The Labor Day Issue

Fire up that grill in celebration of the American workforce — and the extended holiday weekend. At Kalamazoo, we are also celebrating the long-awaited release of our own premium lump charcoal. This inspired us to create two new Labor Day recipes that take full advantage of the unique heat and flavor that only a charcoal fire can deliver. Even better, this Labor Day menu is easy to prepare and pulls you away from the party for only a minimum time. Advance prep is the key, with the side salads ready and waiting before your guests arrive. This simple menu features charcoal-grilled Dry-rubbed Hanger Steaks with Jalapeno Butter and Charred Asparagus Salad, both grilled quickly over a hot charcoal fire. A fresh and simple Tomato Salad rounds out the meal and takes advantage of beautiful, ripe heirloom tomatoes while they are still at their peak.

All of us at Kalamazoo wish each of you a safe and festive Labor Day weekend.

Cheers,

Charred Asparagus Salad

Fresh asparagus is grilled quickly over a blazing-hot charcoal fire. Juice squeezed from grilled lemons forms the base for the vibrantly-flavored dressing, and the rest is a delicious combination of orzo pasta, Marcona almonds and shaved Parmigiano Reggiano.

Dry-rubbed Hanger Steaks with Jalapeno Butter

Hanger steaks are full of that rich beef flavor we love so much, and they are a perfect match for a hot charcoal fire. For a little more information on hanger steaks, check out our blog post about Two Lesser-known Steaks You Should be Grilling. The dry rub in this recipe is full of flavorful garlic and black pepper, and the fresh jalapeno butter melts into the steak upon serving.

Simple Tomato Salad

While summer tomatoes are still ripe and beautiful, they deserve to have the spotlight all to themselves. Our Simple Tomato Salad features your favorite heirloom tomato varieties with a little vinaigrette, some fresh lemon thyme and shallots.

All New Kalamazoo Quebracho Blanco Charcoal

After years of searching and testing, we are thrilled to finally make available what we believe to be the world’s best charcoal. Kalamazoo Quebracho Charcoal is harder and denser, burns hotter and longer, and leaves behind less ash than any other charcoal we’ve ever tested. We look forward to hearing your reviews!