It’s the day before Christmas and I have my new griddle!
Putting the Blackstone griddle together is quick and easy. The little legs screw in by hand and the heavy top turned over drops into place.
I connect the one-pound propane bottle to the regulator thingy and then hook that up to the grill.
Before I can cook on it, I have to season the surface.
Using a cloth, I wipe the griddle surface lightly with olive oil. Then I turn on the griddle. This being the first lighting on the canister of propane, it takes a few clicks of the piezo ignition before the flame starts. (After that the griddle lights on the first click!).
I turn the heat on high which causes the oil to smoke and the surface to turn brown, then black. I read that this is what is supposed to happen.
I let it smoke until it smokes no more.
Then I turn off the griddle and let it cool. I put the griddle through this cycle four times. Now the cooking surface is black except for the edges. That’s okay. That part will season over time.
By the time the seasoning is done, the sun is setting.
Christmas Day!
My plan is to grill a turkey burger with sliced onions. By the time my appetite is raging, having skipped breakfast, I’m thinking otherwise. I decide to try a burrito instead.
Hmm . . . I could slice up one of those turkey sausages along with some onions, heat up a tortilla, and wrap it up into a burrito . . . . Wish I had some tomato. . . oh well, I do have shredded cheese . . . . Yeah, this sounds good!
The turkey sausage is Aidell’s “Italian Style with Mozarella.” It’s fully cooked out of the package so I don’t have to be concerned about internal temperature like with a burger.
I pour out some oil and drop the sausage medallions and sliced onions on the grill.
They sizzle with steam rising.
Ooh, this is fun!
Hey! I think I have a can of diced, green chili peppers somewhere in the cupboard . . .
I run inside and, yep, there it is!
When the sausage and onions are near done, I toss the green chilis on the grill to warm. Simultaneously (well, almost) I slap a flour tortilla down.
Okay. Time out! Time out!
I have to tell you I’m a neophyte when it comes to this kind of cooking. When I was wandering around Blythe’s very Hispanic Smart & Final grocery the other day, perusing the many stacks of different kinds of tortillas, wraps, and taco whatevers, I didn’t have the slightest idea what to buy.
I wanted something I could heat up and fold over. I chose “flour tortillas” (eenie, meanie, minie, moe) and hoped for the best.
Using my brand new, heavy duty, super duper, Blackstone spatula, I peek under the tortilla. It has brown spots.
All righty! Lookin’ good! Over you go!
(The tortilla in the photo above has been flipped.)
I scrape the sausage, onions and green chilis to one side (glad for the 17-inch space to do this!) and pile half of the mixture on the tortilla.
So far, so good . . . .
Next I sprinkle a generous amount of “Mexican blend” shredded cheese on top. The package says its a mix of Monterey jack, cheddar, queso quesadilla and asadero cheese.
Whatever. Sounds good to me!
I take the cheese-melting cover and place it over my creation. Short on patience I lift it only a few seconds later and take this next photo.
Yay! Already the cheese is melting!
I replace the cover and in another couple seconds the propane runs out.
Ha! Ha! Ha!
Do I have good timing or what?
I take my handy dandy, heavy duty, super duper spatula and slide my newly created Mexican-Italian “pizza” onto a plate.
“Hey!” you exclaim. “I thought you were making a burrito!”
Well, I thought I was, too.
However, when I went to fold it I discovered it wasn’t foldable!
No matter. I wanna’ eat!
I pull my chair up to the table, lift the edge of the tortilla to my face, and bite.
Oh, my. Oh, my oh my.
Much to my surprise, the tortilla is light and crunchy in a taco bowl shell kind of way. Delicious! I munch my way into the sausage, onions, and green chilis and . . .
Oh, my. Oh my oh my.
Okay, you get the idea.
It’s very tasty and perfectly filling on this brisk, yet sunny, Christmas Day.
I’m thrilled with my new griddle!
As I munch my way across the tortilla, ideas fly through my mind.
Hmm . . . This tortilla came out like thin-crust pizza. Gee, I could make all kinds of pizzas! Tomato sauce . . . sliced mushrooms and peppers. . . pineapple chunks . . . lots of cheese.
Oh, and I bet if I wiped the tortilla with oil it would come out soft for a burrito. Rice with refried beans and cheese! Chicken chunks! Picante sauce! Hot sauce!
Anyway . . . .
I think my first attempt at griddling was a huge success!
I thank every one who used my blog to shop for giving me this great present. Another big thank you for those who wrote Christmas wishes to Reggie, Roger, and me. You are such good people.
How could this not be a most delightful Christmas?
rvsue
THANK YOU FOR VISITING MY BLOG!
Blackstone Portable Table Top Griddle
Blackstone Cheese Melting Dome and Steaming Cover
RVSue and her canine crew is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Looks very tasty!
Hi, Claudia! CONGRATULATIONS ON BEING FIRST!
Think there is a three way tie for first today, congats.
First?
Wow looks like there is a three way tie for first! Congrats.
