Out and About House Football Tailgating Season Checklist -- Tailgating Accessory Product Offering Expands

Tailgating season is upon us. Eating, drinking, and hanging out with family and friends before the big game are staples for a good time. One of the biggest bummers to your tailgate party can be when you forget your favorite dish or tailgating item at home. Here's a quick checklist every tailgater needs before they head out to support their team!

2. Grill and charcoal Portable grills especially made for tailgating are extremely popular. Do a quick web search to find hundreds of options from big to small. Some are even designed to support your favorite team.5. Seating Remember to bring plenty of chairs. Folding canvas chairs with built-in cup holders are inexpensive and perfect for tailgating.6. Portable bathroom Yes, you read it correctly. You have plenty of drinks and entertainment for your tailgate, but if you need to use the bathroom, you have to hike to dirty, smelly, and crowded portable bathrooms. Why not have your own bathroom that is clean and easy to transport? The Out and About House is a personal, portable bathroom for your tailgating party. It is easy to set up, and you can even decorate it to support your favorite team. To learn more, visit www.outandabouthouse.com .Embedded Video Available1. Food and drinks Have all your friends bring a side item, and you man the grill. Don't forget to have everyone bring their own adult beverages!Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=1360093 Youtube Video Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=1360129To download high-resolution images and broadcast-quality video, visit http://www.outandabouthouse.com/press-kit .4. Activities Bags, washer toss, ladder golf, or just a football to toss around are all fun activities to take part in while you are hanging around before the game.The Out and About House was invented in 2009 by an avid concert tailgater and is manufactured by Greif, a world leader in industrial packaging products and services. Learn more about the Out and About House or place an order at www.outandabouthouse.com .3. Cooler Tailgating season can bring all types of temperatures from below zero to hot and muggy. For the latter, you'll need to bring a bucket full of ice to keep your drinks cold.Contact: Bill Lehmann Tailgating Enthusiast 217-853-8073 Email Contact

Contact: Bill Lehmann Tailgating Enthusiast 217-853-8073 Email Contact

Game Plan for the Perfect Game-Day Tailgate

(Family Features) This football season, you don't need tickets to enjoy the hottest grid-iron games with friends, family and food fresh off the charcoal grill. Gather up the home team and fire up the grill for a tailgate party with all the sights, sounds and smells of the stadium in your own backyard with these smart game-day strategies from champion pitmaster Chris Lilly and football analyst Mike Golic.

Roll dough out on a well-floured board or pizza peel. Slide dough from peel on to grill and grill for 3 to 5 minutes or until toasted and crispy on the underside."Tailgating prior to kickoff is a football tradition in my family," said Golic, "I'm about as big of a grilling enthusiast as I am a sports fan, so any game day is a great day to be around the grill in my backyard."Score an Early First Down: Chips and dip make great appetizers for any party. Try paring tortilla chips with a coal-fired pico de gallo for an instant fan favorite. Give tomatoes, peppers and onions a quick turn on the grill before combining with cilantro, garlic, salt, sugar and limejuice to taste. Home Field Advantage: Combine two game-day traditions at your tailgate party -- grilling and pizza. Grilled pizza is a creative alternative to delivery when hosting guests for the big game. Plus, you can fire up another pizza on the grill immediately instead of having to wait for the delivery guy. Instant Replay: One of the perks to hosting your own tailgate party is enjoying the leftovers. From chicken tacos to Philly cheese steak sandwiches, there are limitless options for what you can fix with the meat your guests don't finish. Just make sure it gets cooked properly on game day -- don't forget to let it sit or "rest" undisturbed for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to allow the temperature to equalize and reabsorb the internal juices.Preheat grill using Kingsford charcoal.

