Bursting with garlic flavor and spices, the kielbasa at State Meats makes a hit on the grill.Welcome to Gadgets, Gear & Grub, a weekly spotlight of what's new for the cook, kitchen and table. This week, great grilling with a solid cookbook, big flavor local kielbasa, a notable spice rub and a quesadilla holder.
Easy cookout
Go for the big, bold flavors of kielbasa on the grill from State Meats, Inc. in Parma's Ukrainian Village. Owner George Salo recommends a slow heat for the fully cooked, smoked sausage, just enough to thoroughly heat and caramelize. Salo also recommends hard rolls from Michael's Bakery and a dab of horseradish-like Russian Mustard, also sold there. ($5 a pound average for kielbasa, 5338 State Road, Parma, 216-398-0183.)
Speed grilling
The streamlining "Time To Grill" from Weber-Stephens and its culinary talent, Jamie Purviance, encourages home cooks to "Get In. Get Out. Get Grilling." Get compliments, too, with this Father's Day-ready (or Mother's Day-belated) collection of quick and memorable dishes. ($24.95, widely available in bookstores and recently at a $10 discount at amazon.com.)
Rub ready
I would never slap my daddy, but I might buy him some Slap Yo' Daddy BBQ Meat Rub sold through Chef's Ingredient Outlet in South Euclid. California chef Harry Soo, sticky with big awards from Canada, California and Kansas City, did the recipes and Chef's Ingredient blended the mix that seems to have the right balance of sweet, hot and savory for everything from pork to chicken to popcorn. Use a tablespoon or more to dress up 11/4 pounds of ground turkey for burgers and slap 'em on yo' grill. ($6.95 for a 7-ounce package of original, lower-sodium, hot, and original without MSG, 4145 Mayfield Road, 216-381-9916.)
Grill anything that fits and help keep it from scorching with this quesadilla basket.Basket case
You don't have to give up your favorite quesadillas just because it's grilling season. This half-moon Mesh Quesadilla Grill Basket from Sur La Table lets you move them easily to keep from scorching, helps crisp them up and melt the cheese without losing the goods. Slip in anything else that needs a secure hold, including fish, sandwiches, sliced vegetables and handmade veggie burgers. ($15, Sur La Table, 28819 Chagrin Blvd., Woodmere, 216-378-1800)