CONGRATULATIONS, ROBIN! FIRST ALSO!
Oh, cool!
Burr can’t wait to go some place warmer. Then I can do some griddlin too. Glad you are having a nice time
A THREE-WAY TIE! CONGRATULATIONS, KAT!
WOW! That looked amazing. I’m sitting in northern Michigan watching a blizzard move toward me across Lake Michigan. I haven’t been to the store, haven’t left the house in 3 days because the weather is so terrible. I think I’ll make rice tonight. I kinda want what you had though…
Sounds yummy! When are you having us all over for dinner? I’ve never had much success with getting tortillas soft enough to fold like a burrito. I like your idea of using the tortilla for a pizza crust, though. I’ll have to try that!
For folding, or rolling, you just heat quickly, (seconds) and flip or they do get hard and crispy. Or they can be warmed while wrapped in foil, and heated briefly on a less hot side of the grill.
suzicruzi is correct, to soften a flour tortilla to roll you just barely heat it. Then, if you like the crispy, browned taste – delicious! – you brown the already rolled burrito on both sides until the brown spots form. That said, I make “Mexican Pizza” all the time with them flat and cut in wedges like pizza. We do it backpacking, too, with small tortillas and a tiny non-stick skillet – either Mexican flavored, or with Boboli Sauce and mozzarella and toppings for Italian Pizza. Super simple and tasty.
That sounds and looks delicious. I wonder what’s for dinner here in frozen western NY. Merry Christmas!
You make learning to cook sound like a lot of fun. One of these days, I’ll have to try that.
Yummy! Way to go Sue! I recently started using tortilla wraps for more than just something to hold burrito mix with. I heat up things like you do or eggs/cooked turkey sausage chopped up/onion, etc and put it in a ‘raw’ tortilla. I add some cheese on the inside sometimes. I then fold it up, burrito style and THEN cook it on the cast iron pan I have in the house. Oh my, that can be some good eating. It takes a bit of practice to get a good tight wrap and I always start with the exposed edge down first. If the edge is up, the wrap can unfold. You’ll get a nice crisp outside edge and chewy gooey goodness, inside.
You can get VERY creative, cooking like this. I could go on and on, but I won’t. lol
A little belated Merry Christmas to you and the boys too!
Your method is correct. After living in the Southwest for a few years, a cast iron skillet was basic. The burrito folding you explained is perfect. Doesn’t matter what you put into it. Preferably, it’s ingredients like carne asada, beans, chiles, cheese, etc. Best food on earth. Particularly, while using a hand crafted tortilla, like made in Mexico. Try mole or home crafted salsa, which is chopped tomato, chiles, onion and cilantro (if you can handle it. I can’t.)
Thanks Sherri and everyone who explain how to keep the tortilla foldable. I’ll probably make a few more pizzas and then I’m going to make a burrito with beans and rice and other stuff. Not in one day, mind you. Haha!
I do this on my stovetop with fresh basil, tomato and Parmesan cheese with roasted garlic. It is yummerific! Glad you got your treasures!!!!
Those four ingredients have to be good in combination!
I used to make pesto with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and Locatelli romano cheese…. took a LOT of basil from the farmer’s market. That was back in my blender days….
Happy holidays!!! We put in a ton of basil every year (it thrives in our desert heat). Then make pesto through about mid-October when we run out of basil and swear we never ever want to eat it again. Until the next year of course!
Hi, Susan… I had a friend who used to make the best pesto. (She died about 40 years ago when in her 40s, car accident). I still think of her and her unbelievably good pesto!
Refried beans, shredded cheese on the grill, then diced tomato, onion and shredded lettuce and sour cream. I do that on nacho chips all the time. You could add the hot stuff like peppers or hot sauce. I can’t. My gall bladder won’t allow it.
That’s a classic, Toni! I’ll be sure to try it when I allow myself the sour cream! 🙂
You can sub plain yogurt. I’ve done that and it’s still good.
I’d love to hear suggestions for the griddle! I have to go offline now. Reg and Rog haven’t had their daily play date with the dogs next door.
Thank you for not laughing at my first attempt with the griddle! 🙂
Man! I just had lunch, and now I’m hungry again.
This looks SOOOOO yummeeee! You are making me hungry and I only had lunch an hour ago. I am so glad you were able to get your grill. We have a small BBQ grill with a flattop that fits on top of it just like this one. We have burned the grill up using it. We take it in our RV and we use it at home. They are such fun. You are going to find all kinds of uses for this grill as you use it. Happy grilling!
Making me hungry in N.C.!!! That looks delicious!
Boy, does that look and sound good! I’ll have to try it. With a little more cheese and another tortilla, you’d have a quesadilla. And if you keep the tortilla on the griddle just until it’s warm it will fold. Take it from a confirmed taco/quesadilla/fajita gourmand.
Hi, Nora! I love cheese but I have to be careful not to eat too much of it for reasons it’s best not discussed here. 🙂
Anyway…. I do want to make quesadillas!
Oh my goodness!!!!! YUM !!!
