This Labor Day Barbecue Like A Rockstar

Barbecue Like a Pro, Labor Day BBQ

Labor day weekend is approaching fast, and I’m sure many of you are shopping away looking to make the perfect barbecue…probably the last one we can have for Summer, 2008. I’ve gathered some resources for you guys/gals that I hope will make it a great one, as we celebrate the Holiday of Taking it Easy.

Appetizers

I’m going to start off with these mouth-watering options for starter-foods. They’ll keep your guests talking, mouths watering, and satisfied until the main-course grillers are ready.

Marinated Grilled Shrimp Cocktail
Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Inactive Prep Time: 4 hours
Cook Time: 3 Minutes
Yield: 4 Appetizer Servings

Wow your friends with this easy to make, and savory shrimp appetizer. Click here to get the full Recipe Information, Ingredients, and steps-by-step cooking instructions (from The Food Network’s Michael Chiarello).

Some other Appetizer Ideas:

• Mediterranean Bruschetta (Difficulty: Easy, Prep Time: 15 minutes, Cook Time: 6 minutes, Yield: 8 Servings)
• Balsamic Chicken Drumettes (Difficulty: Easy, Prep Time: 10 minutes, Inactive Prep Time: 2 hours, Cook Time: 35 minutes, Yield: 4-6 Servings)
• Twice Grilled Peppers with Buffalo Mozzarella and Caper-Basil Vinaigrette (Difficulty: Intermediate, Prep Time: 20 minutes, Inactive Prep Time: 10 minutes, Cook Time: 15 minutes, Yield: 8 Servings)
• Garlic-Mustard Grilled Beef Skewers (Difficulty: Easy, Prep Time: 15 minutes, Inactive Prep Time: 30 minutes, Cook Time: 5 minutes, Yield: 8 Servings)
• Grilled Flatbread with Asparagus Pesto and Fontina (Difficulty: Easy, Prep Time: 5 minutes, Cook Time: 5 minutes, Yield: 4 to 6 Servings)

Beverages

What good are appetizers without drinks. As the hot days of summer wind down, cool off and relax with friends and these drinks.

Emeril’s Raspberry, Blueberry and Strawberry Fruit Drink
Difficulty: Easy
Yield: 4 Servings

This cool, sweet, and delicious drink will satisfy your guest’s thirst as well as their sweet-tooth.

Ingredients:
1 1⁄2 cups fresh squeezed raspberry lemonade
1 very ripe banana
1 cup ripe strawberries
1 cup ripe raspberries
1 cup ripe blueberries
1 cup ice cubes
1 cup plain yogurt
1⁄4 cup honey

Method: Combine all ingredients in a blender and process until completely smooth and frothy, about 1 minute. Serve in a chilled glasses, over ice if desired, and garnish with an orange wedge.

Some other Appetizer Ideas:

• Emeril’s Sangria (Difficulty: Easy, Prep Time: 2 to 4 hours, Cook Time: About 5 minutes, Yield: About 1 1/2 quarts)
• Bobby Flay’s Mango Iced Tea (Difficulty: Easy, Prep Time: 10 minutes, Yield: 4 Servings)
• Giada De Laurentiis’ Iced Tea with Grenadine (Difficulty: Easy, Prep Time: 5 minutes, Yield: 4 Servings)
• Bobby Flay’s Rum Punch (Difficulty: Easy, Prep Time: 5 minutes, Inactive Prep Time: 1 Hour, Yield: 8-10 Servings)
• Rachael Ray’s Spicy-Spiked Iced Tea (Difficulty: Easy, Prep Time: 5 minutes, Cook Time: 5 minutes, Yield: 8 Servings)
• Emeril’s Thai Iced Tea (Difficulty: Easy, Prep Time: 5 minutes, Inactive Prep Time: 2 Hours, Cook Time: 5 minutes, Yield: 6 Servings)
• Kathleen Kennedy’s Minted Raspberry Lemonade (Difficulty: Easy, Prep Time: 20 minutes, Cook Time: 5 minutes, Yield: 1 Gallon)
• Rachael Ray’s Honey-Vanilla Lemonade (Difficulty: Easy, Prep Time: 10 minutes, Yield: 1 Gallon)
• Fizzy Sour Cherry Lemonade (Difficulty: Easy, Prep Time: 15 minutes, Yield: 16 Servings )

Main Course

You and your guests so far have been treated to a magnificent culinary treats, but it’s time to get to the “meat” of the event. It’s now time to serve them the feast of feasts, putting your BBQ on its own pedestal for the Summer of 2008 (and beyond). Fire up those grills, it’s time to get cooking!

