Amping Up Your Barbecue

July Fourth not only signifies the birth of our nation but also the start of the barbecue season. It's time to amp up the old tired recipes and try some new recipes. Shoot some spark in your outdoor grilling for tastier and fun meals.

Most home grillers make just beef and turkey, but you can try bison and emu as well. Both are flavorful and lower in fat and calories. Emu is 95 percent fat free and it's perfect for dieters who still love a rich burger but don't want the pounds,Bison is only 152 calories  too and it is another alternative to beef. Some gourmet supermarkets do sell both meats but you can also get them on line Of course you can also take the traditional recipe and give it a tweak. Add a dash of chili powder for some heat or even cumin for a more exotic flavor. Adding the last is a health benefit because it aids  digestion. Another way to ratchet up those burgers is by serving them on brioches . Top with a homemade chutney for flavor.Hot dogs, another summer classic, can also be transformed into a gourmet treat. Slit the dogs before cooking and when they're hot off the grill stuff them with  real English cheddar and apple wood smoked bacon Good cheese shops will have several different kinds of cheddars while the bacon can be had at the local grocery.

Potato salad is another must have for a barbecue. The usual recipe has mayo and celery however you can try it Moroccan style with tomatoes and saffron. Paprika and cumin are also stirred in for color and zing.Home chefs can also make one with an oil and vinegar dressing, using champagne vinegar and chervil. Mediterranean style is also good especially when you're serving kabobs.This one has feta cheese . kalamata olives and rosemary.,It is also eye catching thanks to using baby red, whit,e and purple spuds. For a really different spin try sweet potatoes.They have to be roasted first, usually with a drizzle of olive oil They need a simple dressing such as a red wine vinaigrette. because of their intense sweet flavor . Macaroni salad is always on the picnic table. Mix it up by subbing in soba noodles or penne instead of the usual elbow kind Give family and guests something to talk about with an Asian style pasta salad , complete with spicy Thai chilis and peanuts. Meats and fish can also be added  .Try grilled chicken and even salmon to rev up the noodles. Another tasty and rarely made dish is the Neopolitan   tomatoes and bread salad. This is taking sliced tomatoes and onions and mixing it with cubes of stale Italian bread and  olive oil. Rosemary and oregano are also used. The salad should be made two to three hours in advance and chilled.

Zest up your barbecue wit exotic meats and salads. Revamp the classic into new and tastier recipes. It'll make your barbecue much more special and exciting.