August 10 is one of our favorite days of the year — that special day dedicated to ooey, gooey, chocolaty marshmallowy goodness! In honor of this delectable fireside treat, we invite you to join us in celebrating our third annual National S’mores Day Fire Pit Giveaway. Each year, we reach out to our readers and ask them to submit their unique s’mores recipes or stories about enjoying a warm fireside moments with friends and family. One lucky entrant will win a Belgard Fire Pit Kit to enhance their backyard!
As part of our celebration, here are some links for you to enjoy:
Gourmet s’mores recipes: Looking for a new way to s’more? Get delicious Greek-inspired s’mores recipes from last year’s Fire Pit Giveaway winner and Greek chef, Elaine Pitenis.
Fire pit and outdoor fireplace design ideas: If you’re considering adding a fire feature to your backyard outdoor living space, check out our Pinterest boards for design inspiration.
As leaders in the paver and landscape wall industry, Belgard spends over 20,000 hours annually on research and development and takes pride in constant innovation to drive the trends in outdoor living design. We are excited to showcase some of our newest innovations that are currently regionally available with plans to expand into additional markets.
Contemporary outdoor living trends are gravitating towards sleek designs with monochromatic color schemes, clean lines and smooth surfaces. The Belgard Metropolitan Collection offers numerous pavers that complement this design style. Examples include the modular Lafitt® Grana Slab, the multi-shape Moduline Series™ and the linear Melville™ Plank. New Melville™ Wall was designed to coordinate with these paver styles to create beautifully coordinated contemporary outdoor living spaces. Melville Wall can be installed in a straight lay to create landscape walls with a crisp, clean look. Or, it can be installed in a staggered pattern to offer a dimensional avant garde look. Melville Wall is currently available in the southwestern region.
After pavers have been installed, sealants and color boosters can help keep them looking brand new but can fade or need to be reapplied as the years pass. Belgard’s TrueColor™ is an exclusive cutting-edge technology that uses propriety admixtures and in-line treatments during the manufacturing process to enhance color and protect our products before they are installed. This revolutionary technology provides richer color depth that is more resistant to fading, UV rays, stains and everyday wear without giving the pavers a glossy finish. TrueColor also optimizes the dimensional look of any surface texture, ensuring that your pavers are as beautiful on day 1,000 as on day 1. TrueColor Technology is currently available in the northeast and midwest regions and is coming soon to the south central region.
Watch how easy it is to install the new Tandem® Modular Block system.
The Tandem® Wall System line has transformed the outdoor living design industry with its ease of use and versatility to quickly create multidimensional outdoor living elements such as outdoor kitchens, built-in seating, planters, accent walls, columns and more. With the new innovative Tandem® Modular Block, installation of Tandem® Wall is now easier than ever. Instead of clipping into place with pins, Modular Blocks offer a rear lip that slides into a backer block to hold the face in place, further reducing installation time and costs. Face styles include Ashlar (chiseled stone), Melville (smooth) and Lamina (stacked stone). Tandem Modular Block is currently available in eastern Canada and will be launching soon in the southwestern U.S. region. All other Tandem® systems — including Tandem® Wall, Mega-Tandem® Wall, Tandem® Column Kit and Tandem® Modular Grid — are available in all U.S. and Canada markets.
Inspired by the clean lines of modern design trends, new Agilina™ Plank is a marriage of old-world aesthetics and contemporary lines. With the subtly textured face of natural cut stone, Agilina™ Plank pavers are available in multiple size formats to create numerous looks and patterns for stylish outdoor living designs. Varied widths and lengths allow for multiple running bond patterns to create either a random or more stylized look, depending upon preference. Agilina™ Plank also works well as a border for mixed paver designs and when using the longer planks, requires fewer cuts. Launched in test markets in 2018, Agilina™ Plank has been well-received and is now available throughout the eastern seaboard and in the midwest.
