February 2012 Newsletter

February 2012 Newsletter
Like Us On Facebook!    Click on the Facebook logo here and click the 'Like' icon on our Facebook page. Get updates and information on your favorite fireplace and grill shop. We will also be posting deals, recipes and tech support on the page. Or use the page for any questions or comments you may have. We love to hear from you! Gadget of The Month    This may sound like a no-brainer but I can't tell you how many customers I've talked to who have gas appliances in their homes and no CO detector present. This shouldn't only be priority if you have gas logs, any home with gas should have one of these. We sell them, and so do many stores. If you don't have one, count this as another 'to do' on your list. You may just thank me some day.	Central Ohio Home and Garden Show 2012     Has it been a year? Man, it sure doesn't feel like it.     This year we decided to set our booth back in the Celeste Center, also known as the side with all the landscaping, as we feel our spring products like MHP and Big Green Egg fit better in an outdoor environment, even a faux one.     The show starts on Saturday, February 25th and runs through Sunday, March 4th. For further dates and times click on the Columbus Dispatch link here:     http://www.dispatchevents.com/content/sections/central-ohio-h-and-g/index.html     Of course you will see the same familiar smiling faces, Rob, Justin, Aaron and myself. Heck, we may even let Brett out of the basement long enough for a visit, but only if he promises not to bite.     All kidding aside, come down and pay us a visit, register to win a grill, and get the latest scoop on the newest products available for your new Spring project. Whether it be a patio that needs a grill, a front yard in need of some light, or a fireplace in need of remodeling or upgrade, we've got the products and the knowledge to make it happen.      Join Us On The Interwebs!!!!    In order to expand our availability and contact with our loyal customers we have joined the ranks of Twitter and established our very own channel on YouTube.         The YouTube channel will be a fun and informative site with tips on grilling and fireplace operations. Highlights from our cooking classes, the Buckeye Barbeque Battle, and other events will be available as well. Of course, we would be remiss if we didn't include the occasional blooper reel.     I think we are most proud of the informational content we intend on providing. We plan on a series of tutorial videos for both fireplaces and grills. For fireplaces this will include things like lighting pilots, safe operations and answering common questions. Grill videos will include not only cooking tips and tricks but maintenance pointers as well. Leave us some of your recommendations of what videos you would like to see to help us get started. You could even leave these suggestions on.... oh say....     Twitter.     Yes, Twitter. We have joined the ranks of the, tweeters? twatters? How does that work as a group tense?     While we are ironing out the grammatical details (my apologies for the twatters, I couldn't help myself), we have figured out how to actually use this website. Don't laugh, it took some time.     It is a great sounding board for you to receive information about new products and promotions, keep up with the latest news on future grilling class times and changes, and for you to praise or bash us. We prefer praise, if you please.        So check out these newest additions to our online prowess. I promise you won't regret it, much. Click on the link below or the logos above.        http://www.youtube.com/user/SpecialtyGasHouse         https://twitter.com   @SpecGasHouse     Not on Twitter? YouTube seem daunting? We will always have our Facebook page available for contact. You can click the Facebook link at the top to 'like' us on our page. Oh, and there is this fancy contraption called the telephone I've heard is still available for use.... but that is an unconfirmed rumor. 614-261-0824 is the number, just in case the rumors are founded.      Recipe's Return Coriander Beef (serves 4) 1 2-lb beef roast, cut into large chunks 2 tablespoons ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 tablespoon paprika 8 garlic cloves, divided 2 teaspoons kosher salt 2 tablespoons lemon juice 5 red bell peppers 4 tablespoons olive oil 8 dried apricots, diced Black pepper to taste 2 lemons, cut into wedges Finely chopped fresh cilantro (this is technically a garnish but I really think the dish would be lacking without it.) Equipment: Big Green Egg or other grill.  You can technically use the broiler as well, but it won't be the same. Bowl Zip-top plastic bag Large paper bag Crush half of the garlic cloves.  Combine them with the spices and lemon juice.  If you want to take care of all of this in a mini-prep type food processor your life will be much easier. Put the paste into the zip-top bag.  Add the meat chunks.  Press all of the air out of the bag, seal it and squeeze the meat around until it is all well coated in the marinade.  Set aside at room temperature for an hour or so. Prepare the grill for direct heat cooking at about 450°.  The Spouse has specifically asked me to point out that if you cook at any higher temperature the spice paste will char and you'll lose the delicate flavors contained therein. Drizzle the oil over the peppers and put them on the grill.  Grill until the skin is blackened and blistered, turning frequently.  Transfer the peppers to the paper bag, roll the top tightly shut and set aside 10 minutes. Pull the skin off the peppers.  Seed them and slice them, then put into a bowl. Chop the remaining garlic finely and add it to the bowl along with the chopped apricots and black pepper.  Set aside. Grill the meat about 7 or 8 minutes, depending on your desired degree of doneness. Just before serving, sprinkle the cilantro over the meat.  We served the meat and the peppers separately, but you can do as you see fit. Courtesy FeerlessKitchen.com
Tel: (614) 261-0824 Fax: (614) 261-1794 Email: specialtygashouse@sbcglobal.net