Season steak with salt and pepper and grill for 4 to 5 minutes for rare. Remove steak from grill and let rest for five minutes. Thinly slice steak.For more ways to tailgate at home, including additional tips and game day recipes, connect with us at Facebook.com/KingsfordCharcoal. While there, find out how you can prove your college football knowledge for the chance to win a backyard makeover worth more than $10,000 and other weekly prizes (Aug. 4 through Dec. 4, 2010).The award-winning pitmaster recommends using a charcoal grill to bring out the best flavor of tailgate fare and shares a few quick tips to make your menu a success.Remove pizza from grill and serve drizzled with salsa verde and cilantro.Recipe created by football analyst, Mike Golic, on behalf of Kingsford charcoalGrilled Steak Pizza Makes: 4 servings Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 9-12 minutesImage Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=1369155"Labor Day weekend may be right around the corner, but that doesn't mean it's time to put up your grill," said Lilly. "In fact, nothing says game day like friends and family enjoying the signature smoky aroma and flavors of food prepared on the charcoal grill."

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America's Hottest Barbecue Competition Team Crowned Kingsford(R) Points Chase Grand Champion

The makers of Kingsford® charcoal are pleased to announce competition barbecue team, QUAU, as the first-ever Kingsford® Points Chase Grand Champion. America's favorite barbecue brand awarded the team a hard-earned $25,000 and the honor of being one of the top teams on the competitive barbecue circuit at the 31st annual American Royal Barbecue Competition on Oct. 2.

The Kingsford® Points Chase system allocated points to winning teams at 17 KCBS-sanctioned events during the core competition barbecue season and tallied teams' cumulative points to determine QUAU as the winner. Based on the KCBS barbecue competition rules and judging processes already in place, participants and winners in each of the overall food categories (pork, ribs, chicken, and brisket) were awarded anywhere from one to 80 points depending on their finishing placement during the events. In addition to points, teams that achieved first place in the overall category and used Kingsford® charcoal to cook at least two food categories were awarded $1,000 at each regional event. The American Royal Barbecue Competition seemed like a natural place to culminate the Kingsford® Points Chase and reward QUAU, who placed 24th overall in the Invitational, earning 12 points. Not only is it the world's largest barbecue competition, drawing more than 500 teams from around the world, but Kingsford® and its sister brand KC Masterpiece® have a storied event presence."Our barbecue brands have a strong American Royal heritage, so it was even sweeter to crown QUAU as grand champions there," said Nick Meyer, marketing manager for Kingsford® and KC Masterpiece®. "In fact, KC Masterpiece won the first blue ribbon for sauce at the event more than 31 years ago and Kingsford proudly doubled the prize money of many of the winners for the second year in a row."*PRIOR OWNERSHIP AND/OR PURCHASE AND USE OF A KINGSFORD® CHARCOAL BRIQUET PRODUCT IS REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS CONTEST (EXCEPT FOR RESIDENTS/PARTICIPANTS IN AZ, CO, CT, MD, NJ, ND, TN, VT). NO ADDITIONAL PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Open to Legal adult residents of the 50 United States and D.C. who are competitors in the KCBS 2010 Tour, 18 years or older. Contest pre-registration starts on March 1, 2010. Enter Contest by: September 30, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. EST. To enter visit www.kcbs.us/kingsfordpoints and for Official Rules and prize descriptions, visit www.kcbs.us/kingsfordrules . Void where prohibited.Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=1386748 Youtube Video Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=1386813"In addition to participating in multiple contests, I attribute our success to the fact that we are not afraid to keep changing our cooking methods or recipes until we hit on something that works. Kingsford, our go-to charcoal, gives us the solid, steady burn needed for overnight cooks. Plus, when I'm not competing, it allows me to bring the smoky flavors from the competition to my own backyard."The Clorox Company The Clorox Company is a leading manufacturer and marketer of consumer products with 8,300 employees and fiscal year 2010 revenues of $5.53 billion. Clorox markets some of consumers' most trusted and recognized brand names, including its namesake bleach and cleaning products, Green Works® naturally derived home care products, Pine-Sol® cleaners, Poett® home care products, Fresh Step® cat litter, Kingsford® charcoal, Hidden Valley® and KC Masterpiece® dressings and sauces, Brita® water-filtration products, Glad® bags and wraps and containers, and Burt's Bees® natural personal care products. Nearly 90 percent of Clorox Company brands hold the No. 1 or No. 2 market share positions in their categories. The company's products are manufactured in more than two dozen countries and sold in more than 100 countries. Clorox is committed to making a positive difference in the communities where its employees work and live. Founded in 1980, The Clorox Company Foundation has awarded cash grants totaling more than $80 million to nonprofit organizations, schools and colleges. In fiscal 2010 alone, the foundation awarded $3.5 million in cash grants, and Clorox made product donations valued at $8.8 million. For more information about Clorox, visit www.TheCloroxCompany.com .Media Relations Spencer Taich Current Lifestyle Marketing 312-929-0502 Email Contact Drew McGowan Kingsford/The Clorox Company 510-271-7499 Email ContactFor more information about the Kingsford® Points Chase, including a complete schedule of events and official rules, please visit www.KCBS.us/kingsfordrules , or check out www.Facebook.com/KingsfordCharcoal . While there, find out how to win the ultimate grill, a Komodo Kamado ceramic cooker worth more than $4,000.From April 16 to October 2, 2010, Kingsford® awarded points to barbecue teams based on how their pork, ribs, chicken and brisket fared at Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS) sanctioned competitions across the country. KCBS is the world's largest organization of barbecue and grilling enthusiasts with more than 14,000 global members and 300 sanctioned contests, which is why the leading charcoal brand selected this non-profit organization as a partner. The top team, which earned 653 points over the course of the Kingsford® Points Chase, hails from Brimfield, Ill., and includes team captain Michael Wozniak, along with his wife Beth and their three children. QUAU has been on the competitive barbecue circuit for ten years and a member of KCBS for the past 10. Pronounced to rhyme with "luau," the family selected their team name because they used to decorate their booth like a Hawaiian tiki hut for good luck. The team traveled to nearly every Kingsford® Points Chase competition, helping them to rack up points, and turned in high-quality 'cued cuisine along the way. Wozniak, whose favorite competition category is chicken, said this about his big win:

