Bjorn Bites & Booze

Grilled Salmon with Boozy Meyer Beurre Blanc

August 9, 2024

Grilled Salmon with Meyer Lemon Beurre Blanc

Pair your next grilled salmon with this boozy Meyer Lemon Sauce – they were made for each other! Using Jealous Devil Charcoal and a cedar plank from Whole Foods ensures a perfect cook every time! Seasoned the salmon with my favorite Citrus & Herbs seasoning from Big Green Egg. For the sauce, just a couple of simple ingredients like shallots, garlic, Meyer lemon juice and zest, salt, pepper and of course white wine. Ladling this silky smooth sauce over a perfectly grilled salmon is almost as satisfying as eating it! Plus it’s fun to say “Beurre Blanc”!

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Course Main Course

Ingredients

2-3 Salmon Fillet
1 tbsp BGE Citrus Herb
1 tbsp Olive Oil
1 lemon, sliced

Meyer Lemon Beurre Blanc

1 Meyer Lemon, freshly squeezed and zested
¼ cup white wine
1 shallot, chopped
8 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into 16 pieces
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Grill Salmon

Prepare and heat grill to 350° for direct heat
Soak cedar plan for 30 minutes prior to grilling

Prepare Beurre Blanc

Add lemon juice, wine and shallots to sauce pan, over medium heat, and reduce.
Remove from heat, add half of the butter. Whisk to combine
Add remaining butter, and lemon zest, and whisk until smooth
Add salt & pepper to taste. Serve over grilled salmon

Keyword Grilled Fish, Grilled Salmon, Parsley Beurre Blanc Sauce, Salmon Recipes

by Bjorn Bites & Booze

An Amazing Hike to Lake Isabelle and Long Lake

July 30, 2024

October 5, 2023

Embarking on a cold and windy, yet incredible hike up to Lake Isabelle and Long Lake was an adventure to remember. Covering over 7 miles and reaching elevations of 11,000 feet, we experienced a mix of sun, snow, and the lingering beauty of fall colors. This trail is one of my favorites, offering breathtaking views of majestic mountains at every turn.

Despite encountering icy rain and light snowflakes as we neared the lake, we braved the elements to take in the stunning scenery. This hike truly has it all: serene lakes, cascading waterfalls, enchanting meadows, lush forests, and awe-inspiring mountain views. While we had hoped to spot moose, we were delighted by the presence of chipper birds and a couple of mule deer.

The trail conditions were excellent and well-marked. As always, it’s essential to come prepared with various layers to handle unpredictable weather, along with a hat, water, and snacks. In summer, don’t forget bug spray and sunscreen. Trekking poles can be very helpful, and depending on the season, snowshoes and/or spikes might be necessary. The elevation gain is just over 650 feet, but remember, you’re starting at an elevation of 10,300 feet.

Consider packing a picnic lunch to enjoy by the lake—the views are absolutely mesmerizing. Happy hiking!

In the fall/winter, the upper parking lots are closed, so this will add another mile or so before you get to the trailhead. In the spring/summer, you’ll need to make a reservation to get into the park, as there are timed entries. Click here for more information!

by Bjorn Bites & Booze

Blackberry Bourbon BBQ Ribs

July 29, 2024

Grilled Ribs with Blackberry Bourbon BBQ Sauce

Mouthwatering ribs grilled to perfection over Red Hot Jealous Devil Charcoal, accompanied with a Blackberry Bourbon BBQ Sauce and creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes. The secret weapon? Fire & Smoke’s Windy City BBQ rub, packing a flavorful punch with its spice blend – and impressively, zero sugar! The sauce was a standout, blending Blackberry jam, bourbon, honey, lime juice, and spices into a tangy masterpiece. The ribs? Juicy and irresistibly delicious. Just a kiss of smoke from Jealous Devil Smoke wood blocks. Topped off with fresh blackberries, parsley, and lime slices, this rib recipe is a definite keeper!

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 4 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Ingredients

Ribs

2 slabs of baby back ribs (membrane removed)
½ cup apple cider or water (to spritz the ribs while cooking)

Grill Rub

Olive Oil
2 tbsp Fire & Smoke Windy City BBQ rub

Blackberry Bourbon BBQ Sauce

½ cup Blackberry Jam
¼ cup ketchup
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
2 tsp fresh lime zest
½ cup Bourbon
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (or substitute ground ginger)
2 cloves garlic, minced (or substitute 1 tsp garlic powder)

Instructions

Prepare Ribs

Prepare grill (I use the Big Green Egg) for indirect cooking, and use Jealous Devil Charcoal for even, clean grilling. Heat grill up to 225 degrees, add a smoke block (from Jealous Devil) to give a little kiss of smoke while the ribs are grilling
Remove membrane (silver skin) on ribs
use olive oil as binder and rub all over the ribs
generously use your favorite rib rub (I used Fire & Smoke's Windy City BBQ rub), and rub all over the ribs.
Once grill is at temperature and ribs have been rubbed, set the ribs on the grill and let the Big Green Egg do its work.
Cook ribs, low and slow for 2-3 hours
Wrap ribs in butcher paper, and return to grill for another hour
Unwrap, and toss butcher paper. Return ribs to grill, and brush with the Blackberry Bourbon BBQ Sauce. Grill for another 30 minutes.

