Barbecues For One Or Two

Barbecues are always  fun however people usually wait until there's a large  group to use the grill. That's not the case A  mall barbecue can be just as tasty as a larger one.It;s just cutting back and making and  serving smaller portions.

You can splurge on the good burgers when there/s just the  immediate family, yourself and or a friend. Think Wagyu burgers where the beef originates from Japan. Their flavor is addictive. Unlike other  burgers, they are buttery .rich and savory .The texture is melt in your mouth soft as well. Should they be served with ketchup or mayo? Maybe just a small dab but fresh lettuce and tomato slices would be better. You could also order filet mignon burgers   from Omaha Steaks as well. They are cistky but worth it if you a re having a barbecue for one or two. for aless expensive bite Bubba Burgers are also top of the ,one and every grocery store has them . They have no preservatives and the patties are thick and juicy ,perfect for s grill . Of course there are steaks, Rib eyes and New York strips are the best for the coals. They are usually one and a half inches thick. Rib eye steaks have extensive marbling which let the fat melt throughout the cut for more juiciness and flavor.Rib eye has a more robust flavor and tender chew. Just have both cuts with a sprinkling of sea salt and freshly ground pepper.

Barbecue sides can be small bowls of whatever you want. A mixed olive salad served in ramekins are an easier alternative to a traditional salad(although  a small one is welcomed at a little barbecue).Mix a few black and green ones with the tarty Greek Kalamata ones (just remember that these do have pits yet in them). Another mini side idea is bell pepper strips in a vinaigrette . This is just julienning one or two bell peppers into think matchsticks and then dressing them in a simple oil and vinegar mix. Can macaroni salad be served for only one or two people. Yes ,if everyone is craving it. Just cook much less , around a half cup of elbow macaroni, Only use a quarter cup of mayonnaise along with teaspoons of sweet relish and apple cider vinegar.Flavor with only half a teaspoon of Dijon mustard You can add a dash about half a teaspoon of granulated sugar. Add ins are two tablespoons each of diced celery,red onion and  finely diced red bell paperAnother variation is just halving grape tomatoes add a pinch of oregano and dress in just olive oil and red wine vinegar..Thsi makes for the perfect tiny plate of salad.

Yes you can create a small barbecue. It;s anice way of enjoying good grilled food and sides without the crowd.It makes for a calming night around the barbecue.

The All Inclusive Backyard Party

The warm weather is the best time to get to know your neighbors. No one is cooped up. Everyone is out and about. Why not take it a step further and have an all inclusive backyard party. Friendships can be forged. recipes can be changed. Best of all lessons about inclusiveness can be learned.

Of course the most important part is the planning. Unlike a block party which requires a permit three months in advance, a backyard party can be put together even in a week.Put aside time on a Friday or Saturday for a meeting of where it will be held.It doesn't necessarily have to be in the biggest yard. You could set up tables  and folding chairs in the driveway and leave the backyard for contests and games.  Secondly, write down a list  of who's bringing what.The menu should be an all inclusive one, with neighbors and yourself cooking up family or ethnic dishes. Remember that neighborhoods are international these days and there are going to be a lot of delicious dishes from around the world. Encourage people to bring their family's best recipes. Also consider dietary restrictions and allergies for both adults and kids. It's up to the planning committee if alcohol will be served. Serve it if everyone is OK with it. Usually barbecues or outdoor meals usually call for just beer for the grown ups and soda and juice for the kids.The same goes for meat which certain religions forbid. You may want to go for an all vegan bash.

Apart from neighbors bringing in their family dishes there should be typical summer foods too. Have plenty of hot dogs and burgers for the kids and diehard barbecue lovers. Different sausages such as brats and Italian sausages can be cooked for something different. If you're making the last make sure you have sauteed peppers and onions too for a good hoagie sandwich. Your neighbors may bring over unusual  with non traditional meats like mutton or goat. Embrace the difference. You and your family will expand their culinary tastes as well as you picking up a new recipe.Also have some classic American sides like macaroni salad which is easy to make. If that's one dish to make too many consider picking up a tub of it from your local supermarket or deli.  Throw in potato salad and coleslaw too, if no one is making those. A fun dish that's universal is roasted corn. Have differently flavored butters, such as lemon and tarragon on hand for easy slathering. As for  desserts, you can't go wrong with watermelon wedges. They're refreshing and a favorite. You could buy a Sno Cone machine and make frozen treats for everyone. They're only $44 on Amazon and will probably used many more times. Homemade ice cream cake is another treat as are homemade ice cream cupcakes.

A neighborhood backyard party is a fun way to meet the neighbors and try new dishes. Barriers can be torn down and new friendships forged. It's also a great way of celebrate the summer.

