Favorite BBQ Foods - Ray, get in here!

[nissangirl74]

We are throwing a Labor Day party at the house and I'm trying to make out the menu. I know a lot of people are traditionalists (hamburgers, hotdogs, potato salad, and that's it) but I like to mix things up. Anyone have any suggestions for some new ideas or maybe a cool twist on the originals?

[snwbrdr435]

Like seafood?

[nissangirl74]

sure. I'm open to most anything.

[AppleBonker]

Cooking brats? Charcoal or gas grill?

[BusyBadger]

Still got the bbq sauce I sent you from Ridgewood? Because even with your accent people will never believe you're from Tennessee if you don't do some pulled pork.

[Irvxing]

Some fajitas, and chicken
Make some kabobs! OOH and make some stuffed jalapenos ala grill, wrapped in bacon!

[numbnuts240]

Cooking brats? Charcoal or gas grill?

brats need to be boiled in a good beer with onions before hitting the grill. bbq and propane should never be paired. ever.

[AppleBonker]

Cooking brats? Charcoal or gas grill?

brats need to be boiled in a good beer with onions before hitting the grill. bbq and propane should never be paired. ever.

True. Sautee the onions on the stove in a bit of olive oil and garlic. Transfer the onions to an aluminum pan. Pour beer into the pan and place the raw brats in it. Toss the pan on the charcoal grill on the side furthest from the coals. Allow the brats to cook in the boiling beer until pretty much cooked. Then pull them out and put them straight on the grilling surface. Place back in the aluminum pan after reaching desired char. This will keep them warm until serving. Gives the par-cook you were looking for(keeping the brats juicy) with the smokey flavor that is needed. Par-cooking on the stove limits the smoke flavor and shouldn't be done.

[nissangirl74]

Gas grill. Kabobs is officially on the list. I'll have to check on the price of pork.

[numbnuts240]

the heat will kill any alcoholic content so it's safe for kids, adults, and recovering alcoholics. i tweaked my recipe for mozz stuffed meatballs last night and they were amazing, but i failed to measure anything out and record it. i can give you a basic rundown if you're interested (they were "baked" on a foil-lined cookie sheet on the grill).

[AppleBonker]

Please do!

[Zydeco]

tir-tip, st.louis ribs. beef ribs. hell just any kind of ribs. Chicken legs. you should grill some veggies too.

[nissangirl74]

Please do!

THIS!

also, I have to be careful what kind of sauces I use. I have a friend who is bringing her daughter with her. Child is allergic to damn near everything but water. Worst offenders are high fructose corn syrup and, of all things, carrots

[sx moneypit]

Cooking brats? Charcoal or gas grill?

brats need to be boiled in a good beer with onions before hitting the grill. bbq and propane should never be paired. ever.

[Mr1der]

good smoked beef briske. mmmmmmmmmm

[DJ_B_Easy]

Why not spice up some traditional burgers? I do this:

For every pound of meat:
1 Tablespoon worcestshire sauce
1 teaspoon fresh garlic
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste, teaspoon of each should do the trick
Mix it all up in a bowl, form the burgers, chill for an hour or two before grilling

Simple, and makes the norm a bit more interesting.

[BusyBadger]

Why not spice up some traditional burgers? I do this:

For every pound of meat:
1 Tablespoon worcestshire sauce
1 teaspoon fresh garlic
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste, teaspoon of each should do the trick
Mix it all up in a bowl, form the burgers, chill for an hour or two before grilling

Simple, and makes the norm a bit more interesting.

Sounds a lot like what I do but I don't use the onions and I use more Worcestershire. Chilling the burgers is required, especially if you use more Worcestershire as they'll fall apart if you try to make the patties at anywhere near room temps. I've been tempted to skip the Worcestershire in the burger and use the Worcestershire Thick sauce as a condiment (sort of like the old A1, "Hamburger isn't chopped ham, it's chopped steak" school of thought).

[PapaSmurf2k3]

I'd probably shy away from seafood for the most part. Being a big party, you're going to want foods that stay good (both health wise and taste wise) over a long period of time. Tough to do with seafood.

It also might be a good idea to try to make something more prep-oriented as opposed to attention oriented when you're trying to cook it. You'll have lots of stuff going on at the same time, and you're also going to want to enjoy yourself. Things like meatloaf and mini sammiches, etc can be made ahead of time to free you up for more important things during the day

[DJ_B_Easy]

I use more Worcestershire.

I actually prefer to as well, but not everyone likes it so kickin'. Ive also done variations of this with Ranch dressing and a little breadcrumbs to help the burgers stay together. Ground sausage and creamy italian dressing + green pepper chopped in is quite delightful as well.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

BTW, Ray is in Vegas right now so he wont be posting for a while.

[nissangirl74]

Oh well, I think I'll be OK. I'll continue to take suggestions. My recipe book does NOT discriminate.
Menu is as follows:

Burgers
Dogs
Brats
Chicken Legs: Regular and BBQ
Beef / Pork Kabobs with tomatoes, yellow squash, zucchini, pineapple, peppers
Homemade Pork 'n Beans
7 layer Taco Dip with chips
Guacamole with chips
Rotel Cheese Dip with chips
Potato Salad
Macaroni and Cheese
Fruit and Veggie Trays
Meat and Cracker Tray
Cookies
Strawberry Cheesecake Muffins

[alms24sebring]

Lobster tails on the grill. Seriously, all you have to do is keep smothering it melted butter and garlic, with a bit of old bay every minute or 2 and you will die happily.

[alms24sebring]

And Rotel Cheesedip is the f***ing s***

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Sounds like you've got plenty on your list. I'd be a very happy guest with all of that there

Good job Bex!

[nissangirl74]

Thanks guys. I'll throw up a picture thread at some point. Makes me want to go to bed early so I can get up and start cooking!

[numbnuts240]

Lobster tails on the grill.

that's more for grilling for yourself or just the immediate family. i'll be damned if i'm hosting any type of gathering where i'm cooking and supplying all the food and i serve some lobster tail.

[Irvxing]

http://sweetlifebake.com/2010/08/12/bac ... z25Q0rTg4X
Those bad boys are party favorites. Every time i light the grill these bad boys never fail to please.

[300ZXttZMAN]

My dad is firing up the pit today as well! WHOOP..

[frapjap]

Oh well, I think I'll be OK. I'll continue to take suggestions. My recipe book does NOT discriminate.
Menu is as follows:

Burgers
Dogs
Brats
Chicken Legs: Regular and BBQ
Beef / Pork Kabobs with tomatoes, yellow squash, zucchini, pineapple, peppers
Homemade Pork 'n Beans
7 layer Taco Dip with chips
Guacamole with chips
Rotel Cheese Dip with chips
Potato Salad
Macaroni and Cheese
Fruit and Veggie Trays
Meat and Cracker Tray
Cookies
Strawberry Cheesecake Muffins

Maaaan, I'd of eaten the hell out of that menu. I'd especially like to try your potato salad and mac n cheese.
Sorry that I couldn't offer any help but it looks like you had it covered and your guests left happy and full!

[RCA]

_insert any food in here_ wrapped in bacon.

Chicken kabob wrapped in bacon is great! Lean white meat with a salty kick.