Adding Oomph To The BBQ

We're officially at the start of barbecuing season. There's something fun about outdoor cooking, yet those burgers, dogs and ribs can be boring. Spike them and the traditional sides with different and new flavors It'll make for an exciting meal at the picnic table.

Hamburgers are a staple at any cookout. The best kind to make are the ones with chopped meat. With this you can add anything and everything to make them tastier. One crazy idea is putting an ice cube in the middle of a patty. Why? It melts, giving the burger a nice  juiciness .It won't have that dry crumbly, sticks in your throat texture. If you 're making these , remember just stick to salt and pepper as seasoning. Nix the onions. You want to have the full , flavorful juicy meat experience. Another filler is butter, which not only makes the hamburger juicier but also richer in taste.Use a knob of butter for a Wisconsin butter burger style let it melt on top. Another method is  first make balls out of the chopped meat, then add a teaspoon or small knob of butter.It would then be flattened and ready for the grill.If you and your family and friends like spicy burgers, then add a anywhere from 1/4 teaspoon ton one teaspoon of chili powder.If you want a different kind of heat, then add a drop or two of sriracha. Burgers can also get a lift by what 's placed on top of them. Instead of the usual tomatoes and lettuce, try a slice of avocado, or better yet, guacamole. Just spread on a thin layer so that the rich flavor doesn't overpower the burger. Another , healthier choice is wilted spinach and kale that's been sauteed with garlic and red pepper flakes.

Ribs are always on the menu at almost evrey  barbecue. The usual rib sauce consists of mixing ketchup with molasses and zinging it up with a dash of hot pepper. Instead think about adding bourbon to the mix. This requires two to three tablespoons  of it mixed in along side  apple cider, vinegar, and apple cider.Apple butter is added to this as a fruity sauce with a kick.Another variation has garlic and tomato sauce mixed with orange juice and ketchup. Sides are just important at a barbecue as the main dishes.Cole slaw is ever present at any cookout or picnic. Instead of glopping it with mayo, try a homemade salad dressing such as French or ranch. A healthier spin is using plain Greek yogurt zinged up with roasted garlic and lemon. Roasted corn is always welcome. Give it a Mexican twist by sprinkling cotija cheese on it.If you can't find this tasty Mexican fromage, then sub in Parmesan. It's first rubbing the ears with butter and then sprinkling the grated cheese on them.Potato salad is always a big treat. Instead of the usual German  - which is very good - try the more Mediterranean Sicilian style. Instead of mayo add olive oil and rice wine vinegar.Green olives and red onions round it out. A variation of this has tuna capers and a squeeze of lemon.Make it and pretend you're at the beach at the Taormina coast.

Barbecue season is here. Don't settle for the ordinary. Go out of the box and create a memorable,exciting cook out.