Barbecued Pork Ribs with Maple Rub
Difficulty: Easy
Inactive Prep Time: Overnight
Prep Time: 10-20 Minutes
Cook Time: 20-30 Minutes (Per Side)
Yield: 16 Servings

Your guests will drool over the smell alone, as this rack-of-meat grills to golden perfection. When they dive-in to taste it…you can officially say “that’s a wrap”. Click here to get the full Recipe Information, Ingredients, and steps-by-step cooking instructions.

Some other Appetizer Ideas:

• Emeril’s Grilled Salmon with a Pineapple, Mango and Strawberry Salsa (Difficulty: Easy, Prep Time: 10 Minutes Prep Time: 30 Minutes, Cook Time: 10 minutes, Yield: 4 Servings)
• Giada De Laurentiis’ Grilled Swordfish with Lemon, Mint and Basil (Difficulty: Easy, Prep Time: 10 Minutes, Cook Time: 15 minutes, Yield: 4 Servings)
• Bobby Flay’s Cuban-style Burgers on the Grill (Difficulty: Easy, Prep Time: 15 Minutes, Cook Time: 8 minutes, Yield: 4 Servings)
• Wolfgang Puck’s Grilled New York Strip Steak with Fire Roasted Salsa and Grilled Mushrooms and Asparagus (Difficulty: Easy, Prep Time: See Link, Cook Time: See Link, Yield: 4 Servings)
• Rachael Ray’s Smoky Beer Burgers with Creamy Mustard Sauce (Difficulty: Easy, Prep Time: 10 Minutes, Cook Time: 15 minutes, Yield: 4 Servings)
• Guy Fieri’s Caribbean Chicken (Difficulty: Easy, Prep Time: 10 Minutes, Inactive Prep Time: 8 Hours, Cook Time: 20 minutes, Yield: 4 Servings)
• Emeril’s Big Porterhouse Tuscan-Style with Herbed-Garlic Olive Oil (Difficulty: Easy, Prep Time: 20 Minutes, Inactive Prep Time: 15 Minutes, Cook Time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes, Yield: 4-6 Servings)
• Millionaire Brisket with Coffee and Beer Mop Saucel (Difficulty: Easy, Prep Time: 1 Hour, Inactive Prep Time: 4 Hours, Cook Time: 6 Hours, Yield: 8-10 Servings)
• Cedar Plank Salmon (Difficulty: Easy, Prep Time: 15 Minutes, Inactive Prep Time: 2 Hours, Cook Time: 30 Minutes, Yield: 4 Servings)

Salads and Side Dishes

With all of those delectable foods to choose from, let’s add some greenery to the mix. Get healthier enjoying these fine salads, and side dishes that are easy to make, and delicious to eat.

Rachael Ray’s Watercress Salad with Lime Dressing
Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Yield: 3 Servings

Refreshing, healthy, and with some zing! This salad is quick, easy, and tastes great. It will compliment your other meals well, and appease those looking for healthy choices as well.Click here to get the full Recipe Information, Ingredients, and steps-by-step cooking instructions.

Some other Salads and Side Dish Ideas:

• Mexican-Style Chick-Pea Salad (Difficulty: Easy, Prep Time: 20 Minutes, Inactive Prep Time: 2 Minutes, Yield: 6 Servings as a Side Dish)
• Bobby Flay’s French Style Grilled Potato Salad (Difficulty: Easy, Prep Time: 15 Minutes, Inactive Prep Time: 15 Minutes, Cook Time: 20 Minutes, Yield: 4 Servings)
• Bobby Flay’s Marinated Grilled Cherry Tomatoes Skewers (Difficulty: Easy, Prep Time: 10 Minutes, Inactive Prep Time: 30 Minutes, Cook Time: 10 Minutes, Yield: 4 Servings)
• Five-Minute Salad: Goat Cheese, Herb and White Bean (Difficulty: Easy, Prep Time: 5 Minutes, Yield: 4 Servings)
• Coal-Roasted Potatoes (Difficulty: Easy, Prep Time: 15 Minutes, Cook Time: 1 Hour 15 Minutes, Yield: 84 Servings)
• Bobby Flay’s Perfectly Grilled Corn on the Cob (Difficulty: Easy, Prep Time: 25 Minutes, Inactive Prep Time: 45 Minutes, Cook Time: 25 Minutes, Yield: 4-6 Servings)
• Bobby Flay’s Grilled Bruschetta with Grilled Red and Yellow Peppers, Gorgonzola and Basil Oil (Difficulty: Easy, Prep Time: 15 Minutes, Cook Time: 5 Minutes, Yield: 4 Servings)
• Alton Brown’s Wonderful Waldorf Salad (Difficulty: Easy, Prep Time: 10 Minutes, Inactive Prep Time: 1 Hour, Yield: 4-6 Servings)
• Paula Deen’s Corn, Avocado, and Tomato Salad (Difficulty: Easy, Prep Time: 10 Minutes Yield: 4 Servings)
• Bobby Flay’s Grilled Asparagus with Green Peppercorn Vinaigrette (Difficulty: Easy, Prep Time: 10 Minutes, Inactive Prep Time: 15 Minutes, Cook Time: 6 Minutes, Yield: As Many As You Like)
• Greek Country Salad (Difficulty: Easy, Prep Time: 20 Minutes Yield: 8 Servings)