Media Relations Spencer Taich Current Lifestyle Marketing 312-929-0502 Email Contact Drew McGowan Kingsford/The Clorox Company 510-271-7499 Email Contact

Weber-Stephen Products Co. and the Stephen Family Form Partnership with BDT Capital Partners, LLC

PALATINE, Ill. -- Weber-Stephen Products Co., the world’s leading manufacturer of charcoal and gas grills, announced today that BDT Capital Partners, LLC has agreed to acquire a majority interest in the Weber business through a newly formed partnership with the Stephen family.

About Weber-Stephen Products Co.About BDT Capital Partners, LLC“Weber is a dynamic company with an incredible family legacy, an iconic brand, dedicated employees, and a talented management team led by Jim Stephen,” said Byron D. Trott, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer for BDT Capital Partners. “We are excited to partner with the Stephen family and the Weber management team to continue to build upon the strength of the business in the U.S., Europe and Australia and grow the brand in other key markets around the world.” Trott added, “This investment is a perfect example of our business model – to partner and invest alongside best-in-class and enduring family businesses with strong management teams and loyal customers.”The Stephen family will retain the four existing Weber-branded restaurants. Additional terms were not disclosed. BofA Merrill Lynch acted as financial advisor to Weber. Closing of the transaction is expected in December and is subject to customary regulatory and other conditions.Weber-Stephen Products Co., headquartered in Palatine, Illinois, is the world’s premier manufacturer of charcoal and gas grills, grilling accessories and other outdoor room products. In 1952, founder George Stephen sparked a backyard revolution with his invention of the Weber® kettle. More than 55 years later, the family-owned company remains the industry leader with its Weber®, Weber® Q®, and Ducane® brands. As a leading exporter of grills, Weber brand products are sold worldwide at select home centers, hardware stores, department stores, patio stores, and other retail outlets. Weber has the strongest consumer outreach program in the industry with its Weber Grill-LineSM (1-800-GRILL-OUT®); Weber’s On The Grill™ mobile application; and a content-rich website with grilling tips, techniques, and original Weber recipes at www.weber.com®.“Our family remains committed to the long-term growth of Weber and to the values our brand has come to represent around the globe,” said James C. Stephen, second generation President and CEO of Weber-Stephen Products Co. “This partnership with BDT Capital Partners allows us to continue to invest in the business, produce innovative high quality products, deliver strong customer service, and build upon the global strength and heritage of the Weber brand. The team at BDT Capital Partners and its extensive network of family business leaders understand the needs of family companies, and they invest for the long-term.”

