It’s Labor Day weekend, which means for many the end of the lazy days of summer, with fall and cooler weather soon to come. It also means grilling season will be coming to an end. It doesn’t mean you won’t be grilling any more, at least it doesn’t at our house. It just means you won’t be grilling as much, with the shorter days and colder days.

I thought I’d put together an end of summer easy grilling roundup to help you plan your last minute Labor day menu. So invite some friends over to enjoy some of these summer grilling …read more

My favorite cookout party food is kabobs. I think it’s because they are so versatile, and they’re a step above hot dogs and hamburgers. Something a little different for your party guests.
You can make kabobs with almost anything you want, from chicken, or beef to shrimp. Add your favorite veggies cut into chunks and your ready to go.

Make a simple marinade with A1 Marinade, garlic powder, and Italian dressing.
Chop and marinade all your meats and vegetables overnight in the refrigerator.
Kabob them early in the day and store them in the fridge, then pop them on the grill when your guests …read more

If you’re planning a small, elegant dinner party in your back yard this summer I have the perfect recipe for you. Serve your guests this lovely meal with shrimp skewers, beef tenderloin, and a garlic cream sauce from Stockman and Dakota.
We head for the Outer Banks every summer to hang out on the beach. While we’re there we always visit the local seafood shops several time to pick up some shrimp for dinner. I think I’ll take this recipe along.

Surf ‘n Turf
with Garlic Cream Sauce
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Amount: 4 servings
Ingredients:
½ cup butter
2 tablespoons minced …read more

Cucumber salad is one of my favorite summer dishes, and it’s so easy to make ahead for a summer party of backyard barbecue. Here’s a recipe for cucumber salad from Gaea that’s loaded with fresh herbs and spices.
I love to use summer recipes that feature fresh herbs for summer entertaining. The flavors of the fresh herbs are fabulous.

Cucumber Salad with Fresh Herbs, Orange Segments and Citrus Dressing
by Chef Alexandros Papandreou
Preparation time: 15 minutes ∙ 4 servings

6 small cucumbers
Coarse Salt

For the Dressing:

½ cup Gaea DOP sitia, Crete extra virgin olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Freshly ground pink pepper
2 …read more

Serve these potato dippers as a side dish or a fun appetizer at your next gathering!
Here’s a quick and easy backyard barbecue recipe from the United States Potato Board, that’s also a light and healthy alternative to fried potatoes and heavy high fat dips.
The dipping sauces all use fat-free Greek yogurt as a base and can be made up to 24 hours ahead and stored tightly covered in the refrigerator. I love summer party recipes that can be prepared ahead and pulled out at the last minute.
The best part is the whole dish is very low cost, but it …read more

I have a healthy alternative to the grilled burger for your backyard barbecues this summer from Livestrong.com. Try grilled portobello mushrooms instead. They’re thick and meaty, but lighter on calories.
They’ll offer a great alternative for your party guests who are trying to watch what they eat this summer. Many guests will appreciate having a choice, especially one that looks as delicious as this.

Portobello Mushroom Burgers
Ingredients:

1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
4 Portobello mushroom caps, stems and gills removed
4 whole-wheat hamburger buns
1 cup sliced heirloom tomato
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 tablespoon red-wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 …read more

Country Living paired with Stampin’ Up to create The Country Living Summer Cookout Kit to help you make your summer table look great. The Cookout Kit is loaded with creative, low cost ways to host a memorable summer party.
The kit includes creative invitation ideas, fun food wrappers, place cards, holders, customizable coasters and many more festive items to make your summer gathering a special event.

Make them in red white and blue and they’d be perfect for your 4th of July celebration!
The kit will only be available only until August 31, 2009 and costs $24.95.  The Summer Cookout Kit can be …read more

Like I said earlier, a pitcher of your favorite or signature cocktail works wonderful for summer backyard barbecues. It’s quick, easy, and you can make them ahead.
Here are three yummy sangria cocktail pitcher recipes from Leblon Cachaça.

Sangrias Blanco
3 oz. Leblon Cachaça
3 oz. pisco
3 oz. elderflower liqueur
6 oz. white cranberry juice
6 oz. semi sweet white wine
1 oz. fresh lime juice
3 oz. soda water
Directions:
Fill half of the pitcher with ice. Add the ingredients and stir well. Garnish with slices of limes, apples, cucumbers, kiwi, sage leaves star fruit and green grapes if available.

Traditional Sangria
4 oz. Leblon Cachaça
2 oz. brandy
2 oz. orange …read more

I have some great summer barbecue cocktail recipes courtesy of Leblon Cachaça you can make ahead by the pitcher full, and serve them to your guests as you need them. Less fuss during the party so you can focus on your guests. Just make a pitcher or two before your guests arrive and you’re ready to go.
The ingredients in these cocktails remind me of summer! One features fresh summer fruits, and the other fresh flowers for garnish. They’d be wonderful for a garden party to celebrate the Summer Solstice.

Sunset Pitcher
4 oz. Leblon Cachaça
2 oz. raspberry liqueur
2 oz. Campari
6 oz. …read more

I have a recipe for your Father’s Day cookout. Most dads enjoy kabobs cooked on the grill. Kabobs are easy to make, and with this teriyaki marinade they’re delicious too.You can serve them over rice, with grilled pesto potato salad or with a potato baked on the grill.
To complete your Father’s Day cookout menu serve up a little strawberry pie for dessert.

Grilled Teriyaki Beef Kabobs
Prep Time: 15 minutes + marinating
Grill Time: 7-9 minutes
Amount: 4 servings
Ingredients:
1 (1 ½ pound) Stockman & Dakota™ Boneless Sirloin Steak
1 red bell pepper, cut into 24 chunks
¾ cup Culinary Circle™ Shanghai Five Spice …read more