Posted on

Porcini Risotto

This is a wonderfully delicious recipe from Chef Adrian Giese of Mastro’s Restaurant in Los Angeles. He enjoys cooking on his Caliber Indoor Pro Range at home, and wanted to share this porcini risotto recipe with you.

Place the slices of porcini garnish on a cookie sheet and drizzle with one teaspoon of olive oil. Season with salt and black pepper. Bake in the oven at 350º F for ten minutes with the fan on. Heat the water to a boil in a separate pan and set aside. In a shallow sauté pan, add two tablespoons of butter and two tablespoons of olive oil. Add the onions and chopped porcini; sauté until the porcini are soft and the onions are translucent and sweet. Add the rice to the pan and sauté for about three minutes or until it takes on a light golden color. Prepare 2½ cups of hot water. Add the first ½ cup of hot water to the rice and stir constantly with a wooden spoon until the water is mostly soaked up. Keep adding a ½ cup of water at a time until it is completely absorbed by the rice while you stir. Check the texture of the rice. If you prefer softer risotto, then add the last ½ cup of water. Once the desired texture and consistency is achieved, add the cheese and butter then salt to taste. Plate and drizzle with the remaining olive oil and garnish with the whole porcini slices. Risotto is best enjoyed as soon as it is finished. Bon appétit!

Ingredients:
1 medium onion, 1/8” diced 
6 oz. porcini mushrooms chopped into 1/3” cubes (reserve a couple whole mushroom slices for garnish)
4 Tbsp butter 
4 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 
1 cup Arborio rice 
2 ½ – 3 cups of water 
¾ cup finely grated parmesan
Kosher salt to taste – about 2 tsp 
Fresh cracked black pepper 

Click to Download this Recipe

Posted on

Smoked Turkey Legs

When you think of Thanksgiving, a beautiful full cooked turkey is usually what comes to mind. Why not change it up this holiday by smoking several turkey legs so your guests are not fighting over just two?

Wash and brine your turkey legs with your favorite dry brine, preferably one day before. Rinse the brine from the legs a few hours before, and loosen the skin of the legs by running your fingers under it as far as possible without tearing it. If you prefer more flavoring, feel free to add a dry rub on the legs, or just salt and pepper before putting them on the smoker.

Prepare the Caliber Pro Kamado Smoker by filling the blaze basket accessory with lump charcoal. The basket should sit on the charcoal plate at the rear of the smoker with the hinged part of the grate above it so you can access it. Bring the temperature of the smoker up to 220ºF and once the temperature has settled, place your turkey legs directly on the grate. Now add a small handful of apple and pecan smoking chips to the blaze basket and close the lid. The smoker will “smoke” for the first 30-60 minutes of the 3-4 hour cooking process. After this time, there should be “clean” heat exiting the top vent. Too much time with “smoke” may impart a bitter taste into your turkey. The meat is cooked when a thermometer probed into the turkey leg reaches 165ºF. Enjoy the amazing juicy and smoky flavor you get from the Caliber Pro Kamado.

Ingredients:
6-8 Turkey legs
Your favorite dry brine and/or dry rub
Apple and pecan smoking chips
Mesquite lump charcoal

Click to Download this Recipe

For the recipe on how to smoke a full turkey on the Caliber Pro Kamado click here.

Posted on

Mediterranean Braised Lamb Shanks

Chef Adrian Giese is a seasoned chef and executive chef of Mastro’s Restaurant in Los Angeles, California. Adrian was so excited to install a 36″ Indoor Professional Range in his home that he wanted to share some of his favorite recipes with the Caliber community.

Now that we’ve stepped into the fall season, Chef Adrian’s Mediterranean braised lamb shanks made on the Caliber Indoor Pro Range is the perfect recipe to share as his first of what he hopes to be many more culinary delights from his kitchen.