January 2012 Newsletter

January 2012 Newsletter
Like Us On Facebook!    Click on the Facebook logo here and click the 'Like' icon on our Facebook page. Get updates and information on your favorite fireplace and grill shop. We will also be posting deals, recipes and tech support on the page. Or use the page for any questions or comments you may have. We love to hear from you! Gadget of The Month  Eggheads who want to fire up fast will love this gadget.   The Eggcelerator is an electronic bellow that forces air into the firebox of your egg. Cut down your start time by half or less and reach temperatures not capable by natural draft alone. Battery powered so it goes where you need it but also has a plug for a 12 volt cord (not included).   This is a device we use regularly at the shop.	An Exciting New Year!     What a fun year 2011 was. We had the fortunate opportunity to see many of you at the Home and Garden Show as well as our Grilling Class Series. We had our first annual Buckeye Barbeque Battle. We made new friends and customers this fall ready to make the leap to high-efficiency vent less gas logs and the like. Big Green Egg fanatics and their loved ones were a regular sight this November and December grabbing items for family dinners and gifts. Looking back makes us realize how truly blessed we are as a company to call many of you friends as well as clients.         We have high expectations that 2012 will be just as fun and exciting as the previous year. That is why we have decided to bolster our calendar events by adding a fourth Grilling Class, starting off the season in May rather than June. Final dates and special guests will be announced in the upcoming months.     The Buckeye Barbeque Battle was such a resounding hit that we will of course be doing it again making things bigger and better. Maybe a little live entertainment? It's all in the works.     Of course, Winter's end and Spring's beginning start off with the always huge Home and Garden Show, of which we will be in attendance (and likely raffling off another grill or grills).         We hope you have a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. We can't wait to share it with all of you!      Change is a Beautiful Thing     For too long glass fireplace enclosures have been relegated to mostly wood burning situations, leaving the functionality of doors a bit of a misnomer in the gas log world, especially vent free and direct vent applications. This is rapidly changing as door manufacturers are addressing the problem with a series of reface kits and mesh door options.     Mesh Doors     Vent free logs and glass fireplace doors were never truly designed to work harmoniously as you must open the doors every time the fireplace burners are turned on. While true with vented logs as well, doors still served as a barrier from leaky dampers that would allow down drafts. Adding a remote to either of these systems becomes a bit of a redundancy, as one must get up to open the doors before even pressing the button on the remote. Stupid, right?     Thankfully Thermo-Rite and Portland Willamette, two of the nations largest glass door manufacturers, have designed a series of doors with a mesh-instead-of-glass option with as many finish choices as the standard enclosures.             Not only beautiful, these solid mesh doors help keep out anything, or anyone, you don't want accessing the fireplace, making this a viable barrier for kids and pets. It's also a great finishing product for a bare opening and the look that can help a tie a room together.     Pre-fab Reface Kits     Pre-fabricated, or metal fireboxes, have long suffered from a lack of options in the door market and for older tired looking units the doors never covered unsightly dents and dings on the facia. Direct Vents (solid glass front) fireplaces had even fewer avenues to enhance or alter their often times bland appearances.     The Renewal doors series by PW and Reface doors from Thermo-Rite are the perfect solution for the discerning decorator dealing with a well-loved pre-fabricated fireplace front. Just see the before and after below.     Transformation can be gorgeous, no?     So if you've purchased a new home with a lack luster fireplace, or have just been staring at the same old tired look, a custom door reface is an economical and non-invasive solution to these problems.     As fireplaces evolve, so too must the accessories that help complete a project. Want to see a real-life transformation? Stop by and see us. We have many of these units on display for your very own fireplace enclosure test-drive.      Recipe's Return Ingredients 1 (5 pound) whole beef tenderloin 6 tablespoons olive oil 8 large garlic cloves, minced 2 tablespoons minced fresh rosemary 1 tablespoon dried thyme leaves 2 tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper 1 tablespoon salt   Directions Prepare beef: Trim off excess fat with a sharp knife. Fold thin tip end under to approximate the thickness of the rest of the roast. Tie with butcher's twine, then keep tying the roast with twine every 11/2 to 2 inches (to help the roast keep its shape). Snip silver skin with scissors to keep roast from bowing during cooking. Then, mix oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, pepper and salt; rub over roast to coat. Set meat aside. Either build a charcoal fire in half the grill or turn all gas burners on high for 10 minutes. Lubricate grate with an oil-soaked rag using tongs. Place beef on hot rack and close lid; grill until well-seared, about 5 minutes. Turn meat and close lid; grill until well-seared on second side, another 5 minutes. Move meat to the charcoal grill's cool side, or turn off burner directly underneath the meat and turn remaining one or two burners (depending on grill style) to medium. Cook until a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest section registers 130 degrees for rosy pink, 45 to 60 minutes, depending on tenderloin size and grill. Let meat rest 15 minutes before carving.   Footnotes Copyright 2006 USA WEEKEND and columnist Pam Anderson. All rights reserved. allrecipes.com
Tel: (614) 261-0824 Fax: (614) 261-1794 Email: specialtygashouse@sbcglobal.net