If yu can’t find homemade tortillas get the walmart brand of white corn. Heat them slightly on each side and they will fold over easily.
Thanks, Sandra…. I’ll look for that!
Lunch looks delicious. My change my mind about what grill/griddle to buy. Since I am not a grilling expert, this might be a better idea as I cook a lot of stuff like this on the stove in a pan or on my big griddle in the kitchen.
Glad you like it.
Quesadillas! Quick, easy, and yummy!
The trick with burritos is to just lightly warm, rather than cook the tortillas, as more cooking yields a thin crust pizza/cracker texture.
You’re clearly having a great time with your new griddle. How fun. Enjoy!
Darn! I clicked on just before dinner and now I’m STARVING! That meal looks awesome! I’m sure the crew enjoyed their share too. Looking forward to breakfast pancakes.
For fresh, homemade style tortillas, you can buy “raw” flour tortillas that you grill yourself. Problem is they are so yummy that I end up eating way more than I should which means we no longer buy them. Instead when we can find them, we get the white corn/flour (mixed) tortillas. We wrap them in a damp paper towel, then foil, and warm on the grill which makes them somewhat moist and pliable.
I think the ones I have are “raw.” They seem that way, like dough and perfectly white before hitting the griddle.
Yum! That is my kind of eating!!! Glad your first meal was a success!
Oh what fun!
Creative indeed….
I love the low carb tortillas. You were lucky to get good tortillas. I’ve tasted some really tough ones. Your first meal sounds and looks wonderful!
That looks amazing!
Healthy pizzas every night! Suggest the lo carb tortillas, if you can find them.
Grill on! Intrepid Sue!!!
(BTW–you influenced my dinner choice tonight!)
Next thing you know, you’ll be on Food Channel! That looked really good!
Ha ha. I think you’re right John. “RVSue and her Griddle Too.”
Well Susie Q–I would definitely say that your first time grilling was a huge success! It looks so good! You made me laugh with your enthusiastic play by play! I WANT ONE!
Now I will have to find a griddle to fit mine. I prefer to cook outside. I see pancakes, maybe crepes, omelets and whatever else you can think of. YUM. Great job!
Thanks, Linda. Yeah, get yourself a griddle!
Looks good!
I’m not a sausage fan, but your pictures are making me want some! I’m so glad you were able to get that for yourself for Christmas.
Huevos rancheros!
Yikes! That looks sooo good, even to those of us who had way too much to eat in the past couple of days. Who me?!
We travel with a little Weber BBQ which my husband really likes. I’m thinking of a cast iron grill pan to go on it so I can grill too. Lodge makes one, I think.
Not quite dinner time here, but I’m more than ready now.
Enjoy!
Kitt
Lodge makes several kinds of griddle pans, different sizes, some with handles like a fry pan has, others are “tray” types. 🙂
Looks so yummy! You’ve made me hungry! Sounds like a good Christmas, which is good!
Love the new griddle and your choice of foods for your first meal! I liked the Amazon slide-show for the product where one pic shows the “H” pattern for the flame. Pushing cooked food over to the side to keep warm is smart! Have fun experimenting with baked goods, too!♨
I’m not sure, I’ll have to check – but I think I put on 5 pounds just **looking** at that treat! Yummy.
If you’re not careful, someone might think you’re a Texan. Thee is nothing quite like a yummy meal, hot off the grill/griddle, while enjoying the sunshine and fresh air.
As always, thanks for sharing.
That griddle looks right up my alley.
I imagine it cleans up easily .
Thanks for the good write up and pictures too.
I have really enjoyed all the doggie kid pictures.
Running and playing together. just what doggies love to do.
So sweet.
from cold Odessa, Tx….Kelly
Hi, Kelly! Hi, Al!
Yes, it is easy to clean. Happy travels to the warm Southwest! Highs are going to the mid-70s this week. 🙂
I think you will get a lot of use and good eats out of the griddle! Pizza? Oh my.
Looks soooo good. However, I down on packaged shredded cheese; lets Make America Grate Again!
I’m with you, Ed. I prefer to grate my own cheese also. I think the blocks stay fresher longer. You can cut off the edges if you need to. Cut a slice if you want one. There are also no additives (that keep shreds separate). Grate on!
Okay, block cheese it is. (I got lazy.)
Funny!
We got the 17” blackstone for Christmas, looks like we will be experimenting and learning together. Merry Christmas to you and the crew.
Merry Christmas to you, too, Jackie!
I see that four Blackstone griddles and accessories have been ordered. If one of those is yours, thank you! Have fun learning… 🙂
Try the uncooked ready to grill tortilla. The tortilla are so yummy and pliable to make burritos. I use it to make egg/bacon burrito, bean and cheese, and just about anything burrito style. For New Year’s Eve I’m making chili with pork loin, poblano chili diced, chipotle chili powder, and Verdi salsa mild…put it all in slow cooker. The green chili is amazing. Grill the uncooked tortilla the way you like it, put green chili mixture in middle of torilla and top with guacamole and sour cream….yum! It’s simple but very tasty and filling. The green chili is freezable in quart size freezer bags.
