just makes that even manlier. It's also insulated so it will keep your beer cold until you finish the last can. For around $30 this one size fits most contraption is pretty cool, however keep in mind that you might end up being a walking cooler for your friends as they undoubtedly will be trying to mooch your cargo. I give this peice of man gear 4 out of 5 beers on the man scale. Check the link below for the website and more information on this product. Also check back later today for another cool man post. Thanks.

Kegworks - Hops Belt Website Link