Spicing Up Your Barbecue

It's almost the end of August and barbecues by now are becoming old hat. Let's face it,  do we really want to stuff down another charred burger or dog,?Or another mayo soaked salad, followed by either lukewarm beer or soda? Let's liven up the outdoor cooking by tossing in some variety and spice. Let's make our outdoor cooking  fun again.

Hamburgers are always part of the barbecue lineup.By now, even the most ardent burger lover is probably sick of them. It's time then, to give the recipe some zing and zest. First get chopped beef, and add a good teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the mix. You could also add some  finely chopped onion and bell peppers to create a colorful chili burger.Serve with a dash of hot sauce for even more fire. Another way to go is adding beer to the chopped meat to create a unique and juicy spin. It's just adding a quarter of a cup of any brew along with garlic, Worcester sauce along with ground onion. Even better add a couple of tablespoons of bourbon (yes bourbon!) along with cumin and dried oregano to ground chuck meat. Hot dogs are another grill staple that needs some remodeling. Try spiralizing them.It's actually an easy method. First skewer hot dogs lengthwise. then slice  into the dog as you roll it away from you,Continue doing this until you reach the end of the hot dog. Now carefully (otherwise the dog will break) slide the skewer out and place the stretched out hot dog over the grill. The end result is a crispy fun treat that will go good with mustard or barbecue sauce.

Those traditional salads can also be spruced up too. Instead of the usual coleslaw, try one made from shredded cabbage mixed with salad dressing.I've had it with French dressing and it's delicious, light years away from the traditional  mayo soaked kind. You can also use buttermilk ranch or blue cheese too or just a plain vinaigrette. Macaroni salad can also be made the same way with subbing in favorite dressings for mayonnaise. You could also make a Mediterranean style, adding in grape tomatoes, kalamata olives and oregano. Toss in feta chunks to make it more substantial.Think outside the traditional garden too. Make an easy artichoke salad by using jarred artichoke hearts and sliced plum tomatoes. Try a homemade fresh version of giardeneria using diced carrots and onions, both serrano and bell peppers along with cauliflower florets and chopped celery. Toss with a rosemary and oregano infused vinaigrette. What to wash all this down with? Spiked lemonade. Make or buy it and add a good, boozy shot of vodka. Kids can have their own version by adding seltzer or mineral water. You can also do this with orangeade and limeade too.

Barbecues don;t have to be a blah end of season affair. Liven up and spike up traditional recipes for a fun spin on a summer tradition.It's adding more fuel to the barbecue fire!

Eat Right Eat Light

Every summer we go  through intolerable heat waves where even just chewing seems to be too much exertion. It throws off our stomachs, creating all sorts of problems from digestive imbalances to just a simple upset. What to do ? Eat right - eat light,

Save those  pancakes and French toasts for chillier fall mornings. The best way to start a sweltering day is with a filling and light breakfast. Try a bowl of strawberries and blueberries with vanilla flavored Greek yogurt.You could also have them in a bowl of rice puffs or cornflakes. Another lighter option is cantaloupe slices or a melon salad. If you feel up to something hot then think two scrambled eggs with toast. It's filling enough without feeling heavy. You could also go with a couple of slices of whole wheat  or rye toast with a skin of margarine or even butter followed by a thin layer of jam, Take advantage of the season's harvests for your morning snacks too. A zip lock bag of any kind of berry or peaches can stop those eleven o' clock hunger pains,It's tempting to get one of those big frosty, whipped cream, chocolate syrup infused coffees that's more cake than drink, but put the brakes on that desire. Stick with iced black coffee or tea, especially for breakfast and mid morning. Another drink idea is having sparkling water with fruit filled ice cubes. These could even be put into iced teas too to add more flavor.

Salads will always be the best choice for lunch and dinner when it feels like a red hot dryer out there. Again , nix the heavy.foods. As much as you'd like a steak sandwich with onion rings, get rid of the bread, cube the steak and have it in a bowl of greens.Add fresh sliced red onions along with grape tomatoes and a light dressing. Craving pizza which can sometimes be too much on a broiling day? Then think a bread salad. This Southern Italian favorite  combines tomatoes garlic and basil in an just an olive oil dressing Slice the Italian bread wafer thin or even cube it if you want. Grilled meals can also be light, from red meat to fish. Keep away from the heavy marinades , loaded with molasses , ketchup or sugar. Go for a squeeze of lemon or lime for the fish and chicken,Steaks and even lamb cutlets can be brushed with basil infused olive oil and then grilled. Another idea is going meatless. Have soy burgers and dogs instead of the beef and pork kind. Instead of buns , think toasted pita bread. Mayonnaise based salads may be too much right now. You can create a lighter cole slaw by subbing in olive oil for the mayo, and adding fresh ground peppercorns for bite. Change that heavy macaroni  salad for a lighter orzo one, full of pea pods, tomatoes and parsley.

