Is it Really Only March? Grilling Season is Already In High Gear

But what about the environmental impact of grills, especially charcoal?

It’s grilling season early this year, and the scents fill my neighborhood each evening. So…gas or charcoal? According to a 2009 study by scientific research firm Atlantic Consulting, charcoal grills leave a much larger carbon footprint - about 2/3 more in fact -than their gas-powered counterparts.  And most of that footprint is from the charcoal itself being burnt.  The study included everything – from the process of manufacturing the grills to the transportation of the different fuel to the actual production and burning of the fuels themselves.  And charcoal briquettes are inefficient and dirty. They produce smoke and soot particles that can pollute the air, irritate your lungs and exacerbate existing heart and lung problems.  In addition…

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Cajun Creations

BBQ for Mardi Gras: Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp, Potato Salad & Pork 'N Beans (With Recipe)

Today’s column is all about Mardi Gras madness with a side of BBQ.

Today is the last day of the Carnival season, known around the world as the last day to get out all of your sins before you repent for Lent. Here, it's better known as Mardi Gras. To me, Mardi Gras is more than beads, booze and boobs. It’s also about music, marching bands, and time off from school. Mardi Gras madness is celebrated differently across my hometown state of Louisiana. The Spanish Town parade covers Baton Rouge in pink flamingos and pleases the spectators with original dancing groups, like The Lawnmower Brigade. In the neighborhoods of New Orleans, the Mardi Gras Indians parade though the streets wearing elaborate suits made of beads, sequence and feathers. Near my parran’s house (pronounced “pah-ran,” meaning Godfather) in …

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