Ina Garten is an amazing chef, and today I am using one of my favorite recipes of hers as inspiration to share with you my tips for a delicious vegetarian BBQ!
For those of you not familiar with Ina, she stars on the Food Network program "Barefoot Contessa" and is known for mouth-watering and inventive recipes.
Whenever I watch her show, I just want to give her a big hug!
As a quick side note, Ina seems to have quite the selection of denim shirts ;)
I discovered one of my favorite Ina recipes when I was browsing around on FoodNetwork.com a while ago, and I really love making this one for my friends and family.
Ina's Roasted Brussels Sprouts are so simple and just so scrumptious.
The slightly smokey flavor profile that the Brussels sprouts take on is so divine.
Ingredients:
- * 1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts
- * 3 tablespoons good olive oil
- * 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- * 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Cut off the brown ends of the Brussels sprouts and pull off any yellow outer leaves. Mix them in a bowl with the olive oil, salt and pepper. Pour them on a sheet pan and roast for 35 to 40 minutes, until crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Shake the pan from time to time to brown the sprouts evenly. Sprinkle with more kosher salt (I like these salty like French fries), and serve immediately.
Yum!
Since spring is here, I love spending time in my backyard with my family while cooking on the grill. While Ina's recipe is fine for the oven, she inspired me to search out other vegetable recipes that are perfect for outdoor BBQ-ing!
Let's start with a classic: corn on the cob.
Grilling adds another dimension to the corn's inherent sweetness, and besides a smidge of butter and sea salt, it's really fun to give the corn an added kick of spice by dusting on a few chili flakes.
I have always had a weakness for grilled vegetables.
Just looking at that picture is making my mouth water :)
The brilliance of grilling vegetables on a BBQ is the simplicity behind it, and the results are soo delicious!
This recipe from Guy Fieri for Balsamic grilled veggies is my go-to:
Ingredients:
For the Balsamic glaze:
- * 1 1/2 cups balsamic vinegar, preferably aged
- * 1 tablespoons brown sugar
- * 2 tablespoons honey
- * 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar, preferably aged
- * 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- * 1 tablespoon sea salt
- * 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
- * 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- * 3 (9 to 12-inch) carrots, sliced lengthwise, 1/4-inch thick
- * 2 celery roots, trimmed and cut in 1/4-inch slices
- * 3 large red onions, cut into rounds, 3/8-inch thick
- * 2 (7 to 8-inch) zucchini, sliced lengthwise, 1/4-inch thick
- * 4 (4-inch), crooked neck squash, sliced lengthwise, 1/4-inch thick
- * Oil, for brushing grill
Directions:
In a medium saute pan over medium heat, add vinegar, sugar, and honey. Let simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until reduced by half. Keep warm for glazing on grill. In a 1 gallon re-sealable bag, add the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, sea salt, pepper, and garlic and mix until combined. Next, add the carrots, celery root and onions, remove excess air. Allow to marinate for 30 minutes. Then add the zucchini and squash and allow to marinate for 10 more minutes. Preheat grill to medium-high. Brush grill with oil. Add onions, carrots and celery root. Cook on both sides for 3 to 5 minutes brushing with balsamic glaze. Mark and brown evenly on both sides. Remove to holding pan and cover with aluminum foil. Add squash and zucchini to grill, brush with glaze and cook for 2 minutes per side, until marked and evenly brown. Remove to holding pan, and cover until service. Drizzle veggies with remaining glaze and serve on a warm platter.
The Balsamic glaze adds almost a caramelization to the vegetables!
If you have kids, a fun way to get them involved in the culinary process is with veggie kabobs. By sticking the individual vegetables on the wooden sticks, they are helping and interacting all at once.
The best part is, you can pick your favorite veggies for this, and the flavors will meld together harmoniously. I like using onions, cherry tomatoes, red potatoes, eggplant, yellow squash, red pepper, and zucchini.