Christmas Special 2011 Newsletter

Christmas Special 2011 Newsletter
Like Us On Facebook!    Click on the Facebook logo here and click the 'Like' icon on our Facebook page. Get updates and information on your favorite fireplace and grill shop. We will also be posting deals, recipes and tech support on the page. Or use the page for any questions or comments you may have. We love to hear from you! Gadget of The Month   The Stone Scrubber by Big Green Egg is the compact and  durable powerhouse of the grill cleaning world. Equipped with a removable stainless steel brush head and easy grip handle, this little brush is prepared for years of use and abuse. Stores easily in any standard size drawer. Put a bow on one for your Egghead today!	John Henry's Gift Baskets     Having trouble finding the right gift for the griller who has everything? How about a gift everyone will love the taste of? Procrastinate too long and need a gift quick and easy?     We feel ya, and we did something about it.     Announcing John Henry Gift Baskets filled to the brim with our favorite JH rubs, sauces, marinades, injections, we put it all in these ready to give and receive baskets.     Select from five different varieties appealing to all kinds of taste buds. Come on down and pick 'em up while supplies last.      A Call To Arms     We are not ones to generally call attention to ourselves unless otherwise necessary. That being said, we need your help.     As many of you know, we have been an Angie's List Super Service Award recipient for the better part of a decade now (nearly our entire time in business at our current location). First, thank you. We would not have been bestowed such a gracious honor had it not been for you, our wonderful customers.     There are, however, portions of the internet that require fewer credentials to post an opinion. It was brought to our attention that a negative post existed on our free Yahoo listing, something we do not take lightly. This person left no contact info or stated any details of what service we performed for them and when. Now I am not implying any type of fair play here but it does seem a little fishy. After delving into our records and doing some research with the little information we had, we were left with little recourse other than to respond to the posting. Not surprisingly, a response was never given back.     What we are asking is of you, our wonderful clientele community, to post on our Yahoo listing your experience with us. Since this posting was the only one on the listing at the time we ask you to be honest and fair (go on, we can take it), but please add to this listing in order to show others what the public as whole thinks of our sales and service. To do so, just click on this link:     http://local.yahoo.com/info-15439783-gas-house-specialty-columbus     We appreciate your help, thank you again. PS, I just really like the pic, no other reason.      Firecracker Grilled Alaska Salmon Ingredients 8 (4 ounce) filets salmon 1/2 cup peanut oil 4 tablespoons soy sauce 4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 4 tablespoons green onions, chopped 3 teaspoons brown sugar 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1/2 teaspoon salt   Directions Place salmon filets in a medium, nonporous glass dish. In a separate medium bowl, combine the peanut oil, soy sauce, vinegar, green onions, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, sesame oil and salt. Whisk together well, and pour over the fish. Cover and marinate the fish in the refrigerator for 4 to 6 hours. Prepare an outdoor grill with coals about 5 inches from the grate, and lightly oil the grate. Grill the filets 5 inches from coals for 10 minutes per inch of thickness, measured at the thickest part, or until fish just flakes with a fork. Turn over halfway through cooking Courteousy of allrecipes.com
Tel: (614) 261-0824 Fax: (614) 261-1794 Email: specialtygashouse@sbcglobal.net

