The late summer heat that’s hit us can only mean one thing – time for a barbecue! Don your apron, fire up the grill, grab those tongs and get ready to take the helm because with Traeger’s range of seasoning rubs suitable for both carnivores and herbivores, you’ll surely be crowned as top of your game. Forget the plain old burger and sausage, get creative with your grilling to keep that summer feeling going and as the accompaniments are just as important as the main event, a little time to prepare will go a long way.
As well as making their incredible grills and seasonings, Traeger also have an impressive selection of recipes to ensure that your barbecues never fizzle out. Their mouth-watering Slow Cooked Pulled Pork recipe sure packs a punch. Complete the meal with a side of indulgent baked mac ‘n’ cheese and you’re on to a winner. Want to give them a try? Check out the recipes below to keep that summer vibe flowing well after the sun sets.
Slow Cooked Pulled Pork
Cooking time 11 hours (get started early with this one!)
Preparation 15 minutes
Ingredients (Serves four)
- Pork shoulder joint (3-5kg)
- Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub
- 230 ml Apple Juice in a spray bottle
- Traeger BBQ sauce
- 4 burger buns
- Coleslaw for serving
Method
- Generously season the pork with the Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub. Make sure to rub in the seasoning on all sides, covering the meat.
- If using a temperature controlled barbecue, grill or a Traeger Grill, set the temperature to 105 degrees Celsius and preheat for 15 minutes with lid closed. If using a standard barbecue with a lid, ensure the coals are hot, but not flaming.
- Place the meat onto the grill with the fatty side up and cook for 3 hours. Spray the meat with apple juice once an hour, after the first hour has passed.
- After 3 hours, transfer the meat to a disposable aluminium roasting dish and increase the temperature to 120 degrees Celsius. Continue to cook for a further 6-8 hours until the meat is fully cooked. If it is getting too brown, cover loosely with foil.
- Once cooked, transfer the pork to a board and allow to rest for twenty minutes.
- With forks or your hands, pull the pork into shreds and place into a large bowl. Pour any juices from the dish over the pork.
- Season with additional rub, and add a generous amount of BBQ sauce to the pork, mixing well.
- Pile the pork into burger buns, add coleslaw and enjoy!
Baked Macaroni Cheese
Cooking time 1 hour
Preparation 35 minutes
Ingredients (Serves four)
- 230ml water
- 0.5 tablespoon salt
- 450g macaroni
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 30g plain flour
- 0.5 teaspoon mustard powder
- 230ml milk
- 450g of Gruyere or Emmental cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 85g mild cheddar cheese
- 125g breadcrumbs
- Pinch of Paprika
Method
- Bring 250ml of water to boil. Add salt to water.
- Add the macaroni and stir, ensuring it doesn’t stick.
- Once it’s almost cooked, remove from the heat and drain well. Place aside.
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Gradually add the flour and mustard, whisking constantly. Continue whisking for about 2 minutes, being careful the mixture doesn’t begin to brown. Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the Gruyere/Emmenthal, one-third at a time, until all the cheese is fully incorporated and melted.
- Add more milk if the cheese sauce seems too thick. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and stir gently with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon.
- Butter a roasting pan or casserole dish and pour the macaroni and cheese evenly into the pan. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top.
- Melt a little butter in a pan and add the breadcrumbs, ensuring they are all evenly coated. Add the paprika.
- Spread the breadcrumb mixture over the macaroni and cheese sauce.
- Set the temperature on your temperature controlled barbecue or Traeger Grill to 175 degrees Celsius and pre-heat for 15 minutes with the lid on.
- Place the mac ‘n’ cheese inside the grill with the lid on. Alternatively cook in a lidded barbecue, or regular oven. Allow to cook for 45-60 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling hot.
- Remove from the oven / grill and enjoy as a tasty side.
Traeger seasonings and grills can be found at www.riversidegardencentre.co.uk