Ingredients:
- * 2 onions
- * 12 new red potatoes
- * 1 red bell pepper
- * 1 eggplant
- * 1 yellow squash
- * 1 zucchini
- * 12 cherry tomatoes
- * 1/3 cup butter
- * 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- * 1/4 tsp. garlic salt
- * 1/2 tsp. dried thyme leaves
Directions:
Prepare and preheat grill. Peel a thin strip around the center of each small new potato and place in saucepan with onions. Cover with water, bring to a boil, and simmer for 6-8 minutes until potatoes are barely tender. Drain well. Cut each onion into 6 wedges. Seed bell peppers and cut each into 6 wedges. Melt butter in small saucepan and stir in cheese, salt, and thyme leaves. Thread all vegetables onto 12 skewers and grill 4-6" from medium heat for 8-10 minutes. Brush kabobs frequently with butter sauce and turn frequently, until vegetables are tender.
Another recipe that's perfect for a vegetarian BBQ has a bit of a kick... Cilantro Lime Grilled Tofu.
Yes, it is totally as good as it sounds :)
Ingredients:
- * 1 block firm or extra-firm tofu, well-pressed
- * 1 tbsp olive oil
- * 1/4 cup lime juice
- * 2 cloves garlic, minced
- * 2 tbsp fresh chopped cilantro
- * 2 tsp chili powder
- * 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- * salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
Slice the tofu into 4 thick slabs. Or, chop into cubes and place on bamboo skewers. Whisk together remaining ingredients and add tofu, coating well. Allow to marinate in the refrigerator for at least two hours, and up to overnight. Place tofu on grill, and cook until lightly browned on all sides, basting occasionally with extra marinade.
The grilled tofu with the kabobs would be delicious together!
For dessert, I found this recipe for Grilled Pineapple with Coconut that's just a knockout.
Ingredients:
- * 2 tbsp honey or agave nectar
- * 1 tsp lemon juice
- * 4 or 5 slices fresh pineapple
- * 1 cup flaked coconut
Directions:
Whisk together the honey (or agave nectar) and lemon juice in a wide dish. Add the pineapple and coat well. Allow the pineapple to marinate for at least one hour in the refrigerator. Lightly grease your grill and fire up to a medium heat. Coat the pineapple with coconut on both sides, pressing the coconut into the pineapple to get it to stick. Grill on both sides for about 8 to 10 minutes.
It's a completely exotic dish packed with flavor. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a refreshing counterpart!
I hope these recipes have inspired you to get a fun group together for a festive BBQ, and I know what my family will be doing this weekend :)
FUN TASK:
When you think of BBQ's, what comes to mind? The first one you remember attending, one you've recently thrown, or your secret BBQ recipe? I'd love to hear about different kinds of BBQ's from all over the world :)
Some of my favorites will receive this cute Mini BBQ!
xoxoxo,
Carina
My favorites are...
Sherry86 & TootsieFoot
xxxooo,
Carina
KEEP UP WITH CARINA ON TWITTER - CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW HER!
Comments (44)
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written by kittycane, April 30, 2010
written by kittycane, April 30, 2010
My ideal barbecue is a small group of friends, I always find that you can enjoy eachother most if you have a select group of friends. For food smoked burgers and chicken. Yummy
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BBQ
written by lambsareme, April 30, 2010
written by lambsareme, April 30, 2010
When I think about BBQ I think about a large group of friends getting together and playing games outside. My favorite ones are very information where people can go off and play games and talk to whoever they want to. Since we have such a large gathering we typically do hotdogs and hamburgers and have a potluck. It is so much fun especially because there is a pond less then a block away that we can go swimming in and have a fire at night!
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written by sandydoo2u , April 30, 2010
written by sandydoo2u , April 30, 2010
BBQ's for me should be at the beach. There is nothing better then sand in your hotdogs 
There is this one beach that lets you have alcohol around here and it is so much fun to drink and catch up. Of course, we do have DD's!
There is this one beach that lets you have alcohol around here and it is so much fun to drink and catch up. Of course, we do have DD's!
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written by Peanut!, April 30, 2010
written by Peanut!, April 30, 2010
My best BBQ has really good food. I like it best when everyone brings their favorite dish. That way you can get a little taste of what everyone likes and sometimes you find the perfect addition to your menu.