Make Blackberry Bourbon BBQ Sauce

Add all ingredients in a sauce pot, mix well, and heat to a slow boil. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Remove from heat until ready to use.

Keyword Blackberry Bourbon BBQ Sauce, Grilled Ribs, Ribs

by Bjorn Bites & Booze

Spicy Red Wine Pork Belly Bites

November 4, 2023

Spicy Red Wine Pork Belly Bites

Spicy Red Wine Pork Belly Bites served with Roasted Honeynut Squash purée grilled over red hot Jealous Devil Charcoal.

These smoked pork belly bites were marinated overnight in a spicy and sweet concoction. Place on the grill, low and slow. After they have grilled for 1-2 hours, then turn them in a spicy, caramelized red wine sauce. What can be better than Boozy bites? Serve and enjoy immediately.

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Prep Time 1

Cook Time 3

Course Main Course

Ingredients

2 lbs pork belly, cut into 2-inch squares
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup kosher salt
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp cayennne
¼ tsp red pepper flakes
1 cup orange juice
¾ cup red wine (cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir)
¾ cup white sugar

Instructions

Prepare Pork Belly (24 hours in advance)

Prepare pork belly by score the fat side with a knife in a crosshatch pattern.
Mix the salt, brown sugar, smoked paprika and cayenne together in a small bowl. Then rub all over the pork belly. Wrap the pork belly tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Instructions

Prepare and heat grill to 225℉.
Unwrap the pork belly. Cut into 2" squares and place on indirect heat. Grill for 1½-2 hours until the bites start to form a nice bark.
Transfer the pork belly bites to a disposable aluminum pan and add orange juice, and honey. Stir to evenly coat the cubes of pork belly bites.
Cover with foil, and return aluminum pan to the grill for another 30-60 minutes until the meat reaches 200℉.
While the pork belly is grilling back on the grill, begin preparing the red wine caramel sauce.
Add the red wine to a saucepan and reduce by half over medium heat. About 10 minutes.
Add ¾ sugar in an even layer in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Heat sugar, watch it, but don't stir. When the sugar begins to melt, use a spatula to slowly stir the sugar into the melted sugar until all of the sugar has melted and is golden brown.
Slowly, very slowly, add the hot reduced wine, stirring until the sauce turns into a rich caramel.
Add the pork belly bites into the caramel sauce, turning them until all sides have been fully coated.
Serve and enjoy immediately!

Keyword Grilled Pork, pork belly, Pork Recipes

by Bjorn Bites & Booze

Appetizers, Recipes

Goat Cheese & Mango Steak Bites

March 23, 2023

Goat Cheese Mango Steak Bite | Bjorn Bites & Booze

Goat Cheese & Mango Steak Bites

Grilled over red hot Jealous Devil Charcoal featuring W Sauce! Mango, goat cheese and mint wrapped up in a beautiful seasoned flank steak. This delicious, elegant and stunning appetizer needs to be on your appetizer rotation for your next gathering. One of the benefits is that you an make it in advance! Marinated in W Sauce for at least one hour, then grilled to perfection over clean burning Jealous Devil Charcoal. Combine creamy goat cheese with W Sauce and finely chopped mint. A smooth layer of the goat cheese mixture on a thinly cut strip of flank steak rolled up with a thinly cut piece of mango, then topped off with a sprig of mint.

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Prep Time 1 30

Course Appetizer

Ingredients

1 flank steak (1½ – 1¾ lbs)
1 tbsp olive oil
Kosher salt
Freshly ground pepper
⅓ cup W Sauce
1 tbsp milk
1 tbsp W Sauce
½ cup creamy goat cheese (4-5 oz)
¼ cup mint, chopped finely
30 small mint leaves
1 fresh mango, julienne

Instructions

Trim flank steak. Pat dry, rub with oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place in ziplock bag and add the W Sauce. Marinate for at least one hour.
Prepare grill, heat to 450℉
Remove the steak from the bag and remove excess marinade. Oil the grates, place the steak on the grill. Grill until internal temperature reaches 125℉ (for rare). Let it rest for at least 30 minutes. Then slice thinly against the grain.
Combine goat cheese, milk and W Sauce in a small bowl, and mix until creamy. Add chopped mint, and mix in.
Spread thin layer on one of the thin strips of grilled steak, lay 1 piece of julienned mango, and roll up the steak into a tight roll. Add 1 piece of mint to garnish on the steak roll.
(These can be made ahead of time)

Keyword elegant appetizers, Grilled Appetizers, grilled steak, steak recipes

by Bjorn Bites & Booze

Drinks, Recipes

Cactus Prickly Pear Margarita

February 22, 2023

Cactus Prickly Pear Margarita

The flavors in this margarita are like a fiesta in your mouth! This Margarita is such a beautiful and festive cocktail! The shocking pink color in this recipe are all natural from the sweet prickly pear syrup. Combined with your favorite silver tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime juice and serve in a salt rimmed margarita glass! Now you are all ready to celebrate with this amazing margarita!

