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Tips for a Great BBQ

Memorial Day marked the unofficial start of summer and the inevitable kick off of BBQ season. As a college student this means going into yet another summer with no porch, patio or place to put an outdoor grill. I used to go on runs through my neighborhood with pure jealously as the sounds of laughter and wafts of smoky baby back ribs, juicy, delicious burgers and mouthwatering side dishes escaped backyard soirees and filled the summer air. I decided it was time to devise a plan to get myself invited to as many BBQ’s as possible.

Of course, when trying to convince people that you’d be a welcome guest at their party it helps to have some stellar BBQ recipes and host-impressing strategies in your back pocket. If pure panic just riddled your body due to the fact that you make the same potato salad for every summer party you attend, have no fear… it’s now been four years since my neighborhood running, jealous BBQ sniffing days and I’d like to think I’ve learned the keys to a successful invite…and re-invite. In those four years I’ve found these four tips and tricks are essential!

1) Master a few delicious, summer recipes …try not to bring the same recipes to every party you attend, switch it up a bit! Here’s a list of some of my favorites:

Sides-

Mexican Quinoa Salad with Corn and Black Beans

Grilled Veggies with Balsamic and Feta

Jicama, Avocado and Orange Salad with Lime Vinaigrette

Grilled Sweet Potatoes

Main-

Katy’s Spicy Grilled Eggplant

Grilled Skirt Steak with Chimichurri

Jerk Chicken

Black Bean Burgers with Grilled Pineapple and Lime Chipotle Aioli

Sweets-

Strawberry-Orange Shortcakes

Cherry Almond Crumble

Banana Coconut Lime Bread

Chocolate Zucchini Cupcake

 

2) Beer and Wine are always a nice way to thank your host! Visit in-the-aisle beer and wine staff at Healthy Living for assistance in making the best choice for the occasion!

3) Always offer to help set up and clean up! Pick-up some decorations, make a mix of music or arrive early to offer assistance. It’s a great way to learn the tricks of the trade for when you finally have the space to throw a party and it’s a big help to the host…a great way to get an invite to their next cook-out!

4) And last but certainly not least…mingle and meet as many people as possible! Branch out, meet new friends, and find things you have in common– it’s a great way to get invites to more BBQ’s and make the most of your summer!