Yes!
Hi, rita,
I can’t tell from the packaging but I’m pretty sure I have the “uncooked ready to grill tortilla.” They’re completely white.
Thanks for the suggestions. Smart and Final sells frozen green chilis but the package is too large. My freezer space is limited. By the time I put in the turkey burgers and turkey sausage, I have a little room for leftovers.
Oh my gosh, I laughed my way through this entire post. I knew you would turn into the BBQ/griddle queen!!
Not a photo of our two little boyz 🙁
Not a photo of gorgeous landscapes 🙁
Not a photo of a horse, or a goat or a sheep, or a bird. 🙁
Instead, we get lovely, full color, mouth-watering photos of an un-burrito.
I’m still laughing 🙂
You gave ME a laugh, Cynthia!
“an un-burrito” — I’ll always think of that when making a tortilla pizza crust. 🙂
the pups are in the background of photo #1 … hee hee!
Tostados are my favorite. Started out as a burrito but too much filling to roll so we just pile up on the warmed up tortilla as follows:
Beans (hot and smashed if you like), I cook about a dozen different kinds together. Cheese if you like to melt on the beans.
Chopped tomatoes (garden fresh are the best) or Salsa if we have freshly made.
Chopped Onions.
Black Olives (if you like).
Finely Chopped Lettuce.
Smashed Avocados (with sour cream as desired).
Yum, Yum!
Hi, Gloria…. That sounds like a divine combination! I love all those things… Sour cream is my favorite and I’m not bringing it home because I’ll slather it on everything!
We like the la banderita yellow corn (gluten free) and have started using them instead of bread. Any leftover meat mixed with leftover rice add some diced jalepenos and cheese. Yesterday my son even used left over turkey and a little gravy with some cheddar cheese. They were surprisingly delicious. He said you have to work fast or they get too done to fold over.
Too funny, Cynthia in San Clemente. You gave me a good laugh!
I’m glad you had a fun Christmas with good food, Sue. Love to you and the boys.
Your son is right — You have to work fast. I didn’t have that tortilla on the griddle for very long. Thanks for the suggestion on la banderita yellow corn. So much to try– fun!
Sue, it is almost midnight here and I have to get up at 6am…and now I have the munchies!!! LOL!
That looks soooo delicious 🙂
You folks are making me hungry and I just had dinner…
What a success Miss Sue, now I will no doubt get one of those grills for my friend and I when we camp!
We used to camp,with a family and our tradition was to use leftovers from our last evening meal in camp and make breakfast burritos. We used whatever leftover meat diced up, then potatoes, onion, bell pepper, eggs, and a healthy dollop of salsa, maybe shredded cheese….see….called ‘make ya eat it’ breakfast burritos…. sometimes we had beans, sometimes green beans..wow, it all tasted wonderful eaten outside in the fresh air….
I can see you are going to have a wonderful time with your new tool!
OMYum! I’ll have to get a grill…
Take Care
Nice, Sue!
I didn’t see the running time listed at Amazon, but 1 lb. of propane contains 21,548 BTU. That’s enough to supply a 12000 BTU burner at full heat for a bit under two hours.
Merry Christmas!
I took my time with the seasoning. I didn’t clock it but it was a long time. I had read somewhere that it would take a pound of propane to season. It’s a wonder I had enough left for my Christmas dinner. 🙂
Your such a good cook. I’m just lost when it comes to cooking so I just ordered a Weber Q 1000 through your site. I’m going to try cooking a turkey like George did. I hope you have a lot of fun with your new grill Sam
I looked and I see the Weber Q 1000! Thank you, Sam! That’s a nice grill. I’m sure you’ll do a great job with the turkey. (Do use a meat thermometer.)
No, I’m not a “good cook.” I know enough to keep from starving. You can see how easy it was to make that pizza that was supposed to be a burrito. Good luck!
You did a really good job of seasoning your griddle, it appears to be a perfect cooking surface. It’s great there was enough propane left for you to make your meal on Christmas Day, it looks delicious!
It’s been nice seeing so many old friends stop by to say Merry Christmas on the recent posts. That, and some other sweet things I experienced, made the holiday an especially wonderful one.
I’m very glad you had an “especially wonderful” Christmas, weather.
Yes, it was nice to see Christmas greetings from folks we haven’t heard from in a while, along with current friends. My Christmas day was blessed beyond anything anyone could know, just by seeing those names appear. 🙂
Being a dyslexic kind of guy, I was read the tittle of this post as:
It’s the day before Christmas and I have my new girdle! ;-0
That’s so funny because as I glanced at the title that’s what my eyes saw as well! LOL
Oh, Jim! I read “the tittle” and . . . well, never mind. 🙂
We too recently got a new griddle but were unhappy with the metallic flavor. Thanks for the tip on seasoning it, we will give it a try.
We took a great picture of our canine partners on our last blog, they were in the Christmas spirit!