BDT Capital Partners provides family and founder owned businesses with long-term capital, solutions-based advice and access to an extensive network of world-class family businesses. Based in Chicago, BDT Capital Partners is a family controlled private partnership structured to provide advice and capital that addresses the unique needs of family businesses. The firm has an approximate $2 billion investment fund as well as an investor base with the ability to co-invest significant additional capital. Its advisory business works with family businesses to pursue their long-term strategic and financial objectives. Founders and family business leaders value the firm’s long-term perspective, confidential approach and commitment to partnership as the foundation for creating value and successful stewardship.

Grilling - Direct Heating Method vs Indirect Heating Method

Direct Heat Method for Grilling

Direct Heat Method on a Charcoal GrillIndirect Heat Method on a Charcoal GrillIndirect Heat Method on a Gas GrillSpread coals evenly over the charcoal grate. Place the cooking grate over the coals and place food on the cooking grate to cook. Close the lid on the grill for cooking. Try not to lift the lid too often as you will lose precious heat. Lift to turn food or to test for doneness only.The direct heat method is how you would normally think of grilling and barbecuing. It is when food is cooked directly over a heat source. This method is best used for smaller cuts of meat, poultry, fish and vegetables. For example: hamburgers, hot dogs, kabobs, steak, etc.Preheat the grill by turning all burners on high. Place your food on the cooking grate and adjust all burners to the temperature needed or according to your recipe. Close the lid of the grill to cook food. Lift the lid only for turning food or for testing for doneness. Every time you lift the lead, you lose heat quickly.Arrange hot coals evenly on both sides of your charcoal grate. You can place an aluminum drip pan in the middle of the charcoal grate between the coals if you would like to collect the drippings for easier clean up, to cut down on flare ups or for use in sauces or gravy. If you find your drippings are burning, you can add a little water to the drip pan as you go. Place the grate you use to cook on over the coals and place your food on the grate, directly over the drip pan (if you are using one) or the empty space. Put the lid down on the grill and keep covered. You only want to lift the lid when basting or when you need to check to see if your food is done. Lifting the lid too often will let out too much heat.Preheat your gas grill with all burners on high and the lid closed. When the temperature gets to where you want it, turn off one burner and adjust the other(s) accordingly to hold the temperature. You will cook your food on the grate that has no heat source directly below it. You can cook directly on the grate or place it in an aluminum type pan first.Indirect Heat Method for GrillingThe indirect heat method is when the heat source is around the food rather than directly underneath it. This method only works on grills that have a lid. It cooks the food more like roasting or baking in an oven. This method is best used for larger, less tender cuts of meat such as roasts or ribs or food that tends to flare up easily. Also good for vegetables and other food that tends to dry out easily.

Preheat your gas grill with all burners on high and the lid closed. When the temperature gets to where you want it, turn off one burner and adjust the other(s) accordingly to hold the temperature. You will cook your food on the grate that has no heat source directly below it. You can cook directly on the grate or place it in an aluminum type pan first.

Vicki Estes: Sayonara, summer

Break out the brats, hot dogs and hamburgers and dare to cook on a charcoal grill in your white attire --- today marks the unofficial end of summer.

