Hawaiian Luau Style BBQ

It's been a while since we've shared a blog about BBQ styles from around the world. In case you missed out, check out how the Jamaicans, South Africans, and 'Argentines without means do it'. Yes that is a line from 'Let's Fall in Love.' In this post we'll be sharing some hot tips on creating your own Hawaiian Luau Style BBQ...

Kālua Pig

Traditionally a luau feast was no feast at all without a large kālua pig. Kālua is a Hawaiin cooking method an underground oven (imu) to cook the pig. Kālua literally means "to cook in an underground oven". A hardwood fire is built underground, where the food is placed and then covered with vegetation and stones. It usually takes between two to three hours to cook through.

We realised not everyone may be keen to dig a whole to cook a pig for three hours like these guys. The closest alternative is probably a spit instead!

READ: Outdoor Fire Pits and Outdoor Fire Pit Building Materials

Taro Leafs and Pineapple

Young taro leaves are like spinach. Other side dishes include poi leaves (again, kinda like spinach) and laulau leaves which are used to wrap up pork or rice. Nothing says Hawaiian more than pineapple - the perfect side dish to go with your meat and leaves.

Sweet Potato or Yams

Thinly sliced and placed on the BBQ, sweet potato is a great way to get some starch in your Hawaiian Style BBQ. Season them with plenty pink salt, which is traditionally used as it came from the volcanic red clay in Hawaii.

Haupia

And for dessert. A traditional coconut milk-based Hawaiian dessert. It's made from coconut, milk and ground pia (a rare Polynesian arrowroot). Due to the availability of the arrowroot, you might just opt for making a coconut cream cake.

Kitchen Wine Storage Ideas

Last week we shared the best places to store wine at home. In this blog, we'll share some super cool kitchen wine storage ideas.

Island Life

Re-purpose your kitchen island to accommodate wine. Keep it simple with a shallow, trellis style rack for several bottles or go all out and install a wine cooler within your kitchen island.

 

Rack it Up

Utilise free cabinet space to store wine by installing shelving to accommodate your wine. This is suitable for home owners who'd like to store their wine collection, without taking up too much space. This idea is less work than re-purposing your kitchen island and looks really slick and modern.

Cabernet Cabinets

If you have excessive cupboard space you're looking to fill, turn that space into a wine storage area. Depending on your level of experience, this idea is totally achievable as a DIY job. Try fitting the cabinets with timber shelving and/or steel racks to hold your wine collection.

Pull Out a Piccolo

Probably the cheapest and easiest kitchen wine storage idea is utilising drawer space to store your wine. You can use a fridge tidier to stop the bottles from rolling around the drawer. Make sure you test the weight of the drawer before loading it up with wine. We suggest using the bottom drawers, as you should avoid heavy top drawers Wine drawers can also be custom made, specially for wine bottles too.

READ: Kitchen Drawer Ideas

Counter Offer

If you've got the counter space grab yourself a wine rack that can simply be placed on your kitchen counter.

Creative

There are some awesome custom designed wine racks that can be placed on the wall or left as a standalone feature in your kitchen or even your lounge.

Best Places to Store Wine at Home

With an abundance of delicious wines at our door step, every South Aussie home deserves a special place for a wine collection.  This blog covers the best places to store wine at home...

Choosing a wine cabinet is pretty much down to two things:

1. Personal preference: style, design, how it fits with the rest of the room's decor.

2. Space: how much wine you want to store. Depending on how much wine you drink (or like to collect) you might opt for a simple 12 bottle rack.

Choosing the right place for your wine cabinet or cooler requires a little more consideration.

Bad Locations to Store Wine at Home

Avoid locations that:

• Have too much light
• Insufficient ventilation
• Fluctuations in temperature

Wine deteriorates under light. It could be natural light or electric lights. Either way - avoid placing your wine cooler in an area that receives a lot of light. Avoid placing your cooler by a window for instance. If you're running out of dark spaces in the house, somewhere with minimal light is okay, as long as the light isn't on for long periods of time.