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Prep Time 10

Course Drinks

Servings 1

Ingredients

2 oz Tequila (Silver)
1 oz Cointreau
1 oz Lime juice, fresh squeezed
1 oz Prickly Pear syrup
Kosher salt, lime juice for rim
Ice
Lime wedges for garnish

Instructions

Prepare your margarita glass. Using a lime wedge, run it around the edge of the glass, and dip it in some kosher salt
Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice. Stir or shake to mix. Strain mixture into margarita glass with ice, and serve! Enjoy!

Keyword Blackberry Margarita, Cactus Prickly Pear, Margarita Recipes, National Margarita Day, Prickly Pear Margarita, tequila pork belly burnt ends, Tequila recipes

by Bjorn Bites & Booze

Blueberry, Lemon Cream & Honey Heart Tarts | Valentine's Day | Bjorn Bites & Booze

Dessert, Holiday, Recipes, Valentine's Day

Blueberry, Lemon Cream and Honey Heart Pastry

February 14, 2023

Blueberry, Lemon Cream and Honey Heart Pastry

Blueberries and lemon are such a classic combination! These elegant desserts are light, super flavorful and easy to make! Cut them into heart shapes and share with your sweeties for Valentine's Day!

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 15

Course Dessert

Ingredients

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 egg lightly beaten
1 tsp milk

Blueberry sauce

1 pint fresh blueberries, or 1 cup frozen blueberries, thawed
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp vanilla

Lemon Vanilla Cream

2 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
2 tbsp powdered sugar
½ cup heavy whipping cream
¼ cup store bought lemon curd
1 tsp vanilla extract

Garnish

¼ cup sliced almonds, lightly toasted
Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F
Place thawed puff pasty sheet on cutting board, and roll out slightly. You can cut them into rectangles, circles or hearts. Place cut shapes on a silpat/baking sheet. Then score each of your shapes about ½" from the outer edge, and pierce the center of each shape with a fork. Whisk together beaten egg and milk and brush the edges with the egg wash.
Bake puff pastry until golden brown – around 12-15 minutes (watch carefully). You may need to cut around the inner scoring and press center down slightly to make room for lemon cream. Place on wire rack to let cool to room temperature

Assemble Blueberry Sauce

Combine blueberries, honey and vanilla into a small bowl. Gently turn blueberries into sauce to marinate for at least 10 minutes. Strain liquid and discard.

Assemble Lemon Vanilla Cream

Using a hand held mixer, mix the cream cheese and powdered sugar in a small bowl. While mixing on low, slowly add the heavy whipping cream until it starts to thicken. Increase the speed and beat until medium soft peaks form.
Gently fold lemon curd and vanilla extract into cream mixture. If not using right away, cover and refrigerate until ready to assemble.

Assemble

Place tarts on a serving plate, and divide lemon cream evenly among the tarts. Top with blueberry sauce, and toasted almonds. Dust with powdered sugar, serve and enjoy!

Keyword Blueberry, Blueberry desserts, blueberry pastry, blueberry tarts, Dessert recipes, lemon cream, Valentine’s Day, Valentine’s Day sweets

by Bjorn Bites & Booze

Main Course, Recipes

Citrus & Herb Grilled Salmon

February 14, 2023

Citrus & Herb Grilled Salmon with Grilled Potato Slices

This recipe is super easy, quick, and flavorful – great for any night of the week. The fresh herbs and bright citrus flavors complement the salmon perfectly! Served with grilled potato slices and a fresh tomato salad, you won't even realize you are eating so healthy! Grilling over red hot Jealous Devil Charcoal on the Big Green Egg MiniMax makes this cook even easier!

Lastly, to ensure the perfect internal temperature, I use my MEATER thermometer!

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Course Main Course

Ingredients

2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp rosemary, fresh and chopped
1 tbsp thyme, fresh and chopped
2 tbsp parsley, fresh and chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest, chopped
salt & pepper to taste
(1) Lemon, (1) orange and (1) lime sliced thin

Instructions

Start and heat your grill to 450°F
Prepare salmon fillet by patting the salmon fillet with a paper towel to remove moisture.
Place butter, oil, herbs, garlic, lemon juice, zest and salt and pepper in a bowl. Stir to mix well. Use a spoon or brush to add liberally over salmon fillet.
Place salmon fillet on cedar plank, or foil pan over lemon slices to prevent sticking.
Add lemon, orange and lime slices on top of salmon fillet
Place salmon on grill, and cook until salmon reaches internal temperature of 140°F.
Remove from grill, serve with additional lemon zest, lemon slices, and fresh parsley.