No more lazy river rides at the Shawnee County North pool. No more ice cream trucks circling neighborhoods, enticing us with Eskimo Pies. No more white shoes, shorts, pants or skirts for the fashion-conscious. My daughter, on the other hand, can't stand artificially imposed fashion rules and plans to wear white socks with white shoes, white shorts and a white shirt after Labor Day. "I'm gonna rock the white," she rebelliously claims. Where does she get that attitude?"I think the grass is going to catch on fire," he announced. He didn't have to elaborate. The worried look on his face had "spontaneous combustion" written all over it.Usually by August, kids are bored and parents anticipate -- sometimes beg for -- the beginning of the new school year. Not this year. Every mom I encountered couldn't believe it was time to relinquish the kids back to the classroom. Time together this summer was simply too short. Perhaps it's a sign of the simple times returning. Or maybe we are so overscheduled we don't notice how quickly the days are slipping past us.The scorching heat is the only aspect of summer I will miss. The car repairs are a close second, especially the window that won't close. When I admit I prefer winter to summer people shake their heads, laugh at me and utter something like, "Hardly anyone likes winter, especially me. I love summer!"We stopped watering the grass in July so we could keep the leaking backyard pool filled with enough water to make us salivate for relief. Any rain forecast that month brought us intermittent raindrops that dusted the newly washed car, falling far short of saving the turf, flowers and other plant life. By Aug. 10, my husband surveyed the damage from the upstairs bedroom window- -- with binoculars -- and declared a code brown.I attempted to save a cactus from the chill of our air- conditioned house and moved it to the front porch so it could thrive in the heat. Who knew it would be too hot for a cactus? Its condition is terminal and it may not make it through today's celebratory cookout. We will toast to its full, yet prickly life with ice-cold drinks and grilled Polish sausage, and be thankful that fall, football and cooler weather will arrive about the time I fix my car window.A few short picnics ago, we were celebrating the end of school and settling into our summer routines. Wasn't July 4th just last week?Vicki Estes is a Topeka freelance writer. She can be reached at vaestes@sbcglobal.net.

Vicki Estes is a Topeka freelance writer. She can be reached at vaestes@sbcglobal.net.

Finding The Right Charcoal Grill

Cooking with a charcoal grill can provide a flavor that isn't found when cooking with seemingly more modern gas grills. A good charcoal grill will give the meat you cook a classic BBQ flavor. Charcoal grills come in many different styles and the one that is right for you will depend of exactly what you are trying do to. You can find grills that are portable and great for a picnic, right on up in size to large cooking pits built in backyards made of brick and cement.

What kind of charcoal grill is right for you? You need to think of exactly what you want it for. It is important to consider if portability is important, it is if you intend to take the grill with you on picnics or camping. You will also need to consider how much food you are going to need to be cooking at any time. The small grill that is easy to toss into the trunk may not serve you very well if you need to cook for five people. Consider the cooking area the charcoal grill you are considering will provide.Once you have your charcoal grill all picked out you will need to buy charcoal when you intend to use it. The coal is available at most supermarkets and hardware stores and is not at all expensive. In order to get the coal burning you will need to buy some lighter fluid. The coals are placed in the grill and stacked in a pyramid. Once stacked they are then doused in lighter fluid, after allowing a second for the fluid to soak into the pile it can be set ablaze. Allow the coal to get burning red hot, spread it around the grill and then enjoy cooking your dinner.In addition to good legs some charcoal grills will provide a water reservoir that can be used to douse some or all of the coals if the heat becomes too much. Even if your grill doesn't have that feature you should keep a metal bucket of water around for dousing the coals when you have finished cooking. Let coals cool down first then you need to dump the coals into the water slowly, watch out for the steam that may be produced. Don't throw the water on the coals that will make a large mess.

Once you have your charcoal grill all picked out you will need to buy charcoal when you intend to use it. The coal is available at most supermarkets and hardware stores and is not at all expensive. In order to get the coal burning you will need to buy some lighter fluid. The coals are placed in the grill and stacked in a pyramid. Once stacked they are then doused in lighter fluid, after allowing a second for the fluid to soak into the pile it can be set ablaze. Allow the coal to get burning red hot, spread it around the grill and then enjoy cooking your dinner.