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Question?
Although I love barbecued food, I have never had a cookout
for friends or family at my home. I am not much of a cook
but I am thinking about giving it a try. Do you have any
suggestions? David, Lithonia,
GA
The Event Planner Responds:
Dear Reader,
There is something very satisfying about grilling foods
outdoors. Unlike other cooking experiences, one may feel
very connected to nature in the preparation of the meal.
It can be a communal bonding experience for your guests
if you ask them to pitch in.
As you are a novice to the experience of hosting a backyard
barbecue, I would suggest that you "start low and go
slow". By that euphemism, I mean that you should not
be over ambitious. Hot Dogs and Hamburgers are standard
fare and are readily appreciated by friends and family.
For a more dramatic menu, consider preparing your favorite
cuts of chicken, pork or beef. Ribs are always a hit but
may take a little more finesse to prepare properly.
For starters, I would only grill meat out doors and prepare
the other side dishes in the kitchen. Salads, fruits, vegetables
and desserts can be prepared in advance and plated for serving
so as not to complicate your regimen. Since your cooking
skills are limited and you do not want to be overwhelmed,
you may ask "Aunt Sarah" who makes the "slamming
baked beans" to do her magic for the event. Also, if
"Cousin Phil's" potato salad is "saying something",
ask him to bring some to share. Asking guests to bring a
dish may add to the communal atmosphere and is a way to
get the "party started".
As you get more comfortable with your "grilling style",
I would then suggest that you upgrade the atmosphere of
your future events. The contrast of serving basic grilled
meats such as chicken or ribs in high style with china,
crystal, and formal place settings can be very festive.
But perhaps we are getting ahead of ourselves. A color theme
with paper plates and napkins and plastic utensils and cups
is all you need. Serve your food buffet style and let the
"finger licking" begin. If you stick to the basics
for this first event, you cannot go wrong!
In closing, I wish you a most bodacious backyard barbecue
and let the Event Planner know the outcome of your first
attempt as the "Grill Master".
Do you have an event dilemma or planning question for
The Event Planner? You may send your pressing concern or
wearisome query to The Event Planner at the following email
address: info@BlackSocietyPages.com.
While she cannot respond to each and every one, your question
and a response may appear on this web site.
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