Hopefully, summer will bring some relief from the pandemic and you will host a brilliant backyard barbecue with family or friends soon.
The smell of meat on the grill, excitable children running around, and the company of people you love.
Throwing a barbecue is a fantastic way to show off a new home, celebrate an important date, or just get together with old friends and family.
The perfect party will impress your guests and leave everyone feeling stuffed and happy.
If you are planning your first BBQ, you want to make sure you get it right.
Here are a few tips to make the process as easy as possible and establish your credentials as a barbecue master.
1. Prep your backyard barbecue food in advance
Even though you’re the host, you want to be able to have some fun rather than spending the whole day preparing and cooking food.
By doing as much as you possibly can beforehand, you will ensure the food is ready to go as soon as your guests arrive.
Prepare snacks and side dishes, marinate meat, and get the grill fired up in advance.
Don’t forget to check your guests’ dietary requirements as you will need to cater to everyone.
2. Be overprepared
Nothing will put a damper on your day as much as running out of food or using up all the fuel.
It’s better to have too much food than too little.
That way you can enjoy the leftovers the next day, or even allow your guests to take food home.
Triple check you have enough gas or charcoal to last several hours.
And if you have some left at the end, it’s just an excuse to throw another barbecue!
3. Ask guests to bring side dishes
Although the barbecue is the main event, you need something a little lighter to go with your meat.
Side dishes and snacks are essential.
A light potato salad or lemon pasta is the perfect accompaniment to a summer BBQ, and bowls of chips and dips will keep people occupied while you busy yourself with the grilling.
To save you from preparing hundreds of dishes in advance, ask guests to bring a dish or snack of their own.
No one will complain about bringing a few bags of chips with them.
Many enjoy preparing their prized recipes and sharing with everyone.
4. Keep the kids entertained
When the adults are chatting and having a few drinks, the kids will inevitably get bored if there is nothing for them to do.
If you’re lucky enough to have a swimming pool, you can keep them busy forever, but otherwise, you might consider setting up a few yard games such as Twister or giant Jenga to keep them amused.
Our families love playing Bocce!
5. Put safety first
There are many things that can go wrong at a barbecue.
Under-cooked meat, hot flames, alcohol, and children running around is a recipe for disaster in the wrong hands.
Make sure that safety is a priority above everything else.
Be 100% certain all food is served at the proper temperature, and keep a fire extinguisher handy for an out of control grill flare-up.
Keep an eye on children at all times.
By following these tips, you will ensure your backyard barbecue runs as smoothly as possible, and all your guests have a fantastic time.
If you do it right, they will want to come back for more every year.
Serve up this Apple and Brussels Sprouts Salad at your next summer cookout!
Apple and Brussels Sprouts Salad
Ingredients
- 8 Brussels Sprouts washed and dried
- 1 Granny Smith apple, cored and peeled
- 1 small shallot, chopped fine
- 1 garlic clove chopped fine
- 2 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup High quality extra virgin olive oil
- 3 slices of bacon, cooked, chopped
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash the Brussels Sprouts and dry, Using a box grater, grate the Brussels sprouts and the apple, place in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, combine the mustard, shallot, garlic, salt, and pepper. While vigorously whisking, gradually add the olive oil in a steady stream to emulsify the dressing.
- Add the dressing to the shredded Brussels sprouts and apples. Stir to evenly coat the salad.
- Top with chopped bacon and cheese.
- Serve chilled.