Keep the surrounding temperature as constant as you can. You might find an office at the back of your house tends to stay cooler than other areas of the house or is more constant in its temperature.

Make sure the area around your wine stock is well ventilated.

Best Locations to Store Wine at Home

A Cellar

Not everyone has the space to build or accommodation their own wine cellar. But if you do, there are 4 tips to remember when building your wine cellar:

1. Remember to check the temperature of the cellar all year round. People often assume an underground cellar is cool all year round, but this isn't always the case.

2. Install climate control equipment to manage the temperature of the cellar. Using a traditional aircon will use up a lot of electricity and will only keep temperatures low, rather than adjusting to outside temperatures.

3. Install adequate installation to reduce the amount of energy the climate controller uses.

4. Carefully select a door that assists in keeping the room at the right temperature.

The Kitchen

The kitchen is the most convenient place to store your wine. It's easily accessible when serving guests and kitchens typically have enough space to accommodate a wine rack or cabinet. There are some real nifty ways to store wine in your kitchen which we'll share in next week's blog!

The Dining Room

Another convenient location, especially if you host a lot of dinner parties and/or frequently use your dining area. Dining room cabinets are a great place for storing wine. Just remember to keep it away from a window or any direct electric light.

Under the Stairs

The next best thing if you don't have a cellar but have a two-storey home. It's usually junk that takes up space in the cupboard below the stairs - ditch the junk and install a wine cellar under your stairs.

The Living Room

If you tend to consume your bottles of red in front of the telly, the living room may be the right place for your wine cooler. Like the kitchen and dining room, the living room is also a convenient place to store your wine. It can also be a cool feature for the room.

Getting Colour in the Kitchen

Traditionally, kitchens are designed with natural materials or painted in neutral colours. Black, white, beige, etc, are usually the colours of choice. While neutral colours seem like the safer option, adding a dash of colour to your kitchen can really transform the space! Depending on how brave you are, you could give your kitchen a complete make over in colour, or just add licks of paint here and there. Accessories, chairs and appliances can also add some colour to the room. Here are some awesome examples of how good colour in the kitchen can look!

A Drop of Yellow

Where: The blinds and the breakfast bar chairs.

Yellow: Freshness, happiness, positivity, clarity, energy, optimism, enlightenment.

Why we love it: This is an easy and cost effective way to add colour to your kitchen without having to commit to a massive change to cabinetry or walls. The simple addition of colour in the chairs and blinds turns, what could be a pretty dull kitchen into something warm and sunny.

A Shade of Blue

Where: The cabinets and splashback.

Blue: Associated with sky and sea, depth and stability. Calming.

Why we love it: Blue is beautifully bold! Here, it takes up a lot of the kitchen, but works really well. It's inviting, fun and different. The timber and polished concrete complement the blue really well too.

A Dash of Red

Where: Splashback and walls.

Blue: Love, passion, fire, desire, heat and sexuality.

Why we love it: "No colour is as territorial as red. It stakes a claim." Derek Jarman. Red is a statement colour. It's for the fun, and brave. The contrast of the brick/plum red and candy red works well off-set by the white cabinets.  It's an inviting kitchen, with plenty of sass for the sausages to be sizzled in!

A Palette of Paint

Where: Cabinets and accessories.

Red, coral, orange and yellow: Joy, sunshine, happiness, success and creativity.

Why we love it: The combination of these colours screams the tropics! You can almost taste the cocktails and smell the coconut tanning oil when you look at it. Not only do these colours go really well together, but they are associated with feelings of joy, happiness, success and creativity which are fantastic emotions to kick off your day with! The hanging light looks like a coral which also works well in the unobvious tropical theme. It's also weaved the colour red through accessories like the couch cushion, kettle, mugs and dish cloth.

A Trickle of Turquoise

Where: Walls, cabinets, splashback and accessories.

Turquoise: Refreshing, calming, balance, clarity and cleanliness.