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written by TootsieFoot, April 30, 2010
written by TootsieFoot, April 30, 2010
My most memorable BBQ was from when I was a little girl. It was a get together BBQ for a group that we were part of. It was on the beach and me being four ended up eating a lot more sand then most people. My brother told me that it was a topping like ketchup so I sprinkled it on my food. I just ate the crunchy food. When my mom saw what was happening she was so mad. At that bbq we had hotdogs, chips, hamburgers(not just any, my dad's famous hambrugers), potato salad. It was so much fun and something that I will remember for the rest of my life.
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written by Tututuyou , April 30, 2010
written by Tututuyou , April 30, 2010
Any BBQ than can get away without having any drama is perfect for me!
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Deliicious!
written by Grilled_Vegetables, April 30, 2010
written by Grilled_Vegetables, April 30, 2010
When I hear the name BBQ, I think of spicy grilled chicken or vegetables AND onions and potatoes.. thats like a must. Oh, BBQ is really a must in summer. I think its a great opportunity to get together with family and friends. Especially on the beach, where one can play volleyball while the food is being prepared. Nothing is as good as that. I've had many such get toghethers when I was small. Being the smalles kid has always been an advantage for me; i get to eat the food first
. hahaha, but serioualy, Im a foodie when its about grilled food. My mom makes really nice grilled vegetables, !
. hahaha, but serioualy, Im a foodie when its about grilled food. My mom makes really nice grilled vegetables, !
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BBQ's
written by janya45, April 30, 2010
written by janya45, April 30, 2010
I love a good BBQ, I love it when there are good friends and family and food. My favorite BBQ was from when I first moved here. Our neighbors threw us a little BBQ to let us get to know the neighbors. I love that I have such great neighbors.
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written by 3Morgan3, April 30, 2010
written by 3Morgan3, April 30, 2010
When I think of BBQ I think of familes. We used to have family get togethers like that and there always so much fun. WE had BBQ's like twice a month during the summer. I miss those times.
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Grilled
written by organically, April 30, 2010
written by organically, April 30, 2010
I love to BBQ also... it is so nice to cook outdoors when so much cooking is done inside the house. Not only do you get to enjoy a warm summer breeze but you can sample the goods while watching them grill 
Here is a fav of mine (done 2 ways):
Veggies:
Onions
Cherry Tomatoes
Bell Peppers
Pineapple
Button Mushrooms or portabellas
Cube vegetables as best you can for skewering (leave button mushrooms and cherry tomatoes whole)
(or you can just cut them up however, and do the aluminum foil trick*)
Marinate veggies at room temperature for as long as you feel like it.
I usually let em sit at least 20 minutes.
Skewer them alternating vegetable yumminess and cook on a grill till they get good and charred, but not tooo long.
Use some of the marinade to coat them while they cook.
*If you don't like charred stuff, or you cut the veggies too small to skewer,
make a little pouch out of aluminum foil and put the chopped veggies in there.
add a lot of the marinade, cuz it will taste really good.
double secure the pouch with more foil so nothing leaks out.
Cook about 20 minutes, flipping once or twice.
Here is a fav of mine (done 2 ways): Veggies:
Onions
Cherry Tomatoes
Bell Peppers
Pineapple
Button Mushrooms or portabellas
Cube vegetables as best you can for skewering (leave button mushrooms and cherry tomatoes whole)
(or you can just cut them up however, and do the aluminum foil trick*)
Marinate veggies at room temperature for as long as you feel like it.
I usually let em sit at least 20 minutes.
Skewer them alternating vegetable yumminess and cook on a grill till they get good and charred, but not tooo long.
Use some of the marinade to coat them while they cook.
*If you don't like charred stuff, or you cut the veggies too small to skewer,
make a little pouch out of aluminum foil and put the chopped veggies in there.
add a lot of the marinade, cuz it will taste really good.
double secure the pouch with more foil so nothing leaks out.
Cook about 20 minutes, flipping once or twice.
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written by FRIDAY21, April 30, 2010
written by FRIDAY21, April 30, 2010
I think Summer Time. Everyyear on the first warm day we throw a BBQ for the family. It is so much fun, we heat the pool and thekids play outside and we all go swimming. It is so much fun to be able to be outside without jackets on and let out all of the energy from being couped up all winter.
