Summer is a great time to barbecue. It can also be a money saver. It is much better to heat up the outdoors cooking than to heat up your house by cooking indoors--especially if you are paying money trying to keep it cool.

Barbeques are also wonderful for getting friends and family together. and in general, inexpensive entertainment. People like to come to barbeques because they can bring their whole family, and not have to find a sitter for their children.

Barbeques do not have to be expensive. You don't have to have a big gas unit with side shelves. You don't have to cook steak. You don't even have to buy barbecue sauce.

With that in mind, here are some ideas to barbecue in the summer and keep the cost down.

*First of all, if you don't have a barbecue, you can buy very inexpensive units that sit on a table. You can even make your own by using half of a steel barrel and placing a rack over it.

*If you are using charcoal briquettes for your heat source, stock up on them when they go on sale.

*Everything tastes better outdoors. Many things taste better grilled over charcoal. Most people are satisfied with a simple hamburger or hot dog. Chicken, Salmon, kabobs, and corn on the cob are also favorites..

Hot dogs can be cooked plain. Here is an easy recipe for hamburgers:

2 pounds ground beef
1 packet dry onion soup mix
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon barbeque sauce
3/4 cup dried bread crumbs

*Provide the meat, and assign side dishes to those coming to the barbecue. Most people don't like to come empty handed anyway, and feel more comfortable bringing something . If they don't have the time or inclination to make something, they can just bring a bag of chips, cookies, or even a watermelon.

*Make your own barbecue sauce. Don't waste the juice from cans of fruit that you open. Save it, add a little ketchup, and you have the start of a great sauce.

*Don't use paper products. If you don't have enough dishes, ask others to bring their own, or invest in some inexpensive dishes that you can use over and over.

Big napkins to place over your lap when you are eating (if you don't have a table) are most welcome. Buy some cloth and make them. If you don't have a sewing machine, you can turn the edges over and sew by hand, or use iron on tape.

*If you are short on chairs, have your company bring them. Most people have folding aluminum chairs or camp chairs that are easily transported.

*If you have a lawn, consider sitting on blankets. Again, let people know in advance so they can bring their own. Children often enjoy this the most.

HERE ARE SOME SAFETY AND COOKING TIPS:

*Before you place your meat on the barbecue, be sure it is fully defrosted. It is best to place it on paper towels after it comes out of the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Pat it down on both sides before cooking, and the meat will cook more evenly.

*When cooking meat use a meat thermometer to make sure the meat is fully cooked. You can also buy one that checks the temperature of your grill.

If you are using charcoal, and the temperature is too low, do not add cold charcoal to the existing briquettes. Heat it up first.

*To cook quickly and economically, lift the lid as few times as possible.

* And finally....the most important thing to remember when it comes to barbequeing--let your husband do it!

Reprinted with permission from:
The Pennypincher
An E-zine for the Frugally Minded

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