Recipe of the Month: Green Chili Cheeseburger
September 21, 2016 Outdoor CookingSeptember 29th is National Good Neighbor Day, so breakout your culinary skills, get to grillin’, and invite them over for a patio party. We brought the heat by kicking up the spice on traditional burger recipe for this edition of our Recipe of the Month.
Green Chili Cheeseburger
Ingredients
Instructions
Project of the Month: July 2015
August 7, 2015 Project of the MonthClick on the image to discover the details of this traditional project.
Project of the Month: June 2015
July 2, 2015 Project of the MonthClick on the image to discover the details of this traditional project in Briar Bayou.
Project of the Month: October 2014
October 29, 2014 Project of the MonthClick on the image to discover the details of this traditional project in Sugar Land.
The Outdoor Style Show: Outdoor Kitchen Options | Grills
August 14, 2014 Outdoor Cooking, Outdoor Living, Outdoor Style Show, Patio Design50 Great Reasons to Add Outdoor Style to Your Backyard
April 4, 2014 Outdoor LivingAdding a stylish outdoor living space is undoubtably a significant investment. We get to see the return on that investment every day as homeowners increase the value of their lifestyle by creating a space to take time out for the important things in life. Here’s a list of 50 great reasons to add Outdoor Style to YOUR backyard:
- More space for those big gatherings!
- Outdoor dinner parties
- A nearby spot for star gazing
- To celebrate your son/daughter’s graduation party
- A quiet place to drink your morning coffee and read the news
- To keep the indoor kitchen cool by grilling out in the summer
- A place to tell stories around the campfire with the kids or grandkids
- A covered space in which to watch a good Texas thunderstorm roll in
- Family dinners on the patio
- A patio cover provides indoor shade, too
A place to let them watch the game outside while you commandeer the living room TV with your show- Exhale the stress
- Ice cream cones melt slower in the shade
- That quaint little backyard wedding
- A shady spot to watch the kids while they play in the pool
- Girls night in
- Give your swimmers a place to snack, a place to rest and a place to use the bathroom… without soaking your floors
- A place to slow down
- Rover loves a shady spot to enjoy the dog days of summer
- To invite the neighbors over for that barbecue
- A place to put your feet up
- What better backdrop for family portraits, than your own home?
- A perfect spot to indulge a “no plans” Saturday
- To host a backyard brunch
- A place to drink cocoa on a cool evening
- A place to pop a cold bottle on a hot day
- Serve up their favorite birthday dinner
- To sit a spell and have a long conversation
- To pass on the art of grilling
- A comfy spot to devour the latest novel
- Dine alfresco with a date night in
- To one up the Joneses
- All the barbecue holidays-Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day-are better served up in your stylish backyard
- Easy clean up for children’s birthday parties
- A place to hang your porch swing
- Practice your mixology
- A quiet space to watch the feathered visitors to your bird feeder
- Give your house guests a space of their own in a backyard guesthouse
- Turn on the patio string lights and have a glass of wine
- A perfect place to paint or draw
- Keep the drinks cold in your outdoor kitchen fridge
- Be the house where everyone gathers
- Take refuge from tuba practice
- Swing in a hammock
- Celebrate your retirement
- Sit down and talk about your day
- Get down a play trucks or have that tea party
- Raise a glass to the newly engaged couple
- Teach the art of a perfectly toasted marshmallow to the next generation
- Just breathe
If you think your backyard living could use an Outdoor Style upgrade, we’d love to talk with you. Contact us for a free consultation at (281) 265-1994 or send us a message via our website.
Outdoor Living Gifts for the Man in your Life
June 12, 2013 Outdoor LivingAs our focus turns toward fathers this month, we want to stop and honor the men in our lives. Whether he’s a grill master, a fire starter, the team’s biggest fan, a connoisseur of beers, a gadget guy or a just hard-working man, we all have one thing in common: a love for taking it outdoors and relaxing in a beautiful space. We chose this collection of gift ideas for him to give him even more enjoyment in his own back yard.
Stout Bottle Opener
Price: $35+
Why we love it: This is a bottle opener that knows it’s simply awesome. Its ingenious design allows you to pop bottle tops without bending the caps. And the built-in magnet holds the bottle cap, keeping it from bouncing and rolling on the patio. It’s designed to last. Take a look at their Kickstarter video and you’ll see a glimpse of their passion for slowing down and capturing the moments with family and friends, one popped bottle at a time.