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written by Peachykeen, April 30, 2010
written by Peachykeen, April 30, 2010
So Long as there is good eat with your hand food and good company it is a great BBQ
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written by lucitabonita, April 30, 2010
written by lucitabonita, April 30, 2010
When I think of BBQs I think of family and friends, and good times, all the great memories come rushing back.
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written by maribellaugh, April 30, 2010
written by maribellaugh, April 30, 2010
I think of great food! I love BBQ's, not just BBQ food, but the whole experience of smokey flavors and All those great foods that you don't get to eat all the time, and great company. I totally agree grilling corn is like nothing else, so delicious!
There is a possibility I may be hungry because I can't stop thinking about FOOD!
There is a possibility I may be hungry because I can't stop thinking about FOOD!
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written by nevermore, April 30, 2010
written by nevermore, April 30, 2010
i love that you gave a full veggie spread. for a bbq, often times people totally forget about the veggies! when i think bbq i think of potato salad and chips and all the side dishes because that is what i usually get to eat at them. people dont get me...
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Dad's BBQ chicken
written by oogieboogie, April 30, 2010
written by oogieboogie, April 30, 2010
When I think of BBQ I automatically think of my Dad'd BBQ Chicken, he makes the absolute BEST BBQ Chicken. It's so moist and he has a secret BBQ sauce recipe that he has memorized and wont share with anyone. He always says that he has the recipe in a box in his safety deposit box and that he'd will it to us. He is so macabre, but he guards that recipe like nothing else!
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written by connieconn, April 30, 2010
written by connieconn, April 30, 2010
My favorite grilled item is probably my orange chicken or beer can chicken. I take a beer can and fill it 3/4 of the way with orange juice. I stick the can up the chicken backside and stuff the interior with rotisserie seasoning mix, rosemary and orange slices. I then tuck orange slices and butter under the skin of the chicken..... and put some honey on the skin.......i slow cook it on the grill for a few hours and it is delicious. This is such an easy and fresh dinner bc i usually take rosemary out of the garden and you can smell the rosemary cooking on the grill....it ridiculously good. Side items are usually home made pasta salad with veggies from the garden and some potatoes marinated in olive oil and rosemary.......
PERFECT with a nice Somer Orange Honey Ale beer or any other honey citrus beer (blue moon works well also) and you have the perfect (and easy) meal
PERFECT with a nice Somer Orange Honey Ale beer or any other honey citrus beer (blue moon works well also) and you have the perfect (and easy) meal
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written by storyteller, May 01, 2010
written by storyteller, May 01, 2010
What a delicious photos and recipes!
And what a pity I live in a block and can't use BBQ ;/
...but still I have pan and oven.
You inspired me
And what a pity I live in a block and can't use BBQ ;/
...but still I have pan and oven.
You inspired me
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written by jootedo85, May 01, 2010
written by jootedo85, May 01, 2010
My mind automatically goes to smokey sweet flavors melding in my mouth. There is nothing like great bbq!
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written by mackiemack, May 01, 2010
written by mackiemack, May 01, 2010
I love Kabobs! They make me remember the time that my entire class got together at one of our student's houses. She lived in Crystal Cove and was losing her house so they could "develop" the area. I personally think it was beautiful as it was, a small community of artists and good people in a little beachfront heaven of their own. Development is not always a great idea, and I think in that case it was a very bad idea. The area was beautiful as it was. 
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written by Sherry86, May 02, 2010
written by Sherry86, May 02, 2010
I think of my Grandpa.
I loved, when I was a child, watch him near the barbecue.
I always helped him, I was his little assistant
![]()
I felt very important. I hold up the plate with the meat (we usually do a Meat barbecue); sometimes I passed him the tools.
When the smeels of the BBQ comes in the air, My first thought goes to him. My Grandpa: master of BBQ.
I loved, when I was a child, watch him near the barbecue.
I always helped him, I was his little assistant
I felt very important. I hold up the plate with the meat (we usually do a Meat barbecue); sometimes I passed him the tools.
When the smeels of the BBQ comes in the air, My first thought goes to him. My Grandpa: master of BBQ.