Generously season the lamb shanks with salt, coriander and black pepper. In a small cast iron Dutch oven, heat up the oil on a medium heat and sear the lamb shanks on all sides until you have a rich golden brown color. Remove the shanks and set aside. In the same pan, turn down to a medium low heat and add the onions, carrots and anchovies. Sauté until slightly translucent. Then add the garlic, tomato paste, and chopped herbs and sauté until the garlic smells sweet (about two minutes). Place the shanks back into the pan along with any juices and add the red wine. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pan to release all the bits. Add the chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Place the lid on top and turn the heat to low and cook for 1-3/4 hours. Remove the lid and simmer for another 1/2 hour to reduce the liquid. The meat should be tender and falling away from the bone. Adjust the seasoning of the sauce with a little salt and add one tablespoon of butter for extra richness and shine.

Ingredients:
2 Lamb shanks
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 Medium onion – 1” dice
4 Baby carrots peeled and sliced 1/2” thick
4 Large cloves garlic – roughly chopped
2 Brown cured anchovies (optional)
2 Packed Tbsp Italian parsley finely chopped
1 Tbsp chopped oregano
1 tsp thyme leaves de-stemmed
2 Tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp cracked coriander seeds
6 oz red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon / Chianti)
1- 1/2 cups chicken stock
Kosher salt
Fresh cracked pepper
1 Tbsp butter

Click to Download this Recipe

Posted on

Smoked Spaghetti Squash

If you are looking for a way to cut out the carbs this fall, but still want a delicious side dish, then try this smoked spaghetti squash recipe on the Caliber Pro Kamado

Cut your spaghetti squash in half and scoop out the seeds. This is easy if you microwave the squash for 1-2 minutes to soften the skin. Drizzle olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder over the top of both halves. Fill a metal broil pan with about 1/4 inch full of water. Place your squash upside down on the pan. Heat your smoker to about 350º F (approximately 20-25 minutes) using mesquite lump charcoal within the center of the bottom charcoal plate.  It is recommended that you do not use wood chips because they tend to impart a bitter taste to vegetables.  Close the lid to cook for about 45 minutes or until the water starts to evaporate and your squash turns golden brown.

You can cook the squash using a similar process on a gas grill or in the oven; however it will lack the smoky flavor and tenderness you get from this process. Scoop the squash out of the shells and serve as a delicious and healthy side dish. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
Spaghetti squash (halved)
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Garlic powder
Mesquite lump charcoal

Click to Download this Recipe

Posted on

BBQ Must-Do’s with the Master of the Grill, Steven Raichlen

In case you missed Caliber’s grills on Zeste TV with Chef Steven Raichlen, the episodes are all available online. Steven is speaking in French, but you can translate the recipes online to English in your web browser. Caliber partnered with Urban Bonfire (Outdoor Kitchen Systems and Caliber Dealer) in Montreal, Canada to provide the set for 13 episodes of “The BBQ Must-Do’s with the Master of the Grill” Steven Raichlen that aired on Zeste TV and episodes now available in FoodLavie.com.

See recipes cooked on the patented 60″ Caliber Crossflame Pro Grill that includes the 14″ Power Pro Dual Top Side Burners along with the 22″ Caliber Pro Kamado Charcoal Smoker & Grill.

Recipes include:

Additional recipes available that pair well with these on the home page to the series found here.

Posted on

Grilled Artichokes

Grill artichokes on your Caliber grill to create a delicious and healthy appetizer for your guests! Cut off the tops of the artichokes with a knife and trim the sharp points with scissors. Break off small outside leaves towards the bottom of the stem. Soak the artichokes for 10 minutes in a bowl of cold water with one lemon wedge squeezed in to avoid discoloration.

Steam artichokes for about 25-30 minutes in a pot on your indoor or outdoor cooktop. Allow to cool before cutting lengthwise. Remove choke with a spoon. Squeeze remaining 3 lemon wedges in a bowl for the basting and artichoke sauce. Stir in olive oil, chopped garlic, salt and pepper. Brush the artichokes with the oil mixture and place them on your preheated Caliber grill. Grill the artichokes for 5 to 10 minutes, basting with the dip and turning frequently, until the tips are a little charred. Serve immediately. A great healthy appetizer!

