That’s right! It’s finally summer again and it’s time to start planning your next BBQ. So, dust off the grill cover and sharpen your chef’s knife, it’s time to get grilling. In order to get the best out of your next BBQ and every other BBQ this summer, you will want to have an excellent menu. I have taken the time to research this year’s hottest (and out of the box) menu items that will have your guests crowding your grill like the paparazzi.
The Menu: Classic Fare With A Modern Twist
For this menu, I am going a more traditional route with a twist. I picked three crowd pleasers that will be sure to whet the appetite of even the pickiest of eaters and then added a little pizzazz that will have your guests documenting every bite for their social media accounts.
Main Dish: Traditional Burgers But With An Outrageous Toppings Bar
I recommend starting with Gordon Ramsay’s traditional burger recipe, and then preparing a topping station that will surprise and delight your guests, regardless of tastes. Think of things like baked brie and raspberry rounds, fried eggs, grilled peach slices, peanut butter, coleslaw, fried pickle slices, jalapeno poppers, guacamole, onion rings, and so on and so forth. The sky truly is the limit. They will come for the burgers and stay for the toppings.
Side Dish: Spicy Sweet Potato Fries
Start with this recipe for top of the line sweet potato fries and then make sure to add plenty of your own favorite spices and herbs. I recommend turning up the heat with extra paprika and cayenne pepper or even bits of fried ghost pepper to really get the furnace going.
Side Dish Two: Caprese Salad Skewers
Your guests may look at you sideways when you tell them that you are serving a fresh salad at your BBQ this year. After all, this isn’t the time for counting calories, it’s for indulging and letting your hair down, metaphorically of course. But, you can quickly reassure them that it will be a fun twist on the classic summer favorite, the caprese salad. This time, it is hand held and bursting with flavor. The kind of salad that you can eat off of a stick while still enjoying your glass of wine or cold beer is a hit in my book! Here’s the recipe.
Dessert: Grilled Strawberry And Pineapple Shortcakes
For this next item, I took a timeless classic and brought it into the modern age, ready for grilling. Strawberry shortcakes have been part of the American summer diet since 1847, but these aren’t your grandaddy’s shortcakes! These are packed with rich fire-kissed BBQ flavor and are the perfect cool and refreshing complement to a rather spicy menu. Start with this recipe as a baseline, but you can add your own indulgences. Don’t skimp on the cream.
In Conclusion
This year is the perfect time to start experimenting with your barbeque menu and to try something new and exciting to keep your guests on their toes. I am happy to help with any questions about BBQ, buying, selling, real estate, and beyond! Give me a call today, I’d love to hear from you.