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written by jjiyunlee, May 03, 2010
written by jjiyunlee, May 03, 2010
When I think of BBQ, I always think of my close friend, whose family runs a free-range pig farm and breeds show pigs! She grew up helping out in her father's smokehouse and, although I'm vegetarian, my boyfriend says he has the best meat in his life whenever we go over there. She's incredibly nice and often makes Indian-inspired veggie burgers with black beans and cumin for me and any other vegetarians that come by, along with veggie sides like grilled asparagus, risotto, and garlic mashed potatoes!
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BBQ = Happiness!
written by Cathiee, May 03, 2010
written by Cathiee, May 03, 2010
BBQ are just deliciious!! I often arrange small get togethers, I often make BBQ when its summer. I think both grown-ups and kids loves BBQ. Made by fresh vegetables, and marinade chicken; who doesn't prefer that?! Since my in-laws are vegeterians, I make sure that I make really tasty veg BBQ for them. They actually love it. Seeing them happy, makes me happy. Thats what BBQ are for; making other people happy.
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written by laurajean, May 03, 2010
written by laurajean, May 03, 2010
The last BBQ we had was with our neighbors across the street a couple of weeks ago. We grilled some yummy kabobs. I love BBQs and every time we attend one or host one I think of good times. Every year around the 4th of July my family always has a BBQ family reunion at a park near my granny's. I almost always make it despite the long distance I have to travel to get there. Always a good time, great memories, and wonderful food.
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written by laurajean, May 03, 2010
written by laurajean, May 03, 2010
Oh, I forgot to add my favorite food at the BBQ. Besides the sweets, I like potato salad (I'm picky about potato salad) and baked beans. My mom makes great baked beans (not sure of the exact recipe). She grills up chopped onions and jalepenos and adds them to the baked beans. I think she also adds a touch of honey and other ingredients. So good.
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written by nervosa, May 03, 2010
written by nervosa, May 03, 2010
My dad is a grill master, so when I hear BBQ I always think of him!
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written by bamboozled, May 03, 2010
written by bamboozled, May 03, 2010
Last time I was visiting my sister she took me to pretty cool "fastaurant" (like a fast food restaurant) called Swadleys. They have THE most amazing BBQ sauce ever.
My boyfriend called them "Candy Burgers" and craves them constantly Haha.
My boyfriend called them "Candy Burgers" and craves them constantly Haha.
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Korean BBQ
written by jessicanelson86, May 03, 2010
written by jessicanelson86, May 03, 2010
I went to Korea last summer and they had a lot of places were they brought the meat to the table and you cooked it right there on a grill yourself. My favorite was a bulgogi pork. Here is a recipe for the same thing that my Korean friend gave me. Its really yummy on lettuce with Korean style coleslaw - recipe at bottom.
Daeji Bulgogi Ingredients
1 pound pork thinly sliced
1/2 cup gochujang (reduce quantity or remove altogether to control heat)
5 minced garlic cloves
1 minced inch ginger
1 finely chopped small onion
1 Korean pear - grated
1 Fuji apple - grated
1/2 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon sugar
2 finely chopped green onions
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Mix all ingredients together and place in a bag. Let mixture set over night. When read to cook, remove from bag and remove excess marinade. Cook on a charcoal grill.
Korean Cole Slaw
Dressing:
3/4 cup olive oil (extra light)
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup rice vinegar (unseasoned)
1/4 cup sesame seeds
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
Shake all dressing ingredients together in a jar. Combine cabbage, almonds and green onions in a large bowl and add dressing.
Daeji Bulgogi Ingredients
1 pound pork thinly sliced
1/2 cup gochujang (reduce quantity or remove altogether to control heat)
5 minced garlic cloves
1 minced inch ginger
1 finely chopped small onion
1 Korean pear - grated
1 Fuji apple - grated
1/2 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon sugar
2 finely chopped green onions
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Mix all ingredients together and place in a bag. Let mixture set over night. When read to cook, remove from bag and remove excess marinade. Cook on a charcoal grill.
Korean Cole Slaw
Dressing:
3/4 cup olive oil (extra light)
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup rice vinegar (unseasoned)
1/4 cup sesame seeds
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
Shake all dressing ingredients together in a jar. Combine cabbage, almonds and green onions in a large bowl and add dressing.
