The forecast is 75 and sunny — do I need to knock on wood? I hope everyone is gearing up for a fun Memorial Day weekend. It’s one of my favorite holidays because it kicks off everything good about Summer — outdoor grilling, cold beers and late night BBQ parties. Every year I host a little rooftop shindig for friends — sometimes it’s all about the slow-roasted ribs, but this year I think I’m doing BBQ’d pizzas. They are so easy and great to do when you’re hosting a lot of people. Just line up the ingredients and let people get creative. This is also less work for the party host, leaving more time for sipping suds. Here are some of my favorite BBQ menu items — I hope this inspires some great backyard bashes. Happy Memorial Day!
DRINKS {start the party out right}
Alton Brown’s Bourbon Mint Julep
Bottle of Baron {Refreshing “Island Cocktail” a la Tippling Bros.}
Fresh Lime-Margarita Marinated Watermelon
Kickin’ Ancho Chili Fresh Citrus Margarita
Pink Fizzy Lemonade Cocktails Beat the Heat
Stand-Out Spanish Sangria
SNACK’EMS {your guests eat, while the grill heats}
Avocado & Tropical Fruit Salsa {also good as an entree side}
Creole Roasted Fresh Corn-Tomato Salsa
Fresh Lime-Margarita Marinated Watermelon{double duty bites}
SALADS {beautiful and delicious}
Orzo, Spinach & Feta Summer Salad
Spinach, Strawberry & Halloumi Salad
Tomato, Basil & Feta Salad
PIZZA & BREADS {d’oh! why didn’t i try this yet}
Creative Crowd-Pleasing BBQ’d Pizzas {this is what I’ll be serving! So FUN}
Flaky Cheese Straws, As Easy As Being Barefoot
Red Chili-Lime Cornbread Muffins
FOR THE GRILL {that’s what it’s all about}
Bison, a Better Burger Worth Biting Into
Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken
Pistachio-Encrusted Spring Lamb w/ Pickled Red Onions & Cumin Yogurt Sauce
Whole-Grain Mustard & Rosemary Pork Chops
Grilled Thyme-Cumin Vegetable Kabobs
DESSERT {life is short, eat it first}
Alton Brown’s Bourbon Banana’s Foster w/ Bourbon Ice Cream
Banana Puddin’ Chocolate Cups {bottom of post}
Violet’s Lemon Cheesecake with BBQ’d Summer Berries{bottom of post}
Grilled Pizzas
8.ate@eight 