Your Best Summer Barbecue Ever!!!!

Now that summer is officially here, it's time to stat planning barbecues. What makes a great outdoor party? Namely good food. Have something for every one's tastes. It doesn't have to be elaborate like a winter indoor party. Sometimes all it takes is a few easy to make dishes and voila - a memorable time.

Any outdoor party deserves a few nibbles. They don't have to be fancy cheese puffs (way too hot to make on a summer's day). Have a plate of veggies out with a cooling dip. Because of the salmonella outbreak amongst beefsteak and plum tomatoes serve grape and cherry ones. Also have broccoli, cauliflower, and some green beans for an interesting spin on crudites. As for dip think about making a quick vinaigrette and a richer ranch one. Hummus is a great appetizer. You can make it yourself or buy it from your local supermarket. Serve with pita crisps, crackers or thickly sliced French bread. Bruschetta is a another wonderful hors' oeuvre. For a new variation put a layer of sliced pepperoni or salami under the chopped tomato spread.

A barbecue's main course is always fun. You can have steaks, lamb chops and chicken breasts for a fancier take or just plain hamburgers and hot dogs for a more down to earth dining. For any kind of meat think about serving chutneys as opposed to relishes. Vegetable kabobs make an interesting side and you vary the combos. Grill some asparagus and peppers to go with your meats . These are a more sophisticated take on regular sides. If you still like the salad route , then go with potato salad seasoned with curry or a beet salad flavored with cloves. An easy side dish is macaroni salad but nix the mayo. Mix in olive oil, hot pepper flakes and some chopped broccoli. This isn't as cloying as the regular kind and goes well with grilled steak or chops.

An outdoor meal deserves a dessert worthy of the season. Keep in mind that sometimes just berries and fresh whipped cream or Cool Whip is a great meal ender. For a naughty kind of fun, you can forgo the cream and soak your strawberries ,blueberries and blackberries in wine. You'll not only get a sweet with a punch but also a fruity after dinner drink. You can also serve ice and mix it with vodka or rum for that people love frozen drinks so try to steer guests to maybe two at the very most). If you're still intent on serving some kind of cake, think of a store bought angel food one. This is light and can have a side of fruit or even ice cream.

This is the season to revel in outdoor entertaining. Have an array of tasty and unusual dishes for your and your guests. It's a perfect way to celebrate warm sunny days and starry breeze kissed nights.