Simple Kitchen: Barbecue bash

By Errin Stevenon

July 9, 2008 | Let's let the fire begin by filling up our propane tanks to start the grill. With Pioneer Day just around the corner, we know there is lots of barbecues headed our way. Common barbecues serve the traditional hot dogs and hamburgers, right? These are cheap, easy, quick and a dish that most people like. So, let's just add some flavor to the tradition and spice things up a little.

A simple way to spice up a hamburger is by seasoning. A recipe from allrecipes.com, submitted by Jan, is the Bacon Wrapped Hamburgers:

Bacon-Wrapped Hamburgers

INGREDIENTS

* 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
* 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 small onion, chopped
* 1 egg
* 1 tablespoon ketchup
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/8 teaspoon pepper
* 1 pound ground beef
* 6 slices bacon
* 6 hamburger buns, split

1. Preheat a grill for high heat.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the Cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, onion, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Crumble in the ground beef, and mix together by hand. Form into 6 patties, and wrap a slice of bacon around each one. Secure bacon with toothpicks. 3. Place patties on the grill, and cook for 5 minutes per side, or until well done. Remove toothpicks before serving on hamburger buns. This hamburger is great and one that will make the barbecue a little more up beat. Serve with the typical hamburger toppings such as pickles, mayo, ketchup, onions, lettuce and mustard. To spice up a hot dog, chili is a personal favorite. If you are running out of time and can't make it, just go to the store and pick up your favorite chili. Warm it up and serve with grated cheddar cheese.

Sides at barbecues are supposed to be easy to eat and finger foods work great. Veggies with dip and fruit with dip are both personal favorites. Quick dips:

Veggie Dip

1 c. mayo
1 c. sour cream
1 T. dill weed
1 T. bon appetite

Fruit Dip

1 small tub of Cool Whip
1 container of Yoplait yogurt

Some other quick side dishes can include beans or fresh corn on the cob.

Salads are always a fresh and healthy choice on the table. If you are looking for salad sides, here are some quick recipes for you!

Red Cool Whip salad

1 lg. container of large curd cottage cheese
1 lg. tub of Cool Whip
1 pkg. of strawberry Jell-O powder
1 container of washed and cut up strawberries

Green salad

Red leaf lettuce, washed and chopped
1 avocado, peeled and chopped
Jicama, peeled and chopped
1 red onion, chopped
2 kiwis, peeled and chopped
1 mango, peeled and chopped

Mix together in a salad bowl.

Dressing:
1/3 c. cider vinegar
2 crushed garlic
2-3 green onions, chopped
1 c. cilantro
1 T. honey
1 t. salt
pinch of ground cloves
1ž2 c. vegetable oil
1ž2 c. olive oil

Now, to top off the day, a quick and easy treat is always fun for the kids and everyone. My favorite treats to take to barbecues are homemade Oreos. They are not the typical dessert but a nice treat. Homemade Oreos: From: Rena Snell

Homemade Oreos

2 pkg. Devils Food Cake
4 eggs
1 c. butter
1 t. vanilla

Mix all in bowl with wooden spoon. Mixture will be thick. Roll dough into small balls and place on un-greased baking sheet. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes. Frost the middle with Betty Crocker whipped white frosting.

Enjoy!

MS
MS