Summer Barbecues
by Nikki Willhite - Willhite@aol.com
Description: Tips for planning a successful summer barbecue.
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
Related articles:
Summertime Meals on a Skewer
Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipes
How to Plan the Perfect Barbecue