Why we love it: Aside from the fact that turquoise is my favourite colour, it provides a clean, refreshing and calming atmosphere to this kitchen. The space is my no means news, however they've managed to pull off a very modern look with their colour of choice. The bohemian splashback complements the walls and cabinetry well turning it into an alternative modern/boho style. The splash of yellow works well too!

Looking to renovate your kitchen? Maybe you're just looking for a re-vamp! Get in touch with Adelaide Outdoor Kitchens today to get a FREE quote.

6 Ways to Create Extra Benchtop Space

Ever cooked a meal and feel like you're playing some sort of game as you move through all the obstacles on your counter just to get what you need? A game that's no fun of course. There's something really satisfying about having a clear kitchen benchtop. If you're in need of some extra counter space, read on! Here are 6 ways to create extra kitchen benchtop space...

1. Sink covers

These were an absolute godsend when I lived in a pokey apartment in Uruguay. Although, it wasn't actually a sink cover - just an ordinary chopping board. Sink sliders, or covers, come in all shapes, sizes and materials (plastic, wood, steel) and in different textures too (wood for chopping, steel for drying, etc.) Sink covers are a cheap and easy way to instantly create extra benchtop space. Make sure they fit snug, so they don't wobble!

2. Single sink

Personally, I like to have one sink for washing and one for rinsing. But if you're shy of space, use a sink cover to create additional space to prepare on. Alternatively, you could look at having it removed altogether! At least with a sink cover you can use the sink if you need to.

3. Pull-out benchtop

If you've got a small kitchen with minimal benchtop space, try a pull-out benchtop. These temporary benchtops are concealed and look like an ordinary drawer. Once pulled out, they provide additional benchtop space to chop, dice and splice! Make sure it's built sturdy, so it doesn't wiggle under pressure. It also needs to be built to handle some weight.

READ: Kitchen Drawer Ideas

4. Pack away appliances

The cheapest way to create extra benchtop space! It only takes 21 days to achieve - once you've cemented the habit. Use empty cabinet space to pack away appliances you don't use every day. Even the ones you do use every day can be packed away if you need the space. The kettle and coffee machine are the only appliances you'll find on my benchtop.

5. Island life

You might not have benchtop space but if you've got the floor space you could build an island bench or simply place a table there for extra benchtop space. The island doubles up as an area to sit, socialise or share a meal with family or friends.

6. Declutter!

Clear some drawers for iPads, speakers, chargers, etc. Buy a nice bowl to chuck any loose items that constantly appear on your benchtop. Use canisters to sort any breakfast items that might live on your benchtop.  READ: Chaos Control Tips

5 Chaos Control Tips for your Home

"My house isn't messy. It's custom designed by a three year old." One of the many classic quotes about untidy homes. And you know what? In a world as busy as ours, it's okay to be a lil' untidy. But, in case you're looking for ways to keep your home tidy in 2018 here are some chaos control tips for you...

1. Baskets and Boxes

Baskets or boxes (particularly in the kid's rooms) make it easy to keep things tidy. Use different boxes for different types of toys so it's easy to find what they're looking for. Baskets and boxes make it easy for you and the kids to tidy up after playtime.

2. Use clutter to decorate

Think about household items that are charming to display. Books for example can either be dust collectors in a cupboard or under your bed, or they can be displayed on a book shelf. Open shelving with cups and bowls is another way to turn cluttered cupboards into storage with character!

READ 8 Kitchen Storage and Organisation Must Haves!

3. Create a 'drop off' space

One of my nasty habits is dumping my stuff on the nearest surface I can find when I come home from work.  The victim is usually my dining room table which means dinners are usually on our laps in the lounge instead of the dining table! If this sounds at all familiar to you, you might want to create a 'drop off space'. A space either at your front door or anywhere else close to your home's entrance where you can drop off your day's bulk.

4. Use unused spaces

Have a think about the areas or rooms in your home that aren't used very much and send some clutter there. Spare rooms, top shelves, bottoms drawers. The idea is to keep the areas and spaces you frequently use, neat and tidy. Whatever ever isn't used often can be out of site. Christmas trees and decorations, light bulbs, baking items are just some of these things.