November/December 2011 Newsletter

November/December 2011 Newsletter
Like Us On Facebook!  Click on the Facebook logo here and click the 'Like' icon on our Facebook page. Get updates and information on your favorite fireplace and grill shop. We will also be posting deals, recipes and tech support on the page. Or use the page for any questions or comments you may have. We love to hear from you! Gadget of The Month  While giving ideas for the BGE enthusiast in this newsletter already, we just had to highlight this cool device separately. The turbo grate replaces the cast iron grid at the bottom of your Large EGG and increases airflow. A quick shake allows any ashes leftover to be dispatched quickly and efficiently. Grate little device. Bah-dum-bum.	Christmas Shopping Ideas     I know what your thinking, Christmas stuff already??? Can't say I blame you.        Regardless, shopping days pass by quickly and even a little bit of help is still... well... a help. So, I would like to take a moment to reflect on some items we feel make wonderful gifts and stocking stuffers. Here goes.       As far as we're concerned there is no off season for grilling, and what better small-item gift than grilling accessories? Here are few of our favorites.     Flexible Magnetic Grill Light A must have for night time grilling. This little guy packs 5 LEDs into one well designed little light. Our favorite feature? The light has a magnetic end that allows easy removal and storage between grilling. And yes, batteries are included. The flexible head gives easy control over direction so you can put the light where you need it. The compact size makes storage in a drawer a breeze. Bringing electronics indoors ensures the elements will not be a factor in ruining the internal electronics.     Pizza Peel and Cutter Pizza on the grill? But of course! Utilizing a pizza stone on the existing cook grids can turn any grill into a pizza oven giving you a flavor more akin to the gas or wood fired stone ovens you see in restaurants. A pizza peel makes delivery and retrieval of your pizza so easy and smooth, every pizza lover should own one. Ours has a collapsible handle for easy storage and stainless construction ensures a lifetime of use. If you have the peel, why not throw in a professional style cutter to go along? We carry them both!        The Looftlighter Quite possibly the worlds greatest charcoal and wood lighter. Super heated air is all that's required to ignite your fuel in seconds. Hold the Looftlighter against the charcoal or wood and hold down the button. After about 20 seconds sparks will begin to form. Pull the Looftlighter back a few inches and bellow the glowing red area until ignition is complete, generally around 60 seconds!     Rubs and Sauces What better than a gift basket of John Henry's assorted rubs and sauces for the grill aficionado? We've got all the favorites, Apple Jerk, Old Stockyard Steak, Bourbon, Mojave Garlic, just to name a few. This is the perfect gift for the person on your list who is hard to shop for. We all have to eat, and everyone loves food that tastes great. A no-brainer that's guaranteed to please even the pickiest pallets.     Gift Cards Can't afford to fork over the whole load to get your loved one that log set or fireplace door? Give them that helping hand with a Specialty Gas House gift card. They can be made in any amount and are conveniently reloadable. Don't forget the wrapping! Not really, no need to wrap these guys so it's ready to give right after purchase. A no-fail gift that gives your loved ones the ability to buy what they want.     Do not think this is where it ends, we have a ton more ideas to make the holidays warm and fun! Stop by 4500 Indianola Ave for more!    Now Introducing Whitehall Products    Specialty Gas House is pleased to announce the latest expansion to our lineup, Whitehall products. Whitehall is a fine manufacturer of personalized plaques, mailboxes, weather vanes, patio furniture and more. These are the experts in finishing touches to any home.        Here is a bit about Whitehall: Behind the legend of Whitehall artistry lies the tale of a unique craft inspired by the majestic shores and woodlands of western Michigan. It was a master wood carver’s desire to reproduce and preserve his hand carved wood sculpture in metal, depicting the grace and essence of America’s natural beauty. Over 65 years later, Whitehall Products still offers you the same mastery in detail with each originally designed, carved and hand cast product. Over 65 Years of Manufacturing Excellence Renowned as the world’s largest manufacturer of weather vanes, Whitehall is also recognized for its extensive line of personalized home address plaques, mailboxes, and garden accents such as hose holders, birdbaths, bird feeders and sundials. Whitehall’s home accent collection includes unique indoor/outdoor clocks and thermometers and personalized doormats.     These personal touches can make wonderful gifts as well, give that new homeowner a personalized plaque with their address and possibly last name on it.     Come on in and see our display of these excellent products!    Because It's Thanksgiving Soon Ingredients 3 gallons peanut oil for frying, or as needed 1 (12 pound) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed 1/4 cup Creole seasoning 1 white onion Directions In a large stockpot or turkey fryer, heat oil to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Be sure to leave room for the turkey, or the oil will spill over. Layer a large platter with food-safe paper bags. Rinse turkey, and thoroughly pat dry with paper towels. Rub Creole seasoning over turkey inside and out. Make sure the hole at the neck is open at least 2 inches so the oil can flow freely through the bird. Place the whole onion and turkey in drain basket. The turkey should be placed in basket neck end first. Slowly lower basket into hot oil to completely cover turkey. Maintain the temperature of the oil at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C), and cook turkey for 3 1/2 minutes per pound, about 45 minutes. Carefully remove basket from oil, and drain turkey. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh; the internal temperature must be 180 degrees F (80 degrees C). Finish draining turkey on the prepared platter. Just a quick side note: We do sell the turkey deep fryer kits complete with burner, pot, temp gauge, hanger, injector and more. Courtesy of allrecipes.com
Tel: (614) 261-0824 Fax: (614) 261-1794 Email: specialtygashouse@sbcglobal.net