The temps right now are not conducive for heavy meals and heavy eating. Go lighter and feel better. It's the only way to eat during an August heat wave.

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.

Happiness Is A Hot Instant Meal

There;s nothing like coming home to a hot, steaming pot pie or lasagna. Unfortunately these take a lot of time and effort to make, not to mention having all the ingredients at hand. Luckily this is the modern age where we can cook wholesome meals in just minutes. They're still the same as what our moms and grannies made - but quicker. Much quicker.

A good dinner (or even lunch) here in the States is pot pies. This American classic was one of the first TV dinners back in the Fifties and it's still going strong. Pot pies are wonderful because they has everything, They're basically meat, veggies and even bread all rolled into one crusty, yummy, juicy pie. Serve them with a salad and it's a full meal. Some fast food chains such as Boston Market offer a delicious, homestyle version that's the size of a small pizza.Another instant favorite is pizza itself. A lot of brands such as Red Baron and California Kitchen offer individual ones that you can buy in your freezer section. Nowadays they have so many different toppings, from the exotic artichoke to the much loved pepperoni, Again add some salad to instant pizza and even a glass of red wine and you've got a great meal to come home to.

Comfort food can be made in a sec these days too. There are plenty of instant baked macs out there. One of my favorites is Stop and Shop's house brand.It's a perfect blend of tiny elbow macaroni with a creamy cheddar sauce. The cheese is thick and it evenly coats every piece of pasta perfectly. I just love it and for me it's the best dinner after a tough day. Potato pancakes, another soothing comfort food are easy to make now thanks to so many brands offering instant versions. Gone are the days of grating potatoes and onions and then mixing them with eggs to form the perfect round. These are just pop into the frying pan or microwave and then serve with sour cream or applesauce.

Happiness is coming home to a hot meal. More happiness is making it in just minutes. Nowadays it's easy thanks to all the great instant dinners out there. It's nice to have homemade things if you have the time. However the frozen stuff can offer the same sort of comfort without all the fuss and bother.

Your Holiday Weekend Check List

This is the start of the July 4th holiday weekend. This is also the time you should be checking your grill, fridge and pantry to make sure things are up to snuff. After all you don't want to be running to the store last minute or worst heading out to get take out food. Follow this list and you'll be OK. In fact print it out and cross off as you read it



A working grill. new grills should be primed, old grilled should be cleaned and checked
All grilling utensils cleaned and ready for use
A good supply of outdoor coolers and plenty of ice for drinks
Variety of meats for different tastes
Ingredients for sides such as cole slaw , macaroni, carrots lettuce tomatoes.
Large jar of mayonnaise for sandwiches and salads
Catsup and mustard
Relish for hot dogs
Rolls for burgers and dogs, Italian bread for antipasto
Wine , beer and seltzer for adults, lemonade and soda for kids
Cheeses and crackers or starters
Fresh cut fruit
Popsicles for kids, graham crackers and marshmallows for s'mores
July 4th themed cake or cupcakes

Wet naps for cleaning afterwards
Bug spray
Plastic containers for leftovers and take homes

Use this guide for a well stocked and well prepared July 4th weekend. Then enjoy!

Macaroni Salad That Summer Staple

Mention a classic summer dish and everyone will say macaroni salad. it;s been around for decades gracing our picnic tables and complementing our burgers and dogs. For beginning cooks it's the easiest recipe to make. For gourmands it sometimes can be an embarrassment - a homage to white bread cooking. Yet you can put different spins on it to make the classic more hip and modern.

Macaroni salad was first made in the beginning of the Twentieth Century. Elbow macaroni was mixed with fresh cream , spices and herbs and then served on iceberg lettuce. Somewhere along the line the cream was subbed with mayonnaise and the classic was born. it was first served molded as a side to dishes, usually in diners and delis. It would take a few more decades for it to become a home standard. even then only the most adventurous housewives (such as my Mom) would add chopped onions and celery to the mix. The braver ones would add carrots and sliced bell peppers ,giving the sometimes soggy salad crunch color and taste.

Nowadays you can do interesting things with macaroni salad. You can boil of the tricolore kind and mix in an oregano laced vinaigrette. This is the perfect accompaniment to grilled kabobs or fish. You can also add some tuna to turn it into a pasta salad Nicoise. Another variation is tweaking up the original recipe. Add a good dash of tarragon to the mayo along with some cold grilled chicken. Or try a mustard laced mayo and then add cold ham chunks and coarsely chopped celery. This is a salad after all so you can be as creative as possible. Put the flavors and textures you want in it.

Macaroni salad doesn't have to be that bland mass of mayo and soggy pasta. You can liven it up with a variety of ways. It can still be a classic but with a very modern twist.