Belgard’s Noon Porcelain Paver collection has been getting a lot of attention from the design community since its nationwide release in 2017. The rustic barnwood look and texture offers stain- and fade-resistant durability and mirrors interior flooring trends in both style and shape — making the collection a fantastic addition to Belgard’s contemporary line of Porcelain Pavers. In 2018, Belgard released two styles of Porcelain Veneers to coordinate with the Porcelain Paver line (Quartziti and Ardesie). Since their release, the veneer line has racked up innovation awards from The Old House, Qualified Remodeler, Building Design + Construction, the American Association of Architects, and Architzer. Now, Belgard is excited to announce the addition of Noon Porcelain Wall Veneer. Featuring the same durability and distressed wood aesthetics, Noon veneers work well as a compliment to Noon pavers or to provide a striking contrast with other architectural materials. Noon Porcelain Veneers are offered in four rich colors ideal for achieving a modern farmhouse aesthetic. Porcelain veneers are also perfect as an indoor accent to add rich textures or for creating indoor/outdoor flow. Noon pavers and veneers are currently available in all U.S. markets.
A fire pit instantly becomes the spot where everyone wants to gather. If you’re planning on adding this must-have element to your backyard, these tips will help you create a welcoming outdoor living space with a fire pit as a focal point.
Location, location, location.
Unless you’re going for a contemporary symmetrical look or you’re working with a lot of space, don’t place the fire pit in the center of the patio, but offset to one side. You can balance the design with other heavy elements, such as an arbor, tree, water feature or outdoor bar. You will also want to pay attention to the wind patterns in your yard to place the fire pit in the location that will most likely draw any smoke away from the center. This is particularly important with a wood-burning fire pit. It’s also wise to investigate whether there are any regulations in your neighborhood or municipality regarding fire feature placement. It should be easily accessible, but not too close to the home. A good rule of thumb, especially with wood-burning pits, is to place the pit ten feet or more from any structure.
Make room for everyone.
Once the fire is lit, people will tend to gather around it. In terms of space, you will want to plan for seating that will allow for both group settings or cozy, intimate one-on-one time. A fire pit itself is rarely larger than four or five feet across. The patio space around it should be an additional four to six feet on all sides. Seat walls are a great way to both visually define the space and allow for lots of seating. But don’t enclose the space completely with walls. It’s nice to leave room for chairs, standing and foot traffic. Also think ahead to how you plan to decorate. For example, if you’re choosing low-slung seating such as Adirondack chairs, realize that they will take up extra real estate and plan accordingly.
Create conversation zones.
It’s highly unlikely that people will sit around the fire pit to eat on a regular basis. You will want a separate dining space for that. Plus, for better entertaining, it’s a great idea create multiple conversation zones around the patio where separate groups can gather for more intimate conversation. Some people will feel comfortable picking a spot where they can stay all evening, while the social butterflies will flit from zone to zone engaging in multiple conversations throughout the night.
Gas or wood? Why not both.
Some people prefer gas — fewer code restrictions on placement, no ashes to contend with, no smoke, no wood to buy or chop. Other’s prefer wood — earthy smell, more robust flames, more warmth, more traditional campfire aesthetic. For those who enjoy the pros of both scenarios and live in a community that doesn’t restrict wood-burning features, consider a hybrid fire pit that allows for both gas and wood. The gas can be used as a starter and can even be hooked up to a smart system, which makes it easier to get the party going. Plus, the fire doesn’t have to go out when you run out of wood.
Soften the space.
To make your space comfy and cozy, soften the space with pillows, throws, decorative accessories and organic design elements. Landscaping or a water feature behind seating adds wonderful dimensional texture to the design and adds a sense of privacy. Decorative elements add personality to the space and help create an outdoor living room aesthetic. Pillows and throws soften the space both visually and physically, also allowing you to tie in with the colors used elsewhere on your patio to make the overall design more cohesive. You can also use paver patterns to create a faux rug paver design.
Across the nation, people in the irrigation industry have been celebrating July as “Smart Irrigation Month” and showcasing various technologies that improve the efficiency of outdoor water usage. According to the EPA, the average family uses 320 gallons of water per day, about 30 percent of which is outdoors. It is estimated that as much as half of that water used outdoors is wasted due to inefficient irrigation.
Indeed, even this blogger has vivid memories of growing up in a home with lush outdoor gardens that were constantly being watered by my mother, who simply moved hoses around all day (or instructed me and my siblings to do it). “Time to move the hoses,” was a constant call from one side of the house to the other. In the hot Louisiana climate, this was a near-daily occurrence throughout the majority of the year. Many of our neighbors had similar habits. Practices like this are likely what drove the industry to find a better way.
