Nothing says summer fun like a cook out. Meat sizzling on the grill. Chunky potato salad in a big Tupperware bowl. Cold drinks on ice. These are the memories we make and remember fondly when we take the time to invite family and friends over for a yard or patio grill party.
Americans love to grill. In fact, three quarters of all families own some type of grill, and many families own more than one type. Once the grilling bug bites, it doesn’t let go. The average family grills out five times per month from Labor to Memorial Day, and the newest trend is to grill outside year round (even in the snow).
If you dream of throwing your own outdoor bashes, then buy a grill and practice ahead. There are a number of grills on the market ranging from charcoal to gas powered and even slow smokers that require all day or overnight cooking.
As a rule of thumb, gas grilling is the easiest to master while charcoal grilled foods taste the best. Smokers expand meat options but are toys of the hardcore given the amount of time required to slow cook larger cuts of meat.
Read up. Ask around. Buy and get to know your grill. Test drive your grill and skills before firing up in front of friends. It’s stressful to learn on the job and with an audience. A few practice sessions will make a big difference, and you get to eat the test run meats.
Think Simple
When planning a cook out, think simple. The best recipe for a fabulous outdoor gathering is good food and good company. If you have plenty for everyone to eat and are relaxed, everything else falls into place. There is a southern saying, “Ain’t nobody happy if Momma ain’t happy.” At a cook out, the same kind of thing applies. If the host is hang loose and having a good time even if things go wrong (which they can and do), then everyone rolls with the punches. In fact, some of the best memories may be of things that didn’t go quite right.
If you want to showboat, cater a big event at the park. If you want to have fun, gather the troops and share the work load. When folks offer to help, take them up on it. Most visitors will ask if they can bring something or do something. Have some items in mind that guests can bring and have some tasks to assign. Do try to match skills and interests and allow some creativity. For example, don’t ask your sister-in-law who never cooks to bring dessert. She’ll be more comfortable taking care of the ice. On the other hand, your neighbor who loves whipping up dishes for pot luck dinners may be delighted to take care of a side dish, but she will be a better team player and have more fun if you avoid telling her exactly how to toss baked beans together.