The New Barbecue

Even a deadly virus can't stop a summer get together. We can still have our barbecues but with new rules. We can still have friends and family over but with strict guidelines.One thing that will not change will be delicious food over a grill. Thankfully that will be the same.

Melissa Clark tackled this all important issue in today's New York Times Food section, She , her husband and their daughter were not satisfied with the Zoom meetings with their circle.There was a feeling of disconnect. They longed for the time when they could entertain again, socially distanced face to face.A July 4th barbecue is the perfect way of reconnecting and catching up. Yes, there will be rules which we should all follow. Even though most of the experts agree that catching Covid 19 from touching surfaces is low, under ideal conditions the virus can last three days with ideal conditions.Quarantine items, especially those wrapped in plastic for three days and then unpacking them with gloved hands lowers the risk considerably. Nix the bowls of pretzels and potato chips. Offer everyone individual bags of snacks and wrapped cans of seltzer. Ask about the bathroom in the evites. One person at a time should be allowed in your house. He or she should wear a mask and close the lid before flushing. Make sure there are plenty of paper towels and hand sanitizer along with disinfecting wipes and a spray bottle filled with seventy percent isopropyl alcohol for wiping down door knobs and handles.

As for the actual serving, take the food directly from the grill and onto your guests' plates or have them do it themselves with their own utensils. What food would work with this? Ms. Clark suggests gingery grilled chicken thighs with charred peaches,They don''t need to be handled after cooking. Other suitable choices are hamburgers, hot dogs and fish fillets. There's no need for salads or extras.As for condiments, either have bottles of ketchup and mustard along with salt and pepper packets for guests. You could also have the condiments in ramekins however that would require anywhere from fifteen to twenty. A better choice would be bathroom cups which can be thrown out afterwards. If you want to make any prepared food, again follow the three day quarantine rule. Ms. Clark and her husband made a log of jalapeno -feta butter which would go with their grilled corn but it can also work with any grilled veggie from eggplant to peppers, mushrooms and zucchini. Dessert is no bake butterscotch custards served in individual ramekins. They're a mix of creme fraiche and heavy cream, cooked with dark brown sugar and unsulphured molasses. As much as you want, s'mores will have to be put off til next year.

Yes we can have barbecues again. They will have to be small and we'll have to sit six feet apart. yet we can still enjoy good food and good company.