You HAVE to season the griddle. Four times is good. No shortcuts! That’s what takes away the metallic taste. Besides it makes a surface where food won’t stick. Methinks you don’t like reading instructions. Ha! (Former math teacher speaking here.)
Ha Ha!
Hello again!
Your comments are great. Many tasty suggestions. Thanks for writing. You have me looking forward to lunch. Uh-oh. I’m no longer eating-to-live. I’m living-to-eat and ain’t it grand! 🙂
I added a photo to this post, the one at the beginning showing the interior of the griddle. I couldn’t find it when I was putting this post together. Apparently it didn’t load into Picasa from my memory disk.
I notice people ordering covers for melting cheese and steaming. (Thank you!) You’re gonna’ love having that!
Do be sure to order the size and type best for you. The Blackstone is 12 inches in the diameter. Many of the others are only 9 inches, which may be your preference as the smaller diameter will fit nicely over a sandwich/panini. The 12-inch fits over a full-sized dinner plate (keep meal warm, keep bugs away).
Also the Blackstone cover has a plastic handle whereas the others I see have metal. With a metal handle you need to remember to use a mitt to protect your hand or lift with a utensil.
Oh, boy. In the Pacific Time Zone it won’t be long before it’s LUNCHTIME!
Wishing you a happy day,
Sue
Lots of fun and tasty options with your new griddle. Will be great when it’s hooked up to the BLT for propane.
It already is! Yippee!
Looks yummy…will look for more of your ideas, Sue! I am not able to eat gluten or milk products…but when we do tacos, etc. I just spread either some hummus, or some refried beans on first, which will help hold the meat and other ingredients in place…works fine. Don’t miss the cheese actually. We had tacos last night…yummo!!
PS…in the old days when I could eat flour shells, in order to make burritos, and not break apart the shells, first you heat them just a few seconds…and it makes them pliable…they roll perfectly with no breaks…THEN fry!!
Hi, Elizabeth… Were you the one who suggested a substitute for sour cream? Yeah, I’m going to use beans. I have all these tortillas to use up and there’s only me… 🙂
Me again, Sue. Hi Elizabeth. I tried, because that’s what I had, plain Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. Not a bad substitute. I’ve also used it for baking instead of milk (need to add a bit of water)
On a different note, the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam on Youtube, the eaglets have hatched. One last night and one today. You can back up the live feed to watch the first hatchling eat his first meal. They are active feeding them before the sun goes down, between 5 & 6 pm EST. Mostly fish, but furry things when a little older. I watched them raise one chick last year. Amazing to be able to watch up close. Maybe you can check it out when you’re near some free wi-fi.
Hey there Barb…if you can handle any milk product, in the past I have used yogurt for baking too..esp. nice in things like banana bread/muffins…but I am in the phase of life now that even cooked, I need to avoid milk…other than substitute milks, like the nut milks or coconut milk etc.
Ah, the baby birdie thing…will have to check that out. My grandkids would likely enjoy that one too. One bunch of them/their mother etc take in orphaned squirrels and release them etc. They like the little flying squirrels best they said.
If you check out the eagles, go to their actual website, dickpritchettrealestate.com/eagle-feed.html Much more information. How to tell mom & dad apart, history, etc. Live chat sometimes has classroom visits. Pretty neat.
Thank you, Barb, for the information and link. We have a lot of birdlovers that come here, including me! 🙂
Yes…there are some ok substitutes out there…plus some more coming…via a company just getting rolling called Miyoko’s Kitchen…we on the watch for those…things made primarily from coconut oil and cashews…what’s not to like there?? I just got a new item of theirs today to try out called: Double Cream Chive…I am thinking to use it as I might use some chive flavored cream cheese…the one I absolutely love is their butter however…to die for!! As to another kind of cooking oil I mostly use now, grapeseed oil…like peanut oil has a fairly high heat point…and a mild nice flavor. Trouble is, the only cheap place I know of to get it is Trader Joe’s who are not in all areas yet…but I would certainly give any grocery outlet store a try too…
Smart and Final in Blythe sells grapeseed Oil. I went there looking for flaxseed oil for its high smoke point but they didn’t have it. I would’ve bought grapeseed instead but they only sold it in very large bottles. I bought olive oil which worked fine and I like the taste.
Thanks for reminding me about those products. I thought it was sour cream substitute you mentioned. It was butter, another favorite that I’ve given up. 🙁 I will investigate during the next trip to the store.
Have you given up butter because some dairy causes you physical discomfort and problems, or is it about choices for weight control? I ask because your answer(should you offer it) would influence suggestions about food products and recipes. Good morning 🙂
Good morning, weather,
I’ve given up butter primarily for weight control. I tried using it sparingly but I tend to gradually use more and more. Giving it up “cold turkey” is easier. No butter in the house!
Also, if I eat too much dairy (or chocolate), I get headaches. Then if I don’t eat the offending items for several months, I can ease them back into my diet without problems. With all the cheese I’m eating, I don’t need to add sour cream. I’m also eating yogurt and cottage cheese occasionally. If the headaches start recurring, I’ll give up all dairy again.
