Simple Summer Barbeque

Now that you know how to make some refreshing cocktails, and you’ve got some really great backyard games, it’s time to throw a party! All that’s missing is the food. Here are some of our picks for an easy and delicious meal you can make on the grill for your next get-together, or even your house-warming party! So get out there, invite your friends and family, and impress your neighbors with these great recipes.

Caprese Salad

This salad is super easy. You can serve it as an hors d’oeuvre, single-serve style, or as tossed salad along with your main course. It’s a great way to show off your home-grown tomatoes and basil, and it’s beautiful as well!

Ingredients:

·         Basil

·         Tomatoes (Any variety. We like cherry tomatoes for a tossed salad, and larger varieties, such as heirlooms, for hors devours)

·         Mozzarella (Any size. We like small cherry-tomato sized ones for the salad, and the large ball for the hors devours)

·         Your favorite balsamic vinegar and olive oil, or a light dressing

·         Make sure you have enough ingredients for everyone at your party. We suggest at least one serving per person, if not two.

Directions (Hors D’oeuvres):

1.      Slice tomatoes about 1cm thick, keep in large circles.

2.      Slice equal amount of mozzarella, one disc per tomato slice, and arrange on plate

3.      Place one tomato slice on each mozzarella

4.      Top each with one basil leaf (or more if you want)

5.      Drizzle with balsamic and olive oil and serve!

If you would like to make a salad just toss all the ingredients in a bowl and add your dressing. Slice cherry tomatoes and small mozzarella balls in half. Add dressing and let stand for a few minutes, melding the flavors together. Enjoy!

Homemade Balsamic Dressing

This dressing is perfect for the caprese salad or hors d’oeuvre! Don’t hesitate to get creative with this one. Add other spices and flavored oils to add your own personal flare!

Ingredients:

• ¹/₈ Cup good balsamic vinegar
• ¼ Cup bold flavored olive oil (or flavor-infused olive oil)
• 1 Tbsp real maple syrup
• ½ tsp salt (to taste)

Directions:

1. Measure all ingredients into a jar
2. Secure lid and shake vigorously to combine
3. If refrigerated, remove from fridge at least 30 minutes before serving and shake well to recombine

Pesto Grilled Salmon

Impress your friends with this easy, and healthy, recipe for grilled salmon!

Ingredients:

·         ¼ cup minced shallots

·         1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips

·         ¼ tsp salt

·         ½ tsp ground pepper

·         ½ salmon (about 1 1/2 lbs.), with or without skin (remove before eating), or any other fish

·         3 tbsp basil pesto (purchased or homemade)

Direction:

1.      Preheat the grill to medium heat.

2.      Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes.

3.      Add red bell pepper, salt and pepper, and cook until the bell pepper is just tender, about 3 minutes.

4.      Lay salmon on a double sheet of foil that is lightly coated with cooking spray.

5.      Spread pesto over salmon and arrange shallot and red bell peppers over pesto.

6.      Seal foil by folding it as though you wrapping a present. Slide the foil packet onto grill and close lid. Cook until salmon is just cooked through, 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon. Take care not to overcook the salmon.

7.      Unwrap salmon from the foil, cut into pieces and serve hot or at room temperature. It’s as easy as that!

Banana S’Mores

This is an easy recipe that’s fun to do with kids, on the grill or even over a camp fire! Parental supervision advised.

Ingredients per banana:

·         1 Banana

·         2 Tbsp mini marshmallows

·         2 Tbsp semi-sweet chocolate chips

·         2 Tbsp Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, slightly crushed

·         Aluminum foil squares

Directions:

·         Preheat grill to medium high heat (or oven to 400°F)

·         Peel bananas and slice lengthwise to open, do not slice completely in half, and place in aluminum foil

·         Fill banana with chocolate chips and marshmallow

·         Wrap banana and grill (or bake) for 5-6 minutes, or until chocolate and marshmallows are melted

·         If cooking on open flame you will need to allow flames to die down and place the packet directly on the fire and cook for 3-5 minutes.

·         Unwrap banana, top with cereal, and enjoy!!

Grilled Peaches

This is a great dessert if you’re looking for something a little more sophisticated.

Ingredients for 6 peaches (serves 12):

·         6 ripe peaches, sliced in half, pitted

·         ¾ Cup amaretti cookies, crumbled

·         ¼ Cup amaretto liqueur (optional- use water as substitute)

·         1 Tbsp cocoa powder

Directions:

1.      Heat grilled to medium high heat

2.      Place peaches on grill, cut side down, for 3 minutes, until golden brown and slightly charred

3.      Turn over and cook another 3 minutes to soften them

4.      Remove from grill and cools

5.      Add cookie crumble to medium bowl, stir in cocoa powder, amaretto (or water), and combine

6.      Mold cookie crumbles into small balls and place in center of peaches, where pit would be

7.      Enjoy these warm! They would be delicious with vanilla ice cream.