Tag Archives: attachment

cooking, Cooking and Recipes, food, Pellet Grills & Smokers, Recipes, Traeger Grills

Santa Maria Style Tri-Tip Recipe Two Ways – Weber Kettle vs Traeger

Leave a comment

Ah, Santa Maria! Just the name conjures images of sun-drenched vineyards and the smoky aroma of perfectly grilled tri-tip. This regional barbecue tradition from California’s Central Coast is all about simple, high-quality ingredients and letting the flavor of the beef shine through.

Today, we’re diving headfirst into the deliciousness of Santa Maria Style Tri-Tip. I’ll not only give you the classic recipe for the rub and the accompanying salsa but also provide two methods for cooking this fantastic cut: the traditional Santa Maria vibe using a Weber kettle with a Santa Maria attachment, and the ever-convenient Traeger pellet grill. So, whether you’re looking for that direct-heat char or the ease of pellet smoking, we’ve got you covered!

The Star of the Show: Santa Maria Tri-Tip

Tri-tip is a triangular cut of beef from the bottom sirloin. It’s known for its rich, beefy flavor and tender texture when cooked correctly. The Santa Maria style emphasizes this natural flavor with a simple yet impactful seasoning.

The Essential Santa Maria Rub

This rub is the heart and soul of Santa Maria barbecue. It’s minimal but delivers maximum flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons coarse ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt (or 1 tablespoon fine sea salt)
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl.
  2. Generously rub the mixture all over the tri-tip, ensuring all surfaces are coated.
  3. Let the seasoned tri-tip rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours in the refrigerator. Bringing it closer to room temperature before grilling helps it cook more evenly.

The Classic Accompaniment: Pico de Gallo (Santa Maria Style Salsa)

While not strictly part of the grilling process, a fresh and vibrant salsa is a must-have with Santa Maria tri-tip. This simple pico de gallo complements the richness of the beef perfectly.

Ingredients:

  • 2 ripe tomatoes, diced
  • 1/2 white onion, finely diced
  • 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and minced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Gently toss to combine.
  3. Season with salt to taste.
  4. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Method 1: The Traditional Santa Maria Vibe on a Weber Kettle

While a dedicated Santa Maria grill would be awesome – that’s also a pretty penny, but fear not, you can still capture that classic flavor with an inexpensive Weber Kettle and a Santa Maria attachment like this one – now you can easily transform your Weber kettle into a Santa Maria-style cooker.

Best of all this method utilizes direct heat, allowing for beautiful searing and that signature smoky essence from the coals.

What you’ll need:

Instructions:

  1. Set Up the Attachment and Coals: Install the Santa Maria grill attachment onto your Weber kettle. Light your charcoal in a chimney starter and pour the hot coals onto the charcoal grate, directly beneath where the tri-tip will sit on the elevated grate of the attachment. You’ll want a medium-hot bed of coals.
  2. Position the Tri-Tip: Place the seasoned tri-tip on the elevated grate of the Santa Maria attachment. This positions the meat closer to the heat source than the standard Weber grate, which is key for Santa Maria-style cooking.
  3. Sear: Since the meat is closer to the heat, it will sear relatively quickly. Keep a close eye on it and flip after about 3-4 minutes per side to develop a nice crust.
  4. Cook to Temperature: Continue to cook, flipping occasionally (about every 10 minutes) until the internal temperature reaches 130-135°F for medium-rare (or your desired level of doneness). The Santa Maria elevated grate allows you to control the heat by raising or lowering the cooking surface, or by adjusting the amount of charcoal. This will likely take another 20-40 minutes depending on the thickness of your tri-tip and the heat of your coals.
  5. Rest: Once cooked, remove the tri-tip from the grill and let it rest on a cutting board for 10-15 minutes.
  6. Slice and Serve: Slice the tri-tip against the grain and serve with the fresh pico de gallo, grilled garlic bread, and pinquito beans.

Method 2: Traeger Pellet Grill

Using a Traeger offers consistent temperature and a wonderful smoky flavor, making it a fantastic alternative.

What you’ll need:

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Traeger: Preheat your Traeger to 225°F (107°C).
  2. Smoke the Tri-Tip: Place the seasoned tri-tip directly on the grill grates. Smoke for about 45-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches around 115-120°F. This allows it to absorb that delicious smoky flavor.
  3. Increase the Heat: Crank up the Traeger to 450-500°F (232-260°C).
  4. Sear: Sear both sides of the tri-tip for about 3-4 minutes per side to create a nice crust.
  5. Cook to Temperature: Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 130-135°F for medium-rare (or your desired level of doneness).
  6. Rest: Remove the tri-tip from the Traeger and let it rest on a cutting board for 10-15 minutes.
  7. Slice and Serve: Slice against the grain and serve with your homemade pico de gallo and other favorite sides.

Which Method is Right for You?

