Backyards BBQs and Picnics

Looking for ways to spend more time outdoors?  Do you jump at the chance to have a backyard BBQ or a picnic?  Perhaps at this time of year you are looking up recipes and ideas to host an outside gathering of this kind.  So bring out your grill, patio table and chairs and string up those outdoor party lights.  It is time to kick back for some leisure cooking and entertaining.

To start the grilling season with some fun and flavor, you might want to serve up with some spicy beef fajitas loaded with colorful peppers. These savory beef fajitas are infused with some bold flavored herbs and are perfect for quick and easy serving.

A wonderful side dish to the mouth-watering fajitas is an easy to make Mexican flavored rice.

What I have been waiting for all winter long is the opportunity for a chance to put together a "watermelon grill" with some sweet, juicy summer fruits for some playfulness and whimsy to outdoor eating. I fell in love with the idea when I happen to see something similar on Pinterest, only I knew I could make good use of an old fondue stand as a cute watermelon grill stand after it was painted melon green.  By using the metal stand instead of dowels as the legs of the grill, there was no need to worry about the grill tipping over.  Filled with fresh fruit, this grill makes for a comical conversation piece for the center of the table.

A grill......complete with ashes from charcoal.  The ash is granulated sugar colored with a tiny drop of black food dye.  Totally edible if there is anyone with a larger sweet tooth craving and a need to sweeten their fruit with the sugar "ash".

Take a peek inside the grill.....you will find toasted marshmallows as "charcoal" and red hot candies for "glowing embers".  For a larger crowd of guests, the cavity of the watermelon can be used as a serving bowl to hold the additional balled fruit which is accompanied with a creamy and tangy citrus dip.

And now....for the ultimate warm weather dessert.....ice cream sandwiches.  These individual size ice cream sandwiches are rolled in festive colored sprinkles and can be made in as many varieties as there are ice cream flavors.

A bite into this chocolate cherry ice cream sandwich can bring back memories of festivities and frolic of prior summers.

Some sandwiches are chocolate peanut butter and the others are cherry vanilla.  Yum!

So remember to get the most zest and merriment out of the summer.......have a BBQ or a picnic.

Have Fun!