S’more to Love STL-611 6-S’more Maker
Price: $19.99
Why we love it: If he’s a fire starter, this gadget will turn him into an outdoor confection superhero, serving up six perfectly toasted, ooey-gooey s’mores at once. It’s delicious and efficient!
Home Plate Doormat
Price: $22.00
Why we love it: If he’s a baseball-lover, he’ll feel like he hit a home run stepping out onto Home Plate on his patio. Warning: he may try to start the wave or slide into the back door.
Lifeproof LifeJacket Float for iPhone 4/4S and 5
Price: $39.99
Why we love it: Lifeproof makes a case that is water proof, dirt proof and shock proof, which eliminates most of the hazards of taking his iPhone out on the patio. The case is waterproof up to 6.5 feet for up to 30 minutes. When paired with the Lifeproof LifeJacket, it floats! Now he can play Candy Crush and Angry Birds while relaxing poolside. (Requires Lifeproof Case.)
Wooden 6-pack Beer Tote
Price: $35.00
Why we love it:This handmade beer tote was made from reclaimed redwood beams. Since it’s water-proof and weather proof, it is a perfect candidate for taking out back. It’s nostalgic design reminds us of the slower pace of days gone by.
Custom-printed M&M’s
Price: $10.99-199.99
Why we love it: You can’t go wrong when you combine delicious chocolate with his favorite team. He can indulge while watching the big game on the patio. If collegiate ball is his thing, you can customize for his favorite University with the My M&M’s tool. Don’t worry, we checked! They have both maroon AND orange to keep you Aggies and Longhorns at peace.
Cotton Hammock
Price: $109.00 large / $119.00 extra large
Why we love it: L.L. Bean says this hammock has been a customer favorite for over 30 years. No doubt! There is a certain type of relaxation that only happens in a hammock. It’s almost as if a nap is a requirement. He works hard. He deserves it!
Custom-made Wall Badge
Price: $149.00
Why we love it: First of all, this 34″ wall sign is custom made right here in Texas. Personalize it with his family name, his favorite team, his hometown or anything he loves (up to 16 characters). It is designed to last for years outside, so it’s a great way for him to declare his outdoor space as his own.
Grill Charms for Steak
Price: $19.95
Why we love it: These ingenious little charms will hold tight to steaks as he flips and moves them around the grill, making dinner a little less like a game of shells and more of a sure thing. It is important business when it comes to how you like your steaks prepared! On a serious note, this is a great tool for marking pieces prepared for special health or allergy needs.
Rockin’ Dad Branding Iron with Cedar Gift Box
PRICE: $39.95
Why we love it: He can add his signature style to the dishes he prepares with the satisfying sizzle of the rockin’ dad design. It’s almost like he’s signing your steak, “Prepared with love forever, Dad.”
Personalized Leather Apron & Gloves Set (Branded)
Price: $89.90
Why we love it: Not only is this soft suede set a perfect compliment to the Rockin’ Dad Branding Iron, it is protective against the hazards of grilling. Personalize it with a custom branded monogram with his initials or up to three letters. It’s an apron set fit for the King of the Grill!
Tailgating Treat
September 1, 2012 Outdoor Cooking| Tailgating Treat |
Enjoy your tailgating extravaganza as much as your guests by preparing this delicious main course ahead of time. Then all you’ll need to do during your party is just warm it up. You won’t miss but a moment of the fun! Bratwurst Bath Ingredients 1 aluminum foil baking pan 1 stick butter 3 to 4 bottles (12 ounces) beer 2 medium yellow onions, sliced 1 pound container sauerkraut, drained 12 to 16 bratwursts 12 to 16 bratwurst buns or hard rolls Mustard Directions
The Bratwurst Bath works equally well on a grill (indirect heat), in an oven (250 degrees), or in a slow cooker (on “Warm”). Prepare the bath mixture and grill the bratwursts ahead of time (even the night before), then simply combine everything and reheat it to serve. Tell us what you think: What do you do to prepare for tailgating? Do your guests bring anything? |
A Memorable Memorial Day BBQ
April 20, 2012 Outdoor CookingWant your guests to remember your barbecue for seasons to come? Set the tone as you set the table. Instead of the “traditional” cook-out fare, try offering a unique menu item that is as varied as your guests: grilled pizza.
Grilled Pizza
Adapted from Allrecipes.com
Ingredients
1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
1 cup warm water
1 pinch white sugar
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
1/2 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 cup tomato sauce
2 cups shredded (or sliced) mozzarella cheese
Standard toppings of choice (thinly sliced onions, thinly sliced or diced tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, sliced black olives, sliced roasted red peppers, pepperoni, etc.)