Keyword Fish Recipes, Grilled Fish, Grilled Salmon, Healthy Eating, Healthy recipes, Salmon Recipes

by Bjorn Bites & Booze

Pork Belly Burnt Ends | Bjorn Bites & Booze

Appetizers, Recipes

Tequila-Lime Pork Belly Burnt Ends

January 15, 2023

Tequila-Lime Pork Belly Burnt Ends

These boozy bites of tender, mouth-watering goodness were grilled on the Big Green Egg over red hot Jealous Devil Charcoal. The Pork Belly seasoned liberally with BGE Ancho Chili & Coffee Rub, cooked on low heat for 2.5 hours. Made a boozy sauce with amazing lime citrus flavors to compliment the kick of Cazadores Tequila Blanco and splash of Topo Chico ranch water. I added a little heat from Flatiron Pepper Hatch Green Chile Pepper, and a touch of sweetness from some Agave Nectar. Served with fresh lime and jalapeño slices.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 3

Course Appetizer

Ingredients

Pork Belly

2 lbs pork belly, cubed into 2-inch pieces
¼ cup Big Green Egg Ancho Chile & Coffee Rub
¼ cup olive oil

Crutch

1 stick unsalted butter, cut into cubes
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup Agave Nectar

Tequila-Lime Sauce

4 oz Tequila Blanco
4 oz Topo Chico Ranch Water
¼ cup Ketchup
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup Agave Nectar
1 lime, juiced and zested
½ tbsp Flatiron Hatch Green Chile Pepper

Instructions

Prepare grill. Heat to 300°F, using BGE Eggspander, and indirect heat
Slather cubed pork belly with olive oil, and BGE Ancho Chile & Coffee (or your favorite BBQ seasoning)
Place pork belly pieces on grill, and cook for 2.5 hours, or until pieces are around 160-180°F.
Remove pork belly, and place in foil pan. Top with cubed butter, sprinkle brown sugar over bites, and drizzle agave nectar over all the pieces. Cover with foil, and grill for an additional 30mins – 1 hour.
Prepare Tequila-Lime Sauce. Add tequila to a sauce pot and heat to a simmer. Then add all other ingredients, mix and cook until reduced and thick.
Add the sauce to the burnt ends, and let it simmer and caramelize for about 15 minutes.
Pull the pork belly off the grill and let it cool for 5 minutes. Serve with sliced jalapeños, and limes.

Keyword burnt ends, grilling recipes, pork belly, pork belly burnt ends, Pork Recipes, tequila pork belly burnt ends

by Bjorn Bites & Booze

Drinks, Recipes

Smoky Maple Old Fashioned

October 28, 2022

Smoky Maple Old Fashioned

This Old Fashioned is made with Barrel Proof’s new Bourbon Dust!

As if Barrel Proof didn’t already bring us enough with their amazing Smoking Bourbon Chips – now they bring us, Bourbon Dust! What’s more perfect with bourbon than more bourbon!! This cocktail brings sweetness from the maple syrup, a medley of bitters, an amazingly smooth bourbon from Woodford Reserve, and then the Bourbon Dust! Bring it!! Skål and enjoy!

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Prep Time 5

Course Drinks

Servings 1 cocktail

Ingredients

1 tsp Pure maple syrup
3-4 drops Angostura
2-3 drops Orange Bitters
2 oz Bourbon (I used Woodford Reserve)
2 orange zests
2 bourbon cherries

Instructions

Add maple syrup to the whiskey glass, and add bitters, and bourbon. Add 1 large ice cube, and stir to mix for 30-60 seconds.
If you have a smoker for cocktails, use this now to add smoke flavor to the glass.
Express orange zest into glass, and rim the glass with the orange.
Garnish with orange zest and 2 bourbon cherries.

Keyword Barrel Proof, Bourbon Chicken, Bourbon Cocktails, Bourbon Dust, Old Fashioned, Smoke Your Bourbon, Smoked Cocktails

by Bjorn Bites & Booze

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About me

Howdy! Hej! Bon Jour! I am Bjorn Bites & Booze, aka wild west viking at heart!

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Grilled Salmon with Meyer Lemon Beurre Blanc

Ingredients

Meyer Lemon Beurre Blanc

Instructions

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Prepare Beurre Blanc

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Howdy! Hej! Bon Jour!
I am Bjorn Bites & Booze, aka wild west viking at heart!

The bold
succeed where so
ever they go!

of what makes you Happy!
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