Benefits of Smart Irrigation
Smart irrigation techniques not only protect the community water supply, but offer multiple additional benefits to individuals. First of all, depending upon your municipality and water source, reducing your water usage can have a major affect on your utility bill. You can also improve the look of your yard by watering at the right times — not to mention the added convenience of automation.
Do-It-Yourself Smart Irrigation Techniques
Here are some simple ideas on improving your home irrigation.
Break your yard into zones that have different irrigation needs due to shade, slope or sun exposure.
Make sure the water is always aimed at the plants — never a driveway, walkway, building or deck.
Water in the early morning and/or late evening, when the most water will be absorbed without evaporating.
Water plants more often for shorter periods of time, which will allow the soil to better absorb the water.
Adjust water times and amounts to seasonal conditions.
Smart Irrigation Technology
A permeable paver system can be outfitted with water-harvesting technology for irrigation or interactive fountains.
The official term “smart irrigation” typically relates to underground sprinkler systems that incorporate computerized technologies like soil moisture sensors, rain sensors, fertilizer injectors, programmable timers and smartphone apps. However, there are multiple other technologies on the market today that can improve both efficiency and ecological responsibility.
Rain Barrels – Many municipalities offer tax incentives or even offer free rain barrel programs. These barrels capture the water from your gutter downspouts for you to reuse for irrigation. Many big box stores, like Lowe’s and Walmart, offer a wide variety of barrels to choose from.
Solar-Powered Sprinkler Timers – Reduce both water and electricity usage by using renewal solar power to irrigate your gardens. These systems are available from numerous retailers like Home Depot and Lowe’s.
Belgard will be giving away an Ashland Fire Pit Kit as part of our annual upcoming National S’mores Day celebration, which begins on August 10. Last year’s fire pit winner, Elaine Pitenis, just so happens to be a chef! So, we asked her to help us prepare for this year’s celebration with some new gourmet s’mores recipes. She was excited to oblige us and gave us some super yummy new gourmet s’mores recipes with varying levels of difficulty. Try them yourself!
Phyllo S’mores
Photo/styling: Cameron Gonzales
Thanks to her Greek heritage, Chef Elaine specializes in Greek cuisine. As a result, her family often makes s’mores with phyllo dough using the following recipe:
Take 10 sheets of phyllo and layer with melted butter.
Cut into 3” squares and bake at 350º F for 7-10 min.
When cool, place 4 squares of Hershey’s chocolate and one roasted marshmallow on top of a square of baked phyllo, and top with another layer of baked phyllo.
Allow the chocolate to melt, and eat!
To make indoors, simply use un-toasted marshmallows and place back in the oven until melty.
Chocolate Chip Cookie S’mores
Photo/styling: Cameron Gonzales
Who doesn’t love a good chocolate chip cookie? Plus, this recipe is easy enough for kids to make by themselves (with adult supervision, of course…especially near the fire). For this recipe, you’ll need Pepperidge Farm® Farmhouse™ Thin & Crispy Milk Chocolate Chip Cookies or large homemade chocolate chip cookies.
Cover one of the cookies with Hershey’s chocolate pieces to fit your cookie.
Take one toasted marshmallow that is still on the skewer and place on top of the Hershey’s chocolate.
Take another cookie and cover the hot marshmallow by pressing down firmly enough to pull out the skewer.
Allow the heat from the hot marshmallow to melt the chocolate.
Wait until s’mores cools before eating.
Baklava Truffle S’mores
This gourmet s’mores recipe is the most difficult, but also the most delicious. Baklava is a rich Greek dessert of layered phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts and held together with syrup on honey. You can make it from scratch or purchase pre-made baklava in many local grocery stores and bakeries. To make the Baklava Truffles, you will need the following ingredients:
8 ounces of semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate (high quality or Ghirardelli 62% cacao)
1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)
Cocoa powder
8 servings of Baklava, crumbled
TRUFFLE PREPARATION: (Yield: 30 Baklava truffles)
In a small, heavy saucepan bring the heavy whipping cream to a simmer (stir and scrape down the sides with a spatula every few minutes).