Desserts

It’s nearing the end of your “Rockstar-Affar”, and it’s time to wrap it up in style with some sweets that will blow your mind. These soul-satisfying desserts are simple to make, and will make you look like a CIA Chef…so go ahead, present your masterpieces to your guests, and Rock-Their-World!

Strawberry-Blackberry Summer Trifle
Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Inactive Prep Time: 3 Hours
Yield: 10-12 Servings

What better way to end Summer off, than with this fruitful and delicious treat. Each of the berries compliment each other well, and alongside the sauce give it that “hmmmph”.Click here to get the full Recipe Information, Ingredients, and steps-by-step cooking instructions.

Some other Dessert Ideas:

• Rachael Ray’s Tortoni Sundaes (Difficulty: Easy, Prep Time: 5 Minutes, Yield: 6 Servings)
• Rachael Ray’s Tortoni Sundaes (Difficulty: Easy, Prep Time: 5 Minutes, Yield: 6 Servings)
• Cherries Jubilee (Difficulty: Intermediate, Prep Time: 15 Minutes, Cook Time: 11 Minutes, Yield: 4 Servings)
• Alton Brown’s Fruit Salad with Vanilla Dressing (Difficulty: Easy, Prep Time: 25 Minutes, Yield: 4-6 Servings)
• Coconut-Lime Pudding Cake (Difficulty: Easy, Prep Time: 20 Minutes, Inactive Prep Time: 10 Minutes, Cook Time: 35 Minutes, Yield: 4 Servings)
• Bobby Flay White Chocolate Rice Pudding with Cherries Jubilee and Sliced Almonds (Difficulty: Intermediate, Prep Time: 20 Minutes, Inactive Prep Time: 10 Minutes, Cook Time: 35 Minutes, Yield: 4-6 Servings)
• Giada De Laurentiis’ Watermelon and Cantaloupe Salad with Mint Vinaigrette (Difficulty: Easy, Prep Time: 25 Minutes, Cook Time: 5 Minutes, Yield: 4 Servings)
• Bobby Flay’s Grilled Bananas with Maple Creme Fraiche (Difficulty: Easy, Prep Time: 10 Minutes, Cook Time: 4 Minutes, Yield: 8 Servings)
• Rachael Ray’s Quick Tiramisu (Difficulty: Easy, Prep Time: 10 Minutes, Yield: 4 Servings)

Green & Eco-Friendly Options

For those of you looking for Environmentally friendly options to your Labor Day Barbecue, below are some choices for you, including tips, and advice on how to have a great BBQ, while still being “green”. Whether you’re grilling pork ribs, breaking out the burgers, or switching it up on a Japanese-style Hibachi or preparing a Rockstar’s BBQ, these people have put together the info that will help you green your grill time. Click some of the options below, and get grilling!

Green Summer Gourmet: The Salads

“There’s no question that when you invited friends and family over for a barbeque, the grilled items are the star attractions. But honestly, every star needs a good supporting cast, and that’s where salads come in. When I’m planning a party, I decide on the main course and then choose salads that will work best with that dish. The salad choices are endless which in one way is fabulous, but it can also be daunting. What kind of salad do you choose? What moves it from the realm of the ordinary to the “must have that recipe” category?” (Kelly Rossiter, Planet Green)

Green Summer Gourmet: The Cocktails

“When you have group of friends coming over for an afternoon in the sun and you have your grill ready and your salads prepared, you can have some delicious organic wines to serve with the meal, but it’s fun to get the party started with some organic cocktails. People laugh when I say that the only things in my freezer are a bottle of gin and martini glasses, because they think I’m kidding. Well, I’m not and I take my cocktails seriously, so I took up the challenge for Planet Green…” (Kelly Rossiter, Planet Green)

• Green Summer Gourmet: 6 Best Summer Wines
• Green Summer Gourmet: The Season’s Best Grilling Recipes
• Green Your Barbeque: Choosing Between Charcoal and Gas
• How to Go Green: Barbeques

I hope you’ve Enjoyed this in-depth article, and you’ve used and found what you needed. Please let me know if how it turns out, how you did, or what you decided to do for your Rockstar Labor Day BBQ. I look forward to reading about it.

~ by drcorner on August 30, 2008.