It's officially cookout season! I asked friends and fans on social media about how they make backyard barbecues and family cookouts memorable. What are your favorite recipes, games, or gadgets?
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Favorite Recipes
- Fruit dip: One tub of whipped dessert topping and a packet of lemon instant pudding powder. Mix and use as a dip for strawberries and other favorite fruits!
- Vegetable dip: 2 cups of sour cream, 1/2-1 package of dry ranch dressing mix, handful of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 bag of bacon bits. Mix and enjoy with sliced fresh veggies.
- Black bean and corn salad: 2 cans of black beans, rinsed; a cup of frozen corn, a chopped red onion, various chopped veggies like tomatoes, bell pepper, cucumber, etc; dressing made with olive oil, lime juice, balsamic vinegar, cumin, salt and pepper (vary quantities based on your taste). Even better the next day after it all marinates! Top with feta if desired.
- "Campfire Bundles": Kielbasa sausage, mixed veggies, diced potatoes, shredded cabbage, salt and pepper, and a pat of butter. Mix and wrap up in layered tin foil. Toss directly onto a campfire or cook over a grill for about 30 minutes, then turn and cook another 20-30 minutes until veggies are tender.
- Red cabbage cilantro slaw: Dressing is made with 4 cloves of garlic, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 cup lime juice (1-2 limes), 1 tbsp sugar, 1tsp cumin, Kosher salt and pepper to taste. Combine the following in a bowl: 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (1/2 bunch). 1 granny smith apple julienned. 1/2 small head green cabbage (4 cups), 1/2 small head of red cabbage (2 cups), 1 cup carrot matchsticks. Pour the dressing over the slaw, mix, and serve. This is often better the following day so I would make it at least 2 hrs before serving but it will be fine if you make it and immediately serve it.
- Crunchy cabbage slaw:1 bag of slaw mix (green and purple cabbage), 4 green onions, 1 package uncooked ramen noodles (chicken flavored) broken into smallish pieces, 4 tbsp unsalted sunflower seeds, 1/2 cup slivered almonds. Dressing: 4 tbsp sugar, 3 tbsp cider vinegar, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 1/4 tsp pepper, 1 tsp salt, chicken flavor packet from noodles (very salty). Cut slaw and onion mixture and refrigerate. Make dressing. Shake well. Refrigerate. Mix crumbled seeds and nuts and ramen noodles. Put in covered bowl and leave at room temperature. Combine all three mixtures just before serving.
- Dill pickle pasta salad
- Pie iron pizza calzones
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Family-Friendly Games
We love to host cookouts at our home. We have a nice, fenced-in back yard that keeps kids and pets safe. We usually put out a cornhole set or two, bring out a giant frisbee, and also have a washer/ring toss game (also great for camping). Here are some outdoor family games that don't cost a lot to create, using supplies you likely have at home. **If you have a pool, here are some fun games to play in the water!
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Don't Forget The . . .
- Bug spray and/or citronella candles
- Tiki torches or outdoor string lights
- Bluetooth speakers and great music
- Trash can (we use a collapsible yard bin with a trash bag liner)
- Cooler(s) and plenty of ice
- Seating- flexible and comfortable (I've seen blow-up baby pools used quite effectively!)
- S'mores supplies!