5. Kitchen Drawers

Switch out your cupboards for drawers. Drawers with clearly defined spaces for items help keep chaos out of your kitchen. READ Kitchen Drawer Ideas. From knives and spices to pots, pans and kitchen appliances, drawers are the way to go to keep clutter in check.

Outdoor Furniture that Works Indoors

With summer upon us you might be decking out your outdoor area with a few bits and pieces to make your guests feel comfortable. There's some fantastic outdoor furniture to choose from, many of which look great indoors too...

Hammocks

There's nothing quite like looking up at the sky, swaying back and forth on a hammock. Traditionally, hammocks are kept outside. But, homeowners are bringing this piece of outdoor furniture indoors. And it works!

Hanging Chairs

Probably one of the most versatile pieces of outdoor furniture is the hanging chair. It seems to work in every room. Placed in front of the fireplace, beside your bed or in the lounge room. They come in all shapes and sizes. Mostly large and egg like but some are designed to take up less space and kept simple.

Polished Concrete Tables

Concrete is commonly used as a material for outdoor furniture for its durability, strength and weather resistance. But polished concrete looks incredible indoors too! Kitchen bench tops, flooring, tables and seats are just some places you'll find polished concrete in the home. The material works well if you're trying to get that industrial look indoors, but can also be toned down with the right surrounding colours and decor. This coffee table is one of our custom made furniture pieces. It was created using reclaimed jetty timber. The contrast of the timber and concrete looks amazing indoors! If you're looking for  a custom made piece of furniture for your home you can contact me here.

Concrete Seats

These concrete block seats double up nicely as side tables or extra seats. They're beautifully craftedusing lump aged concrete and CorTen steel. If you'd like to find out more about these custom made seats for your home - get in touch with me.

Traditional Dining Table Outdoors

On the flip side, if you fancy a quirky look, taking some traditional furniture and placing it outdoors looks good too. Head to your local furniture op shop and pick up some mismatched chairs and a table for your outdoor area. Dress up the chairs with some cushions and give the table a lick of paint to bring some colour to your outdoor area. READ: Adding a vintage look to your kitchen.

3 Cool Outdoor New Year's Eve Party Ideas with Recipes!

2017 is coming to an end. You've worked hard this year and spent a lot of time looking after your outdoor area. And now it's time to ring in the new year celebrating your achievements in your own backyard with your friends and family! Here are 4 cool backyard new year's eve party ideas and a few recipes to help you put on a fun and family friendly new year's eve party...

Soul Train Sizzle

Soul Train is an American music-dance television program from the 1970's.It ran for an unbelieveable 35 years! The show fused music, dance and fashion. DJs would play jazz, disco, R&B, soul, dance/pop and more while couples pulled some funky moves down the catwalk.

Have a Soul Train Sizzle themed New Year's Eve party with a 70s dress code and funky disco tunes! Decorate your outdoor area with disco balls and lights. Scatter orange, green or pattern cushions, pillows or bean bags for seats. Keep it simple with snags and rolls as dinner.  Check out these 70s inspired drinks recipes.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXbP4JBf8To&list=PLZTqAZSvzlVN8BXlq1EiyO6W2vLjTynOR[/embed]

Mexican Meat Fiesta

This theme needs very little to succeed - tunes, Tequila and a Piñata. Decorate your outdoor area with colourful bunting, bulb lights and paper flowers or lanterns. Buy a couple or large Mexican hats and stick on moustaches for people to dress up in when they arrive. Of course you can encourage your guests to dress up in full costume if they want to! Whip up some Margaritas and Sangria before your guests arrive. Here are some Mexican BBQ Recipes too.

Baywatch Beach BBQ

This is pretty much a beach/tropical themed but with a Baywatch twist. Invite your friends and family to dress up in red and yellow like the Baywatch team. Decor is easy with coloured lanterns, umbrellas and blow up pool toys. Go the extra mile and create a Tiki Bar. Grub can be whatever you feel like whipping up for your guests.

Check out our blog from a few years back with more tips for your party here: New Year's Eve Outdoor Party Tips