Both methods yield fantastic results, just with slightly different nuances. The Weber with the Santa Maria attachment provides that direct heat sear and smoky charcoal flavor reminiscent of the traditional Santa Maria experience. The Traeger offers ease of use and consistent smoky flavor. Ultimately, the best method is the one that fits your equipment and preferences!

So, fire up your grill (whichever kind you choose!), grab a tri-tip, and experience the deliciousness of Santa Maria barbecue.

What are your favorite ways to cook tri-tip? Let us know in the comments below!

How To and What Is, practical solutions, Productivity and Planning, tech tips

How to Add an Attachment in Gmail: A Comprehensive Guide

Leave a comment

Let’s review how to add an attachment in GMAIL – whether it’s a document, an image, or any other type of file. We’ll even discuss the nuances of doing this on a MOBILE device too.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding an Attachment in Gmail

1. Logging into Your Gmail Account

Before you can send an email with an attachment, you need to be logged into your Gmail account. Follow these steps:

  1. Open your web browser and go to Gmail.
  2. Enter your email address and click “Next”.
  3. Enter your password and click “Next” again.
  4. Once logged in, you will be directed to your inbox.

2. Composing a New Email

To attach a file, you need to start composing a new email:

  1. In the top-left corner of the Gmail interface, click the “Compose” button. This will open a new message window.
  2. In the “To” field, enter the recipient’s email address.
  3. Fill in the “Subject” line with the topic of your email.
  4. Write your message in the body of the email.

3. Adding an Attachment

Gmail allows you to attach files from your computer, Google Drive, or insert images. Here’s how to attach files from different sources:

Attaching Files from Your Computer

  1. In the new message window, look for the paperclip icon at the bottom toolbar and click on it. This is the “Attach files” button.
  2. A file explorer window will open. Navigate to the location on your computer where the file you want to attach is stored.
  3. Select the file and click “Open”. The file will begin uploading, and once completed, it will appear at the bottom of the email.

Attaching Files from Google Drive

  1. If your file is stored in Google Drive, click the Google Drive icon next to the paperclip icon.
  2. A new window will open, displaying your Google Drive files.
  3. Select the file you want to attach and click “Insert”. You have the option to insert it as a Drive link or as an attachment. Choose the appropriate option based on the file type and your preference.

Inserting Images

  1. To insert an image directly into the body of the email, click the “Insert photo” icon (a small picture icon) in the toolbar at the bottom.
  2. You can choose to upload an image from your computer, use a photo from your Google Photos, or enter a URL.
  3. Select the image and it will appear in the body of your email.

4. Managing Attachments

Once you’ve attached your files, you might need to manage them before sending your email:

  1. Removing Attachments: If you need to remove an attachment, hover over the file and click the small “X” that appears on the top-right corner of the file thumbnail.
  2. Previewing Attachments: Gmail allows you to preview attachments before sending. Simply click on the file to open a preview window.

5. Sending the Email

After attaching the necessary files and composing your message, sending the email is straightforward:

  1. Double-check the recipient’s email address, subject line, and message content.
  2. Click the “Send” button at the bottom-left corner of the compose window.
  3. Your email, along with the attached files, will be sent to the recipient.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While attaching files in Gmail is generally a smooth process, you might encounter some issues. Here are common problems and their solutions:

File Size Limit

Gmail has a file size limit of 25 MB for attachments. If your file exceeds this limit:

  • Compress the file using file compression software like WinRAR or 7-Zip.
  • Upload the file to Google Drive and share the link.

Unsupported File Types

Certain file types may be blocked by Gmail for security reasons:

  • Change the file extension if it’s a simple text or image file (e.g., rename .exe to .txt).
  • Use Google Drive to share the file.

Slow Upload Speeds

Large files may take longer to upload, especially with a slow internet connection:

  • Ensure you have a stable internet connection.
  • Attach files during off-peak hours when internet speed might be faster.

Mobile App Attachment

If you are using the Gmail mobile app, the process is slightly different:

  1. Open the Gmail app and tap the compose button.
  2. Tap the paperclip icon to attach a file.
  3. Choose the file from your phone’s storage or Google Drive.

Tips for Effective Email Attachments

To ensure your emails with attachments are well-received, consider these tips:

  • Name Your Files Clearly: Use descriptive file names so the recipient knows what each attachment is without opening it.
  • Compress Large Files: Compressing files not only reduces their size but also groups multiple files into one, making it easier for the recipient.
  • Mention Attachments in the Email: Reference the attached files in the body of your email to ensure the recipient notices them.

Conclusion

Adding attachments in Gmail is a simple yet powerful feature that enhances the functionality of your emails. Whether you’re sending a crucial business document, a collection of vacation photos, or any other type of file, Gmail provides an intuitive interface to make the process seamless. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently attach and send files, ensuring your communications are effective and complete.