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written by ariebeth, May 04, 2010
written by ariebeth, May 04, 2010
When I think of BBQs, I think of my summer in Australia!!! Nothing beats an Aussie BBQ, seriously! In summer, you can just smell the grilled sausages and hear the sizzling. My family is not local Aussie, so we like to add out own unique style into it and BBQ chicken wings as well. My mum marinates the best chicken wings and they wash down really really well with an iced cold beer!! YUM!
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written by Bobby jean, May 04, 2010
written by Bobby jean, May 04, 2010
When I think of BBQ I think of family and Pulled Pork an some beer.
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written by Heffalumps, May 04, 2010
written by Heffalumps, May 04, 2010
I think of great tiems when I think Of BBQ. A BBQ should always have your closest friends. I love when everyone brings a favorite side or desert. You get such a menagerie of flavors it is great. I also love to see the favorites disapear quickly.
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written by Purple Daisies, May 04, 2010
written by Purple Daisies, May 04, 2010
Well the first thing that pops in my head is get together with my family. It is always so fun. Right now the next one that is being planned is my 16 years son's baday. We are having a huge BBQ with friends and family and huge out side screen for a gaming party. We'll have all kinds of food and lots of kids in and out. I can't wait!!! Oh and I'll be giving him his first car! 
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written by willowdew, May 04, 2010
written by willowdew, May 04, 2010
I remember the first barbeque I ever had. It was my 2nd birthday we had just moved into our house I only have vague memories but they're there. I was a little overwhelmed.
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written by humbug, May 04, 2010
written by humbug, May 04, 2010
When I think of bbq I always think of grilled corn and kabobs, so good. My in laws are having a bbq this weekend cant wait!
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written by jbroni100, May 05, 2010
written by jbroni100, May 05, 2010
That mini bbq looks adorable.
it was when i was a kid, my neighbours had this huge bbq, there had thrown a party and it was really noisy and looked like everyone was enjoying themselves.
there was a little gap between our gardens, and i was looking through it, when a little girl caught me looking, she started poking her tongue out and giggling like little girls do,
.
i just got embrassed but her parents saw me too, and kindly invited me over, they gave me a naan bread, filled with tomatoes and cheese, it was delicious, and that was my first bbq.
I became really good friends with the girl, and we became really good neighbours, because before that we did not really socialise so it was lovely to mix culture, food, conversation, it was a lovely experience.
I still enjoy grilled naan breads,filled with different vegetables and chilli sauce.
it was when i was a kid, my neighbours had this huge bbq, there had thrown a party and it was really noisy and looked like everyone was enjoying themselves.
there was a little gap between our gardens, and i was looking through it, when a little girl caught me looking, she started poking her tongue out and giggling like little girls do,
. i just got embrassed but her parents saw me too, and kindly invited me over, they gave me a naan bread, filled with tomatoes and cheese, it was delicious, and that was my first bbq.
I became really good friends with the girl, and we became really good neighbours, because before that we did not really socialise so it was lovely to mix culture, food, conversation, it was a lovely experience.
I still enjoy grilled naan breads,filled with different vegetables and chilli sauce.
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I LOVE that you love Ina too!
written by MIchwolff, May 05, 2010
written by MIchwolff, May 05, 2010
Ina rocks! I watch and cook recipies of hers all the time. She and Giada are my two favorites and my go-to gals for cooking inspiration.
As far as my BBQ goes, I'm going to reference Ina too. Whenever I have a get together in the summer, we always BBQ and I always serve Ina's Tomato and Feta salad. I grow heirloom tomatoes and use those in it. The flavor is indescribably delish! As a bonus, it's beyond easy to make.
Here's her recipe from Foodnetwork.com
Ingredients
4 pints grape tomatoes, red or mixed colors
1 1/2 cups small-diced red onion (2 onions)
1/4 cup good white wine vinegar
6 tablespoons good olive oil
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
1 1/2 pounds feta cheese
Directions
Cut the tomatoes in half and place them in a large bowl. Add the onion, vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, basil, and parsley and toss well. Dice the feta in 1/2 to 3/4-inch cubes, crumbling it as little as possible. Gently fold it into the salad and serve at room temperature
My other favorite BBQ salad is from Giada. It's her Mediterranean Salad.