Long answer to a simple question!
I welcome all suggestions for recipes, not just for me but also for other griddlers. 🙂
Weather,
Do take care in this frigid weather. Tug Hill got 5ft and it was -40 this morning.
Thinking of you and the critters.
Yikes! That’s right! Applegirl reported a deep freeze on the way… Forty below! That’s dangerous. Thanks, Cinandjules… I join you in wishing weather, Applegirl, and all our readers in the arctic zone safety and warmth …
Miyoko’s Kitchen is a new on the market at least out West…and I am having a hard time finding it…they have just completed a new factory so soon should be more available. So something to keep your eyes open for in future perhaps…not sure how long till it hits the shelves again. I got my butter several months ago…and did not try it for awhile as I had other butters to use up first at home. But WOW, that did not last long…I think it should be healthier than regular cow butter too. It seems that Miyoko’s kind of shut down while making the new factory…you can find out more by going to the website for Miyoko’s Kitchen. By the way, I am not employed nor have anything to gain from Miyoko’s…I am just so happy to have some GOOD not-weird-tasting substitutes for a few things. (And eating soy products really is probably not the best for us either…at least not if we use solely soy…) Heh, well, we won’t talk about weight my dear…in that case I should go on a water diet!
PS I find Olive oil fine for a lot of things…but there are some things I prefer the milder Grapeseed Oil. I love Peanut oil in Asian recipes etc too. Next time you are near a Trader Joe’s maybe you can drop in for a few bottles of the Grapeseed Oil…their bottles are fairly small…and that is good for those of us who cook lesser amounts…we can use it up before it gets too old. Oh…just remembered, I HAVE also gotten it at Big Lots before…and those are in most states now I think.
Thanks, Cinandjules and Sue, we’re safe and warm. Redfield took the brunt of this recent storm, the less than 20 miles from there to here kept us in a milder zone. They measured snow in feet, we measured it in inches, about 10 so far. Our lowest with the wind chill factored in has been 22 degrees below zero. I knew it was coming so stocked up food, fuel, kitty supplies, etc. Kyla and Polly don’t go outside at anytime, and I haven’t either, since Tuesday- it’s frost bite in minutes cold. The kind that makes me pray for any people and critters without a safe home to be in.
YIKES…cold enough where you are, Weather…I have been in that kind of weather…up to 35 below with wind chill…and don’t hope to repeat that!! Be warm and safe, dear lady!! Hope you have lots of necessities all stocked up for you and the fur babies!!
Aw-w,sweet of you to care, Elizabeth. We have plenty of all we need, and Saturday will “warm up” to 18 degrees. That’s safe to drive as then salt can melt any ice on the roads, so I can run errands that day if I want to.
Kyla and Polly living the life!
The ferals, not so much feral anymore, tuck us in every night..we had a conversation on how they used to live outside in their Mylar insulated coolers stuffed with straw….how we would call them for dinner and do a head count..shovel them a path…see frost on their whiskers.
They were like MOM that was our past life….it’s all good!
Your not so feral friends had it made as soon as you first saw them. It’s nice to look back, remember the whole journey from finding them, feral survival,to livin’ like family…
Isn’t that the truth? The same goes for Polly and Kyla.
Gawd I remember when the were so feral we only saw their shadows.
I enjoyed watching you create your dinner on your new grill. I could feel your satisfaction making it up as you went along. That is the great thing about grills. I have a Weber q and love grilling the whole meal (meat and veggies) for dinner. I make veggie packets with a little olive oil and salt in foil putting it on 10-15 minutes before the meat is cooked. Thank you for sharing your joy of the RV life with us, Connie (full time RVer)
You’re welcome, Connie. Thanks for sharing your “veggie packets” method!
You’ve instilled “griddle lust” in me! What a great looking meal! Please do share future grilling adventures with us.
They definitely will be “adventures” as in exploring unknown territory… 🙂
Hi, Suzette… Oh, I’ll show more griddle goodies once in a while. You know my blog — a little of this, a little of that.
Griddle and food look awesome. I’m sure you will enjoy many fun meals with it. Glad you enjoyed your Christmas!
I was finally able to order myself my long-awaited lifetime senior America the Beautiful National Parks pass as a birthday present to myself today….YIPPEE!
Happy New Year to all!
Congratulations, Jan! That pass is a magic carpet to great experiences. Happy New Year to you, too!
Sue what you have there is a perfect Quesadilla maker. All that is needed is more cheese in the filling. As others have said warm slightly to be foldable, precook any veggies and meat, bag of cheese and you are good to go. Excellent with shredded rotisserie chicken and a little sprinkle of Tajin seasoning(lime with chiles) if you want to flavor it up. A good tip I found was to premix the meat, veggies and a small amount of cheese and maybe a bit of salsa. Then lay down a thin layer of cheese on the tortilla, then the mix and then if you want a bit more another layer of cheese on 1/2 the tortilla. Fold and cook on the griddle to the desired doneness. Extra points if you have a bit of cheese melting out the side like a grilled cheese sandwich.
