Barbecue: An American Summer Tradition

Next to baseball, nothing says summer like the sizzling sounds, enticing aromas, and mouth-watering flavors of barbecuing. In fact, according to a recent survey commissioned by Hormel Foods and conducted by Harris Interactive®, 90 percent of respondents2 agree that barbecues make them think of summer.

Where does America barbecue? According to the survey, 89 percent prefer to hold family barbecues right in their own backyards, compared with 3 percent who prefer a public park or picnic area. Barbecues are a great way to bring the family together, entertain friends and family and enjoy the summer nights-right in the backyard!

A few simple tips can make your next grill-out even easier and more fun:

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

• Marinating Musts: Marinating meat adds flavor and tenderization before cooking. Every marinade should contain an acidic ingredient, such as vinegar or wine; an oil, such as olive or avocado; and seasonings, such as herbs and spices.

• Barbecue in Bulk: Got leftovers? No problem. Barbecue meals freeze well, and often become more flavorful when the sauce and spices are reheated at a later date. Once you have fired up the grill, cook as much as your pit can handle since your food will maintain its flavor for future meals. Then thaw, reheat and just add sauce for a delicious leftover meal in a jiffy. This will maximize the results of the time and effort spent lighting and heating the grill.

• Deck Out Your Deck: Minimal meal preparation time gives you a chance to focus on the details. To make your barbecue spectacular, set the mood by hanging lanterns around the yard, blending a signature summertime cocktail and presenting the meal on brightly colored plates.

Now that the days are long and school is out, it's a great idea to step outside and cook dinner on the grill. A relaxing backyard barbecue dinner will melt the stress of the workday away. Your family will love the meal, and you'll love the convenience and flavor!

Recipe: 4th Of July Barbecue In A Bag

Barbecue in a bag? Yep! Grilling food in foil packets is great for barbecues, as it gives you a ton of flavor without a ton of work, and cleanup is easy! This 4th of July, try this simple recipe full of fresh summer ingredients, and impress your guests without slaving over the grill for hours.

You can even prepare all of the ingredients in advance and refrigerate, then throw the packets together right before guests arrive, and then enjoy yourself without having to tend to the grill the whole time.

Barbecue In A Bag
(Serves 4 but may be easily adjusted for more.)

Ingredients:

1/2 cup favorite barbecue sauce
1 lb. pork stew meat, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
2 fresh ears of corn, cut in half
4 to 6 new red potatoes, cut into wedges
1 cup frozen or fresh cut green beans
2 Tbsp butter
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

• Set your grill to medium-high heat and preheat.
• Lay out 4 sheets of heavy duty aluminum foil (or however many packets you are making).
• In a bowl, toss together the pork with the barbecue sauce.
• Put 1/4 meat mixture on each of the 4 foil packets.
• Top the meat with the corn, potatoes, and green beans, then divide the butter into 4 equal parts and top each packet with a pad of butter.
• Fold the foil packets up, leaving a little air space at the top, then seal securely.
• Place on grill on indirect heat, cover grill, then cook for 30 to 40 minutes, spinning packets at least once during this time.
• Remove and let sit for 3 to 5 minutes before opening.

Low-Carb Recipe: Crockpot Smoky Chicken Barbecue

Another popular dish that you may not think of using the crockpot for is barbecue chicken. This is a great way to make this classic dish even easier, and the smoky sauce is tangy rather than sweet. This recipe replaces traditional barbecue sauce (typically high in carbs) with smoked paprika, crushed tomatoes, and vinegar, giving the same flavor profile without all the sugar and carbs.

Crockpot Smoky Chicken Barbecue
(Serves 6-8.)

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp kosher salt
8 organic or naturally raised chicken pieces, bones and skin removed
1 medium onion, diced
1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

Directions:

• Put the first 6 ingredients in a bowl and stir together. Add chicken pieces and toss with the dry spices until coated well.
• Put onion in crockpot, sprinkle the vinegar over, then pour the crushed tomatoes over the top.
• Arrange the chicken evenly over the top, then sprinkle whatever remains of the spices from the bowl over the top of the chicken.
• Turn crockpot on LOW, cover, and cook for 7 to 8 hours or until chicken is tender.
• You can serve your "BBQ" chicken as is, in whole pieces, spooning the sauce over the top, or you can shred it up and mix it into the sauce in the crockpot for a pulled 'pork' style. Serve in lettuce cups or on top of a bed of coleslaw for a low carb dinner.