Here's her recipe, also from Foodnetwork.com
Ingredients
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus 1/4 cup
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (1-pound) box Israeli couscous (or any small pasta)
3 cups chicken stock
2 lemons, juiced
1 lemon, zested
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
Directions
In a medium saucepan, warm 3 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the couscous and cook until toasted and lightly browned, stirring often, about 5 minutes. Carefully add the stock, and the juice of 1 lemon, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the couscous is tender, but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the couscous.
In a large bowl, toss the cooked couscous with the remaining olive oil, remaining lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper and let cool.
Once the couscous is room temperature, add the fresh herbs, dried cranberries, and almonds. Toss to combine and serve.
The chewy cranberries and crunchy almonds with the awesome texture of the couscous and the lemony dressing is a perfect combination!
The bonus is neither has a mayo-based dressing, so they can sit on the picnic table for a while and still be safe AND delicious. YUM!
As far as my BBQ goes, I'm going to reference Ina too. Whenever I have a get together in the summer, we always BBQ and I always serve Ina's Tomato and Feta salad. I grow heirloom tomatoes and use those in it. The flavor is indescribably delish! As a bonus, it's beyond easy to make.
Here's her recipe from Foodnetwork.com
Ingredients
4 pints grape tomatoes, red or mixed colors
1 1/2 cups small-diced red onion (2 onions)
1/4 cup good white wine vinegar
6 tablespoons good olive oil
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
1 1/2 pounds feta cheese
Directions
Cut the tomatoes in half and place them in a large bowl. Add the onion, vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, basil, and parsley and toss well. Dice the feta in 1/2 to 3/4-inch cubes, crumbling it as little as possible. Gently fold it into the salad and serve at room temperature
My other favorite BBQ salad is from Giada. It's her Mediterranean Salad.
Here's her recipe, also from Foodnetwork.com
Ingredients
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus 1/4 cup
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (1-pound) box Israeli couscous (or any small pasta)
3 cups chicken stock
2 lemons, juiced
1 lemon, zested
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
Directions
In a medium saucepan, warm 3 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the couscous and cook until toasted and lightly browned, stirring often, about 5 minutes. Carefully add the stock, and the juice of 1 lemon, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the couscous is tender, but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the couscous.
In a large bowl, toss the cooked couscous with the remaining olive oil, remaining lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper and let cool.
Once the couscous is room temperature, add the fresh herbs, dried cranberries, and almonds. Toss to combine and serve.
The chewy cranberries and crunchy almonds with the awesome texture of the couscous and the lemony dressing is a perfect combination!
The bonus is neither has a mayo-based dressing, so they can sit on the picnic table for a while and still be safe AND delicious. YUM!
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written by foreverblues, May 05, 2010
written by foreverblues, May 05, 2010
I think of exotic flavors melding together to create an amusement theme park in my mouth.
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written by adonwana, May 05, 2010
written by adonwana, May 05, 2010
MMmmm BBQ. I love grilled corn and BBQ Chicken on a charcoal grill because it just doesn't taste the same when you use propane. You know what I mean?
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written by CHaak9603, May 05, 2010
written by CHaak9603, May 05, 2010
BBQ makes me think of all of my friends in my backyard, sitting around laughing, enjoying some beer/wine, having a bon fire with some great food. Our friends are actually having people over this weekend to get together. I can't wait! BBQ = good times together.
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written by elle_71125, May 06, 2010
written by elle_71125, May 06, 2010
When I think of BBQs, I think of family. My family, which is huge, always gets together during the summer for BBQ parties. We usually have a couple grills going to keep up the supply. All around is the sound of laughter and the smell of food cooking on the grill...mmm!! I usually bring salad & deserts. There's nothing like kicking back in a chair and sharing good food and great coversation with your family on a warm summer day!
I usually bring salad & deserts. There's nothing like kicking back in a chair and sharing good food and great coversation with your family on a warm summer day!
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written by mesoma97, May 06, 2010
written by mesoma97, May 06, 2010
I always think of my Grammy's BBQ's when I think of BBQ, It was the best time every Sunday during the summer months she used to have the entire family over for a backyard BBQ. My uncles would barbecue and Grammy, my mom, and my aunts would be in the kitchen while my cousins and I would run around playing.
It was always fun for the entire family
It was always fun for the entire family
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The last thing i thrown on was my marinated lamb! it was delish!