Ingredients:
2 artichokes
1 lemon, quartered
3/4 cup olive oil
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Click to Download this Recipe

For more recipes, join Caliber Culinary Corner’s monthly e-news

Posted on

Zucchini Muffins

Zucchini muffins are a great way to sneak some veggies in while satisfying your sweet tooth. Preheat your Caliber oven to 350º F. Mix together dry ingredients (flour, cinnamon, salt, baking soda and baking powder) and set aside. Beat eggs. Mix in the oil, sugar, zucchini and vanilla. Add mixed dry ingredients and stir well. Put baking cups in cupcake baking tins and fill with mix to about 3/4 high. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Place a toothpick in the center of the cupcake to check doneness. If the toothpick comes out clean with no batter, then the muffins are definitely done. Enjoy!

Ingredients for 24-28 muffins:
3 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2 1/2 cups sugar
3 cups grated fresh zucchini
1 tablespoon vanilla
3 cups flour
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
24-28 baking cups

Click to Download this Recipe

For more recipes, join Caliber Culinary Corner’s monthly e-news

Posted on

Crispy Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are perfect to bring to holiday parties or give as presents for family and friends. They are also easy to make. Preheat the oven to 350ºF and grease the baking sheets. Cream butter and both sugars. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a separate bowl, then add to the creamed mixture. Mix well. Stir in crushed crispy rice cereal and chocolate chips. Drop level tablespoons two inches apart onto the baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until bottoms are lightly browned. Let cool for one minute before removing them from the baking sheet. If you love crispy cookies, these are to die for!

Ingredients for 3 dozen cookies:
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups crispy rice cereal, crushed to 1 1/2 cups
1 cup chocolate chips

Click to Download Recipe

For more recipes, join Caliber Culinary Corner’s monthly e-news

Posted on

Butternut Squash Soup

This is a delicious soup recipe to make on the Caliber Indoor Pro Rangetop or Power Pro Dual Top Burners during the fall season. Sweet potato is the secret ingredient, which adds an extra sweetness and texture to the soup. Peel, seed and dice the squash. Peel, seed, and dice the sweet potato. Put them both in a pot with the vegetable broth, water, and salt. Bring the pot to a simmer for 40 minutes, or until tender. Be careful not to boil. While the vegetables simmer, melt the butter in a pan. Gently cook the onions in the butter, stirring occasionally, until they begin to caramelize. Continue cooking for about five minutes, stirring often. Add the wine to the onions, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the onions to the mixture in the pot and continue to simmer for the remaining time, about 25 minutes. Puree everything with a hand blender. Add the cream, white pepper, and a bit more salt if needed. Garnish with chives or cilantro. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
1 Pound butternut squash (about 12 oz peeled, seeded and diced)
1 Large sweet potato (about 12 oz peeled and diced)
2 Cups vegetable broth
1 1/2 Cups water
3/4 Tsp salt
2 Tbsp butter
2 Medium onions, sliced
1/3 Cup dry white wine
1/4 Cup half and half
White pepper to taste

Click to Download Recipe

For more recipes, join Caliber Culinary Corner’s monthly e-news

Posted on

Smoked Cedar Plank Salmon

Prepare the Caliber Pro Kamado Smoker by filling the blaze basket accessory with lump charcoal. The basket should sit on the charcoal plate at the rear of the smoker with the hinged part of the grate above it so you can access it. Bring the temperature of the smoker up to 325ºF.

Remove any bones or skin from the salmon filet. Rinse the cedar plank and place it on the grill for 3-4 minutes to bring out the cedar aroma. Brush the plank with olive oil. Place the salmon filet on the plank and brush it with olive oil. Squeeze two lemon wedges over the salmon and sprinkle it with salt, pepper, and dill (optional). Put the plank with salmon on the grill and cook for 15-20 minutes. It is ready when the internal temperature of salmon reaches 135ºF. Enjoy this healthy and delicious entrée.

Ingredients :
Lump charcoal
1-2 cedar planks
2-3 pounds salmon
Olive oil
Fresh lemon wedges
Salt
Pepper
Dill (optional)

Click to Download Recipe

Chef Marcel’s of the Netherlands recipe of salmon smoked with Cedar on the Caliber Pro Kamado.

For the video of smoking cedar plank salmon on your Caliber Pro Kamado grill see below:

For the video of an Asian cedar plank salmon on your Rockwell grill with Sam the Cooking Guy see below:

For more recipes, join Caliber Culinary Corner’s monthly e-news