Red White Blue & BBQ

The weather is here and it's time to hose off the patio and get it ready to entertain. I don't know about you but I am ready. I have so missed gathering with family and friends I plan to be gathering for sure this summer. I love to entertain with minimal effort and maximum enjoyment. Half way homemade is my go to. If you don't have the desire or time to go from scratch.....Take something store bought and Dr. it up!

Red White Blue and BBQ

I am so excited to get together with family and friends again, here’s a fun and festive start of summer gathering. Bring out all of your red, white and blue. Go to the Dollar store and get fun decorations for cheap! Tablecloths, napkins, cups, candles. Be creative.

Couple of pre-gathering tips: Tidy up clutter, do a quick sweep, vacuum and bathrooms the day prior. Get out all the serving items. Make your salads. The day of, set your table up in the morning as well as your beverage station. Choose a simple yet festive centerpiece. Slice your condiments for the burgers, make the patties, season both sides, cover and refrigerate. Arrange your fruit platter, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Get yourself ready. Go with the color scheme. One hour before guests arrive, ice your beverages and set them out. Put your chips in bowls. Light your candles and have yourself a pre-gathering beverage to relax before your guests arrive. Say a prayer that you and your guest have a fun relaxing time. OPA!

Menu for 6 people

BBQ Burgers

Noreen’s Potato Salad

Dill Pickle Salad

Fruit tray

Chips

Beverages

BBQ Burgers

6lbs 80% lean ground beef, sesame seed buns, sliced cheese, (we like sharp cheddar) seasoning salt. Condiments of your choice, (we like green chili-NM living, lettuce, tomato, pickles and onion, bacon if we are feeling dangerous) Shape ground beef into 6 patties, sprinkle generously on both sides with seasoning salt of your choice, or sea salt and pepper works too. Grill for 6-7 min for medium cooked burgers. Flip frequently for even cooking. The last minute of cooking add green chili and bacon if desired. Toast your buttered buns on the top rack. Add cheese and remove from grill, transfer buns and burgers to a platter. Serve with your favorite toppings.

Noreen’s Potato Salad

Ingredients

10 – 12 white potatoes

4 eggs, boiled and chopped

1 cup dill pickles, chopped

1 cup celery diced

1 small white onion, finely chopped

2 tsp dried dill

½ cup pickle juice

1 t sea salt

½ t black pepper

Dressing

1 c mayonnaise

¼ c yellow mustard

2 T spicy brown mustard

¼ cup pickle juice

¼ t cayenne pepper

Add potatoes to boiling water, cook 20 -25 min or until fork can pierce fairly easy. Boil eggs unless you save time and buy them already boiled. Mix dressing into a small bowl and chop vegetables. When potatoes are done, drain and let cool. Peel and dice into ½ inch cubes. Place into a large bowl. Add remaining salad ingredients, mix with dressing and add more sea salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with sweet paprika if desired.

Dill pickle salad

Ingredients

1 box dry pasta shells

1 cup dill pickles, chopped

1 cup medium cheddar cheese, diced

1 small white onion, finely chopped

2 T fresh dill or 2 tsp dried

½ cup pickle juice

Dressing

1 c mayonnaise

1/3 c sour cream

¼ t cayenne pepper

Cook pasta according to directions, do not overcook. While pasta cooks, mix dressing in a small bowl. When pasta is done, rinse with cold water and drain. Pour into large bowl and add pickle juice. Soak for 15 minutes. Drain any remaining juice. Add remaining salad ingredients, mix with dressing and add sea salt and pepper to taste. I always add extra pickles and a touch more pickle juice to the dressing. Just because I am a bit pickle crazy. 😊

Fruit -Simply arrange fresh berries and Yogurt covered pretzels on a tray in the shape of the flag. Just the right amount of sweets after this big meal. The tray was gone in minutes. :)

Beverages - My gathering beverage bar staples;

Beer & Wine, Lemonade, Iced tea & Water with sliced fruit and Mint

BBQ Hack ~

Pick up burgers, or grill those frozen pre-formed Daddy-Paddys as my husband calls them, buy ready made potato salad from the deli and put out chips and drinks. Enjoy!!!