Hi, Steve,
Great suggestions with helpful details! I was surprised how fast everything cooks on the griddle, so, yes, the meat and vegetables would have to be cooked first in order that the tortilla not be on the grill too long (to keep it soft for folding.) I’m not familiar with Tajin seasoning. The Smart and Final grocery in town has a huge spice/seasoning section. I’ll look for it.
If you can lower the the grill temp and just simmer the veggies it works well. Use a higher heat if you like a bit of the charred taste. If looking for Tajin get the smallest container you can find as a little goes a long ways. Another one you might like is Herdez Guacamole Salsa, very good in the mix.
Ha! I bought a jar of Herdez Salsa Casera. 🙂 The sodium content is higher than I’d like though. I’m in an ideal location for investigating salsas…
I forgot to add that if you use a little oil on the grill when warming the tortilla and cooking the quesadilla it will go much better. Peanut oil is what I use as it has a high smoke point and a fairly neutral taste.
I used a little oil on the griddle for both tortillas (I’ve cooked two!). When done, I “burn off” that oil. I figure it keeps the grill seasoned that way and no clean-up!
No need to burn off the oil just wipe it dry with a paper towel and you are good to go.
Just a suggestion, if you use the grill a lot a 5#/1 gal tank is the way to go. I know it is extra to haul, but it small, light and refillable. I quit using 1# tootles along time ago.
I only bought the 1 lb. canister because the hose I ordered hadn’t arrived yet. Once the hose arrived I hooked up the griddle to one of my 20 pound tanks. I might get another smaller tank as some point. For now, as we’re not traveling at this time of year, this set up is perfect. 🙂
I burn off the oil to add to the seasoning. I won’t do that forever. I love how easy it is to clean this thing and since I’m cooking outdoors my kitchen stays clean. 🙂
I laughed when I read how you hooked up to the “thingy”, I know exactly what a thingy is… I use them myself. I’m happy you had such a happy Christmas, so did I.
Hi Sue,
That Griddle Looks Awesome! The sausage burrito er pizza looks so good I absolutely have to get one! Now look what you’ve done, another thing to add to my list of things to buy. I’m trying to get rid of stuff! Going to look at several trailers this weekend, were getting closer. Wish me luck. Thank You for your blog, Forever an RVSue & Crew fan!
FloridaScott
You’re welcome and good luck, Scott! Let us know what you find…
Looks delish, Sue! I’m glad you’re having fun. Seems to me griddling a meal could have some scraps leftover for certain four leggeds. 😀
I’ve never griddled, but I’ll bet you could cook up your choice of meat, griddle up some Asian veggies with oil, add bits of ginger, warm your tortilla (or have no tortilla), put it on the tortilla or plate and add a little Asian style sauce (teriyaki or sesame oil or peanut sauce or whatever Asian sauce). I love Asian food.
Yeah, Asian… I do want to try that! I can’t jump around with different cuisines as much as I’d like right away. There’s only so much I can store without stuff going bad because there’s only me to eat it up. I do my best, but even I have limits. Haha!
Wow! You knocked it out of the park with your first attempt at cooking on your new toy. You did really good, Sue. I needed a bib for this post. Think of how you’ve expanded your menus. There’s griddled veggies, breakfasts, stir frys and bugers galore plus much more waiting for your creative culinary skills. Now in addition to the Canine Corner you can also feature guest posts from the Griddlin’ Gypsy.—Audrey
Audrey! You got me laughing with your enthusiasm for my “creative culinary skills.” You think my burrito that turned into a pizza was a big success, eh? “knocked it out of the park”…. Hilarious!!!
“I needed a bib for this post.” …. Talk about knocking it outta’ the park, you’re a comedian tonight!
What a treat for you. Yum,yum!
I wasn’t even hungry, but your pictures fired up my
taste buds.
This opens up a whole new menu for you.
Roasted chicken may take a back seat for awhile. Lol
Blessings to you and your Boy’s for the New Year Sue 😍
Blessings to you, too, Linda. I hope your new year is all you could ever want it to be.
Yes, a new menu has opened here at BLT headquarters! Heh-heh. Every day includes playtime at the griddle. 🙂
That looks so good. Our house came with a stove that had a griddle and we have gone to town on paninis. We grill things like eggplant, peppers, onions and mushrooms then put them between slices of bread with olive oil and press with a spatula (or you could get a thingy from amazon) until done. Add ham, pickles, etc. if you want a Cuban sandwich. If dairy is bad, look for Chao brand vegan cheese (our WalMart carries it), I think it’s far and away the best, makes good grilled cheese.
Oh, the possibilities! You know what fun I’m having…. Thank you, Rhodium. 🙂
After reading this, I’m starving! LOL Sounds like a lot of fun.