Notes
Make pizza dough from scratch (instructions in Step 1 make enough for 2 pizzas), or look for prepared pizza dough in your grocer’s freezer. From-scratch dough needs at least 1 hour prep time. If preparing the dough for a party, make several pizza dough rounds, stack them separated by parchment paper, and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before cooking.
Directions
1. In a bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water, and mix in sugar. Proof for ten minutes, or until frothy. Mix in the salt, olive oil, and flour until dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Turn onto a lightly floured (or corn-mealed) surface. Knead until smooth, about 8 minutes. Place dough in a well-oiled bowl, and cover with a damp cloth. Set aside to rise until doubled, about 1 hour. Punch down, and knead in garlic and basil. Set aside to rise for 1 more hour, or until doubled again.
2. Preheat grill for high heat. Heat olive oil with garlic for 30 seconds in the microwave. Set aside. Punch down dough, and divide in half. Form each half into a crust 3/8 to 1/2 inch thick.
3. Brush grill grate with garlic olive oil. Carefully place one crust on hot grill. The dough will begin to puff almost immediately. When the bottom of the crust has lightly browned, turn over using two spatulas. Quickly brush oil over crust, and then brush with 2 tablespoons tomato sauce (too much sauce will make a soggy crust). Sprinkle on the cheese, and arrange toppings. Close the lid, and cook until the cheese melts and bottom of crust begins to char. Remove from grill, and set aside to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tell us what you think: What culinary treats make for a memorable bbq?
Favorite Products and Personal Style: Q&A with the Outdoor Living Bloggers
March 27, 2012 Patio DesignDo you ever wonder what outdoor decoration experts buy for their own homes? So do we! We asked the bloggers at Outdoor Living Blog to answer a few questions about their favorite products and personal style so that we could share their tips with you. Read their answers below to learn about their recommendations for cleaning patio furniture, eco-friendly products, and DIY patio decorations.
Texas Custom Patios (TCP): What are your favorite new patio products this year?
Outdoor Living Blog (OLB): I love the growing availability of outdoor kitchen products. The number of grilling options alone has increased a lot over the past few years. There are charcoal, electric, and gas grills to fit almost any budget now – and lots of appliances. Another fantastic new patio trend is the patio day bed. They are so comfy, and a great, relaxing way to enjoy the outdoors.
TCP: Your blog has a lot of tips for being more eco-friendly. If someone wants to start making their yard more eco-friendly, what’s the first thing they should do?
OLB: Go solar! I think this is by far the easiest step to becoming more eco-friendly. There are so many great solar products now; there are solar fountains, solar lighting and even solar wind chimes. The best part is that these eco-friendly products will save you money on your electricity bills!
Solar fountain from Outdoor Living
TCP: It’s spring cleaning time. Do you have any tips for keeping patio furniture clean?
OLB: The great thing about patio furniture is that most of it can be easily cleaned with a wet rag and a little soap. To keep your furniture protected from the harshest elements, patio furniture covers are a great option. To keep your cushions and pillows looking like new, be sure to put them away when they are not in use. Outdoor storage benches or chests are a great place to hide and protect them.
TCP: What’s the most useful item you’ve ever bought for your patio/backyard?
OLB: The best investment I made for my yard was the grill. There is nothing worse then having to heat up the oven on a warm summer day. It’s great to just fire up the grill and enjoy the outdoors. Some people find the menu options for a grill limiting, but the possibilities really are endless. You can grill vegetables, fruit, pizza, and even desserts! (Read about their favorites here.)
TCP: You have a lot of DIY projects on your blog. What’s the best beginner project for someone who wants to make patio decorations?
OLB: I think the easiest, most fabulous DIY project I have found is from In My Own Style. Using a tuna can, old paint stick and a glass vase, you can create an amazing (and cheap) outdoor torch.
TCP: How have you decorated your own backyard/patio? What’s your personal style like?
OLB: My backyard is still a work in progress. But my ultimate goal is to create a tranquil sanctuary.
I absolutely love the outdoors. That being said, I’m not what you call an “outdoorsy” person. I want my backyard to feel like an extension of my home, not like a campground. I want casual, relaxing furniture like patio sofas and chaise lounges. I would also love to have overstuffed cushions, toss pillows and a large, colorful outdoor rug. My dream yard would also have a large, wood pergola with soft, flowing outdoor curtains on all sides.
