Cooking tip

Since Americans in the South began roasting pigs publicly
Barbecues have been a staple of North American living. For many
grilling becomes a routine mealtime activity
while for the most devoted grillers
summer is ruled by massive barbecue parties. But grillers do not have to choose between boring repetition and outrageous get-togethers: every barbecue can and should be an exciting family event. Here are 5 ways to make your routine evening barbecue a more unique experience:

1) Who said you have to stick to meat? Much can be done with bread and fruits over an open flame. To make this into a fun activity with your kids
use cookie cutters to make the bread and fruit into shapes. You can decide on themes like “animals” and “letters” or ask that each shape be different from the others! Then
let your kids decide which toppings they would like to put on. Add cheese
onion and various spices to bread and cinnamon and honey to fruit.

2) Try foil-wrapped surprise meals. Place different combinations of chicken
fish and vegetables with sauces and spices in foil packets. These cook in less than 20 minutes and lead to no-mess
lip-smacking results. Children will love the surprise element and can easily switch packets. You can even ask your family for combo suggestions before the barbecue
or draw ingredient names out of a hat to create new meal ideas.

3) A little variety goes a long way. If you tend to stick to the same old beef burgers and pork wieners
why not try grilled pizza or salmon steaks? Similarly
try to mix it up with condiments and seasoning. Sick of ketchup? Try salsa instead. Look online where you’ll find hundreds of easy recipes for barbecue rubs. These give your food that extra pizzazz and prevent the mess and drip that comes with barbecue sauces.

4) Barbecues don’t have to be rushed. In fact
barbecue devotees will tell you that today’s quick broiling is an insult to the term
which should represent a process of slow cooking on low heat. You can find many slow cooker recipes online
and the wait is a great opportunity to pass some quality time with your family and friends. Entertaining backyard activities include creating an outdoor canvas to paint on or playing backyard bowling with household items.

5) Mom said not to play with your food
but there’s always an exception! Barbecue games are great fun and tasty at the same time. In the game Glutton
each player gets a certain amount of mashed potatoes
macaroni and cheese or any other side dish. Various kitchen utensils are put in a box and the players blindly pick a few. On the go
they begin to eat their dish with the items that they took out. The first to finish his or her food wins the prize!

Finally
don’t fret! Far too many people get lost in the details of planning the perfect barbecue party and forget to enjoy the social atmosphere and delicious food. So kick back
bask in the relaxing sun and prepare for a summer of unforgettable barbecues!