Hi, Sue,
So happy that you love your Christmas gift! Cooking outside, enjoying your beautiful surroundings only adds to your delight! Your open faced burrito looks delish!! 🙂
Have fun coming up with new creations. The possibilities are endless! 🙂
Have a great day, Sue! Sending you, Reggie, and Roger love and hugs from me and Gracie pup! 🙂
Hi, Denise . . . Thank you! Wishing you and Gracie pup a great day, too.
🙂
Just started reading the comments on this post. Oh my! All the blogorino recipe suggestions are making my mouth water and my tummy grumble with hunger! Half past noon here…I need to throw something together for lunch!
Just ordered the same griddle (through your site–you should get credit). I’d been thinking I wanted just this kind of grill for living in my camper. I plan to begin my full-time lifestyle this coming summer. This is that exciting and exhausting period when I get rid of the many things I won’t need and acquire the few things I’ll need on my travels. My Blackstone grill arrives tomorrow–can’t wait to test it out!
CONGRATULATIONS, ALANE! You are going to love it! Thank you for thinking of my blog when you shopped. 🙂
I’ve been wondering who all placed orders for the Blackstone griddle. I think four have so far and, most certainly, one of them is yours. Be sure to share your experiences with it. I’m going outside in a few minutes and fire mine up to make lunch!
Well I’m waiting til spring to get mine. It 0* here. Thinking of cooking outside on the grill makes me shiver and get out the iron skillet and wonder if I really need a griddle. I liked the YouTube videos though. I’m not really into cooking just the eating. And forget the diet. I have all kinds of health issues but I’m 76 and outlived most of my family already. I haven’t gained or lost a lb in twenty years. Yes much overweight but at this point I’m just enjoying what’s left including sour cream.
If you already have a camp stove, you may not want the griddle. Some folks cook tortillas and such with an iron griddle sitting on their stove inside. I didn’t want to go that route because of the kitchen clean up involved. Plus everything is more fun outside. 🙂
you made a “Tostada” when you grilled your tortilla until it was crisp….that is the name of a flat or bowl shaped tortilla that has been toasted or fried flat. They are most often corn tortillas but wheat flour is also fairly common.
Then you put whatever toppings on that you have on hand.
Tostadas are the traditional way to use up the tortillas that are still good to eat but a little on the stale side so much so that they are no longer optimal for folding into tacos or burritos. When made at home they are often topped with leftovers of this, that and the other. Very thrifty meal 😉
Ha! Thanks, Suzy, for the info. Now I can say, “Oh, this is a tostada. I meant to do that.” 🙂
I admit I’ve had a tostada every day since the first one, the “un-burrito.” They’re so good I’m not rushing to try anything else!
Hi, Sue. I’ve been considering getting a grill for some time, and was wondering if you find the Blackstone heavy and cumbersome to lug outside. I wish they made one slightly smaller. Does its weight ever prevent you from setting it up?
Hi, Scamp,
I haven’t owned the Blackstone long enough to report on whether its weight prevents me from setting it up. I assembled it on my outdoor table and it has sat there ever since, as that’s where I cook with it.
Yes, it is heavy which I see as a positive. I’m of average strength for my age and build. I don’t anticipate its weight influencing the frequency with which I bring it out of the PTV. I may not set it up during the summer when I stay only a night in one place at times, but that’s not due to a weight issue.
Regarding the size…. Before I had the griddle in my possession, I wondered if it was too large for one person. Now that I have it and I’ve cooked on it four times, I appreciate every inch of the cooking surface. Sometimes I have three things going on at one time: a large tortilla over the burners where it’s hottest, a pile of chopped onions and peppers off to the side cooked and waiting for the tortilla, and a mound of refried beans being warmed before being put on the tortilla. And that’s just cooking for one.
In short, it’s not too heavy and I like the size.
The only thing I can think of that a person should consider before purchasing the Blackstone griddle…. Will you have a means to boil eggs or cook food in a pot? If you don’t, a portable GRILL with a griddle plate that can be added might be a better choice. Then a pot could be heated over the burner without the griddle on it.
Thank you for the reply, Sue. Since I’ve been traveling over half the year for several years, I’m trying to find a more interesting way to get adequate nutrition. Grilling sounds real interesting. If nothing else, it may be great on my patio at home. You’ve inspired me to continue my search for the right unit for me.
🙂
Hi Sue! Long time since I commented… Life gets in the way… Whew… Here’s a helpful hint when you make the world’s burrito on a griddle.
First cook all your fillings.
Load those fillings and cheese onto the tortilla in straight line from one side to the other.
Fold in both sides of the tortilla.
Then roll it up.
Then… Put that baby on the grill on a low heat and grill both sides to the softness or crispness you desire…
You can then add salsa and cheese on the top and eat it with a fork or hold it in your hand and pour salsa on it as you eat it…
I never have cared much for really soft, raw flour tortillas or raw marshmallows. The texture makes me gag… lol…
Hi, Idaho Gurl,
Good to see you here again! Thanks for the cooking suggestion, sounds delish.
Um, no wonder you don’t care for raw flour tortillas… Try cooking them! I imagine you don’t like raw bread dough either. 🙂