October 2011 Newsletter

October 2011 Newsletter
Like Us On Facebook!    Click on the Facebook logo here and click the 'Like' icon on our Facebook page. Get updates and information on your favorite fireplace and grill shop. We will also be posting deals, recipes and tech support on the page. Or use the page for any questions or comments you may have. We love to hear from you! Gadget of The Month Turn your gas or charcoal grill into a breakfast bistro with GrillPro's cast aluminum griddle. Great for those who don't like the smell of cooking bacon (I vehemently disagree, but i digress) or want to serve brunch on a nice crisp morning. The aluminum allows for quick even heating. This device is limited only to your imagination. Need inspiration? See this months recipe below.	BBB 2011 Huge Hit         The Buckeye Barbeque Battle 2011 is over and we had a blast!     First off, a big thanks to all our sponsors, Ferrell Gas, Weiland's, 97.1 The Fan, Aqua Systems, Dr. Robert Gardner DDS, and Budweiser. You helped make this day as big of a success as it was.     Next, congratulations to all our winners, Sean Stauffer, Justin Cavinee and Tom Watson.      The weather was beautiful, the crowd was hungry, and the food was phenomenal. This was easily the first of bigger competitions to come. So, if you missed out this year, no worries, we will be holding this crowd pleaser annually to cap off our Spring and Summer events. Check our newsletter, Facebook and web site for future dates and times.     The winning dish? Babyback ribs, jalepeno poppers, deviled eggs and humongous grilled shrimp. Take a look ------------------------->     Pictures from the entire event will be posted to our website on the gallery page shortly. They can currently be seen on our Facebook page as well. You can access it by clicking here.         Think you can do better?     Put your grilling where you mouth is and compete! The 2012 Buckeye Barbeque Battle will be here quicker than you think.         The New Fall Lineup     No, not your prime-time television fall lineup. The new collection of log and fireplace systems from some of our favorite vented and vent-free manufacturers.         It is undeniably the start of fireplace season as the leaves change and temperatures begin to drop. Combat those chilly nights with a new ventless log set from Monessen or Empire Comfort. New styles are available like the Stony Creek (pictured) along side the classic favorites.     As always, the 10 for 10 deal is a standing offer (10 cans of non-perishable food goods for 10% off product purchase), but we also have deals on clearance fireplace systems and doors. Stop by our showroom to see the deals.     Speaking of deals, grill season is by no means over (it never is for us) and the deals have never been better. MHP, Firemagic and Broilmaster all on sale. Of course, we will be stocking the Large Big Green Eggs all winter too. Xmas isn't THAT far away, just sayin.     The chilly weather also means our service schedule gets backed up in a hurry. So if you're having trouble with your existing gas fireplace, don't hesitate to call 614-261-0824 or email specialtygashouse@sbcglobal.net to have a qualified service professional tune-up your system.      Fluffy Pancakes Breakfast on the grill you say????? Yesir! Check out this months gadget up on the left. Ingredients 3/4 cup milk 2 tablespoons white vinegar 1 cup all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons white sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 egg 2 tablespoons butter, melted cooking spray   Directions Combine milk with vinegar in a medium bowl and set aside for 5 minutes to "sour". Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk egg and butter into "soured" milk. Pour the flour mixture into the wet ingredients and whisk until lumps are gone. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, and coat with cooking spray. Pour 1/4 cupfuls of batter onto the skillet, and cook until bubbles appear on the surface. Flip with a spatula, and cook until browned on the other side.   Courteousy allrecipes.com
Tel: (614) 261-0824 Fax: (614) 261-1794 Email: specialtygashouse@sbcglobal.net

Buckeye Barbeque Battle 2011

			Buckeye Barbeque Battle
			This Saturday the gloves come off!   9 competitors and teams converge on Specialty Gas House September 17th for the 1st annual Buckeye Barbeque Battle. 97.1 The Fan''s Scott Torgerson and Fan Girls will be on hand along with local vendors. Plus discounts on Gas and Charcoal Grills. For more information check out our Website: www.specialtygashouse.com Wanna compete? It's not too late. Email Rob atrob@specialtygashouse.com