It’s summertime, time to slow down and savor life. Make time for lazy day get-togethers with friends and family. A BBQ, a picnic in the park, tailgating at a game. Beach or boat, your focus is on the great outdoors. A no-fuss menu is a must - light, fresh, seasonal. Before you head out, pick up some great local foods at a farmer’s market: veggies, berries, even honey and jams. Savor the fresh tastes of summer!
We have handpicked a few equipment essential and recipes to fire the summer into gear...
Have grill, will travel...Weber Charcoal Go-Anywhere Grill - $45 Grill up your favorites anywhere!
Just simply Good Stuff - All natural, homemade rubs for the a blend for every type of BBQ and we also recommend their LemonLime salt, not only for seasoning but great to use as a rim for margaritas, or in a Bloody Mary. Their website has great recipes to share.
Whip up some BBQ sauce – Here is a great recipe from Mario Batali:
MARIO'S KICK-ASS BARBECUE SAUCE
1 medium onion, finely chopped
6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 cups ketchup
3/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 2 oranges)
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons molasses
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon liquid smoke
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon Tabasco or other hot sauce
Pinch cinnamon
Pinch ground cloves
In a heavy-bottomed sauce pan, mix all the ingredients together and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Let cool and serve or keep cold in a refrigerator or ice-filled cooler for up to 1 week.
No time to make your own, grab some of Salt Lick BBQ’s famous secret sauce.
Fun & different BBQ grill idea:
Charlie's Wood-grilled tailgate pizza from Food & Wine.
Great Grilling ideas from Grill Master Bobby Flay
6 pack beverage/wine tote from Built NY - $20
The perfect way to transport a six-pack of beverages. The neoprene material insulates the bottles while protecting them from breakage. This unique tote is great for any outings to the beach, outdoor concerts, picnics. Neoprene bag keeps 6 bottles cool -Light, ice-free, and convenient with built-in handle - very cool!
Enjoy your picnic in fashion & function – Round Willow 4-Person Picnic Basket - Natural $39.99
A woven willow basket is the old fashion & stylish way to dine outdoors. This one has everything needed for a 4-person picnic glass tumblers, melamine plates and cotton weave napkins stainless steel flatware with fun white plastic handles and flatware holder, the Basket has inner cotton liner in a cute blue stripe!
RISD (Rhode Island School of Design) WORK’s Open Tote - Great Beach tote $28
Shawn Parks is based in Denver, CO, he draws creative inspiration from his obsession with finding new uses for old materials. This tote make a design & style statement – great for getting notice and for holding your picnic blanket & towels!
Picnic World - offers a huge selection of
gourmet picnic baskets, picnic backpacks and wine coolers, great selection of picnic blankets - they even have a coffee & tea backpack for a summertime breakfast outdoors. So many possibilities for creating a special summer day.
Here is a great slaw recipe that keeps well on the go. From Fevor Magazine’s Adventure Chef, Keth Famie:
Kacumbari Cole Slaw:
1 small Cabbage (chiffonade),
1 small red onion ( julienne),
1 small bunch cilantro, (chopped),
2 limes (juiced),
4 roma tomatoes (diced) and
1/2 Cup Olive oil
In a bowl, toss all together and mix well just prior to leaving for your afternoon of fun (salad is best eaten 20 mins after mixing).
Grab one of these for an “instant” picnic:
Acacia Wood Sandwich Board $44.99
This Acacia Wood sandwich board has all the fixings you will need (just add your favorite bread, drink & cooler) and comes atop an Acacia Wood Board Provolone Piccante: A great sandwich cheese from Northern Italy, Trugole: semi-soft cheese the Asiago region of the Italian Alps, Prosciutto: pre-sliced imported from Casatenovo, Molinari Dry Salam & Pesto: Olio Carli uses fresh basil from Liguria.
Picnic for Two Backpack $139.99
Find an idyllic place far from the maddening crowd, or just find a place to watch the summer stars. This lightweight Insulation cooler backpack is filled with all the goodies you will need. Just bring a bottle of your favorite wine, it will fit neatly in its own detachable cooling. Feast on: Mature English Cheddar by Coombe Farm. Malagon with Rosemary: sheep's milk cheese encrusted with dried rosemary Buche de Chevre: hard, edible crust. Mousse Truffée, Saucisson Sec dried pork sausage, France Mini Toasts and Costa Cracker, Marcona Almonds, Ovidias Chocolates, and Rich, French butter cookies. Also includes: 2 Glasses, Plates, Forks, knives & spoons, Napkins, Corkscrew, Insulated detachable wine/drink pouch, freezies, & a cheeseboard.
When you are not outside - put your kitchen into Summer Mode:
A classic looking countertop dispenser will fast become the indicator that summer has arrived in your kitchen. Keep it full all summer long with ice tea, lemon or limeades or Sangria.
Basic Sangria Recipe
1 bottle red wine
1 shots of lime juice
2 shots Bacardi
Fresh Fruit – oranges, apples, peaches, limes - whatever you like.
Mix all ingredients together and chill. Add ice cubes and serve! AHHH!
This nautical sailboat popsicle maker is ideal for summertime treats. Make them with yogurt or fruit juice or fill with soften ice cream and fresh fruit. Pops freeze in 4-6 hours! $17
