DIY Life

By M.E. Williams

Every summer, I look forward to cooking outdoors. Lots of people have propane grills, which make outdoor cooking fast and convenient, but I use a small charcoal model similar to a Weber Kettle Grill. I don't think I'd move up to a propane grill, partly because the food cooked on it can have a "gassy" off-flavor (also possible with charcoal, if you use too much starter). On the other hand, I'd love to have a backyard large enough for a barbeque pit, like the one I remember my late grandparents having.

The Arizona BBQ Association has assembled a page of links that will show you how to build your own backyard smokers and grills. The projects are of two basic types: those based on masonry and those based on metal barrels, which usually require welding. The BBQ Lodge pit project is probably the simplest, but still, the designer had to cut some concrete blocks to shape.

None of these is exactly an "easy" project, but if you get started now, you'll have something to show off on Labor Day Weekend... and some really great meals for the rest of the season!

Green? I bet you thought red, white, and blue would be the appropriate colors for an Independence Day BBQ, not green.

Think again. Clearly, most people are interested in doing even little things to help keep their families healthy and preserve the environment in this age of toxins and pollution. Here are some things you can do to help while throwing a bang-up July Fourth party:

• Skip the plastic plates and cups. Go for anything recyclable or reusable, even bamboo.
• Natural gas grills pollute the air less than charcoal grills.
• Don't shoot off polluting fireworks at home. If you'd like to enjoy the big boomers, find a town celebration nearby.
• Serve up local, organic food, which causes less transportation pollution to the environment -- and your food will be super-fresh.
• Throw a potluck party to share resources.

You'll find more details on how to have a greener Independence Day in Greenzer's article. So fire up that barbie with a clear conscience!

The ties that bind - Dad's probably got enough neckties hanging in his closet and doesn't need another one. If you can get your hands on an old one he doesn't wear anymore -- or one you wish he didn't -- then make him a protective sleeve to fit around his hot coffee cup. As an alternative, you can always involve the kids in a making a skinny tie cake, or just send him a virtual tie to wear while he plays virtual video games.

Picture this - Even thought they might not come right out and say so, dads love to show off pictures of their family just as much as mom and grandma. We've got loads of ideas on how to package your favorite photos besides the standard wood frame from the local department store. How about a frame made from Legos, puzzle pieces, or nuts and washers?

Stylish! - If you're handy with a needle and thread or paintbrush, why not make Pop some monogrammed cufflinks or custom-painted BBQ accessories?

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I never would have guessed that you can build a barbecue smoker out of a garbage can and hot plate. You can smoke a whole turkey this Thanksgiving and re-use it again at Christmas. Instructables member DEel brings us the steps we need to for build our own garbage can smoker. I've summarized the steps here.

How to make a garbage can smoker

1. Build a grafting support inside the garbage can
2. Add support for a dripping pan
3. Add the hotplate
4. Add a thermometer to the lid
5. Prepare the wood chips
6. Prepare the turkey
7. Smoke it
8. Enjoy!
   

The full instructions have accompanying pictures and important details for each step. You'll learn everything from putting all the pieces together to properly preparing wood chips. Eating out of the garbage never tasted so good! This DIY project will definitely leave your Thanksgiving guests talking.

Engine-cooking is totally new to me, but apparently a tradition dating back to the first cars. I don't actually plan on testing this out, but I'll point you to the instructions and if you do give it a go let me know. With extraordinarily high gas prices it does make sense to double the use you get from running your car.

If you're just driving to work, get your breakfast sandwich hot and ready by the time you get to work. If you're heading out on a longer road trip you can make a roast complete with potato and veggie sides. Make sure you match the meal to the trip. Running your car any longer than you need to for the drive is a real waste since it puts out unnecessary emissions and is probably your most expensive way to cook.

If you're interested in this wacky approach to cooking, you'll need to wrap the food in tinfoil, and follow conventional oven cooking instructions. I can't help but feel that this isn't sanitary, though the food is never actually exposed to the engine. If you're interested in trying a carbecue of your own, check out these instructions (make sure you read the warnings on this one). Here are some things you might want to try, and their cooking times in miles:

• Shrimp: 30-50 miles
• Trout or Salmon: 60-100 miles
• Chicken breasts: 60 miles at 65 mph
• Chicken wings: 140-200 miles
• Pork tenderloin: 250 miles
• Sliced, peeled potatoes: 55 miles

So, next time you're headed out to a dinner party and you're asked to bring an appetizer, maybe you can throw some wings on your engine and they'll be hot and ready when you arrive.