Place the chocolate pieces in a separate bowl. Pour the scalding cream carefully over the chocolate, add the vanilla and allow to stand for about 10 minutes, then stir until smooth. (This chocolate base is called ganache.)
Allow to cool, then place in the refrigerator for two hours. Remove and use a teaspoon to roll out balls of the ganache. Roll in your hands quickly (as it will melt from the heat of your hands) and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place in the refrigerator overnight.
Roll balls in cocoa powder first, then roll in broken baklava and serve in small baking papers, or place in the refrigerator until needed. Baklava Truffles can be frozen in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
NOW, FOR THE S’MORES: To use a truffle to make a Baklava Truffle S’more, roast a marshmallow on a long skewer. Take one truffle and one roasted marshmallow (still on the skewer) and place between two graham crackers. Remove the hot marshmallow by pressing down firmly enough to pull out the skewer, which will also press the truffle to get it warm and melty.
Kitchens are definitely one of the hottest trends in outdoor living design, and the centerpiece of any outdoor kitchen is the cooking station. Whether you have a gourmet outdoor kitchen, a modest grill island, or you’re planning to build something in the future, we have some fiery ideas for outfitting your outdoor cooking station to improve the functionality of your space.
1. Lots and Lots of Prep Space
Any home chef needs room to breathe if he or she is to succeed in making their culinary masterpieces. Regarding outdoor kitchens, this is no different. With an expansive prep space at hand, your kitchen is optimized for efficiency at any and all stages of cooking. You can never have too much countertop space, which will keep you from having to run back and forth inside during meal prep. Plus, countertops can also function as serving tables and bar-style dining areas once the meal is ready. If you’re working with a grill island, or you simply don’t have the square footage for more countertops, considering using a rolling cart that you can move when not in use.
2. A Spot for Every Cook in the Kitchen
A summer pool party can easily bring in upwards of 25+ people. The guest list always seems to grow somehow. No matter how many guests show up, it helps to have multiple cooking surfaces in addition to the standard built-in outdoor grill. Plus, although charcoal enthusiasts will swear the flavor is superior (this blogger agrees), you simply don’t always have the time to wait for the coals to be “perfect” and sometimes just need to be able to turn on the gas and get to grilling. And if you talk to anyone who has a griddle or a brick oven in their outdoor kitchen, be prepared for a lengthy conversation on how they don’t know how they ever lived without it. Other popular cooking surfaces include ceramic kamodo-style grills and gas burners for large pots or frying.
3. Throw Some Shade
Unless you live somewhere where it rarely rains and the temperature is always mild (a.k.a. California), you’re going to need your cooking station to be covered. It gets HOT standing in front of a grill. And no one wants to hold an umbrella while flipping burgers. Keep in mind that shaded areas do not have to take away from the beauty of your patio entertainment area but can become a design element in itself. This can be accomplished with an earthy pergola, a farmhouse-inspired pavilion or a colorful canopy. For a more natural aesthetic, consider integrating some flowering vines, ivies or other climbing plants. To add a festive atmosphere, you can never go wrong with edison-style string lights.
4. Be that Person with the Outdoor Brick Oven
Yes, we’ve already mentioned brick ovens, but they are so worth mentioning again. There are two prominent benefits of cooking in a wood-burning brick oven versus a traditional oven: the better dispersion of temperature and the additional level of flavor. And there are more options than you might think. Belgard offers a full line that range from mobile and countertop brick ovens to gorgeous stone-clad brick oven kits for a custom built-in look. Aside from the swagger that accompanies having one, a brick oven presents numerous cooking opportunities for amazing wood-fired meals. Even though an outdoor brick oven is often referred to as an outdoor pizza oven, it is not just for cooking pizza. Here are a fewbrick oven recipes to get the creative juices flowing!
5. Seating for Your Audience… (umm, guests)
HGTV® Dream Home 2019. Photo credit: HGTV. Used with permission.
Preparing dishes in the kitchen is a visually stimulating affair. With you home chefs out there putting on shows, why not give your audience a front row seat? Bar seating or built-in seating near the cooking station creates a cozy atmosphere to enhance the outdoor cooking experience. An additional bonus to constructing permanent seating is that you won’t have to fuss at your kids for leaning too far back on the chairs. With no chair legs to break, rust or unravel, the only things you’ll need to change out each season are the throw pillows.
