Griddlin'

Last year we purchased an RV lot in a small Class A RV Resort near Lake Lure, NC. The former owners of the lot loved entertaining and the sale included a Green Egg grill, a large gas grill and a Blackstone griddle. I had never used a griddle before but decided to try it.  I fell deeply in love! I cooked many meals on it. 

When we returned home I decided to buy a small griddle for use at home. It's perfect! 

What's cooking tonight? London broil, asparagus and a medley of mushrooms and onions. Yum!

Once food items are nearly finished, I turn off the heat and they continue to cook and stay warm under domes.  It's almost like pan searing food and finishing it in the oven. When the food is ready to come off the griddle, it is put on plates with the domes to keep it warm while I quickly clean the griddle. Within minutes the griddle is ready to be used another day. 

It's taken a bit of experimentation, but the outcome has always been great! Grilling may be a bit healthier, but when it comes to sautéing onions and mushrooms, or roasting veggies, the griddle beats the grill, forks down!

Some random thoughts:

• use good quality spatulas, a scraper and long tongs
• keep oil and water in squeeze bottles by the griddle
• use a tray to carry food, plates, utensils, spices, butter and whatever to and from the griddle
• use a good quality paper towel to wipe the grill after cleaning (using the tongs!!!) 
• after I remove the food from the griddle I use the scraper to push excess oil and bits of food into the oil trap
• I squirt water liberally over the grill. The resulting boiling water and steam loosen any other food bits.
• I scrape again if needed, and repeat with the water
• using one paper towel sheet, I fold the towel to create a fairly tight roll. Using the tongs to hold the towel bundle I wipe the excess water and oil off the griddle surface. I do this at least three times.
• after each use I use the squeeze bottle of oil to add oil to the surface of the grill. I use another wad of paper towel to wipe the oil evenly across the surface and remove any excess. Occasionally I turn the heat back on and let the skim coat of oil smoke to season the grill. 
• never ever let the griddle get wet. Keep it covered when not in use.