Budget Summer Barbecue

Of course you and your family are looking forward to the glorious cook-out days that define summer cuisine. The outdoor made plump hot dogs, tender chicken and juicy burgers, along with all the fixings. Scale back this summer, and read up on ways to save on outdoor barbecuing. 

On the equipment

• Unless you are running a backyard BBQ restaurant, there's no need to purchase a pricey grill with lots of extra gimmicks. A quality, yet standard unit will do just great.
• If your short on seating for your guests, have a pow-wow and put blankets on the lawn.
• Skip the specially manufactured grill covers and use a sturdy tablecloth instead.
• Skip paper plates and cups in favor of "real" dishes. If you don't think you have enough for the party, ask guests to supply their own. Although the paper versions do save you time, they chip away at money.
• Shop around. Check out reviews of barbecue grills at Pricegrabber.

Cooking & food

• Hamburgers and chicken are pricier than hotdogs, but a variety will cost you less and give choice.  Plus it may be healthier...
• Make it a potluck- You provide the meat and ask each guess to bring something. A side dish, fruit or even a simple bag of chips.
• Unless you can find it on sale, make your own BBQ sauce (recipe below)
• Remember that dark meat takes longer to cook on the grill than white meat does
• Serve things over inexpensive and healthy fillers, like rice.

Saftey in the sun

• To prevent bacteria buildup, defrost meat in the fridge
• Use a food thermometer for safety. Bone-in meats need to be 170 degrees, and boneless meats should reach 160 degrees.
• Don't keep any side items, especially those that contain mayonnaise in the sun for more than 1 hour.
• Remember, a grill is essentially a controlled fire
• Refrigerate or freeze any leftovers within 2 hours

Favorite Frugal BBQ recipes

Fruit Kebabs with dip (serves 6+) These are a fun and unexpected dessert at a barbecue cook out.

• 1 can peaches
• 1 can pears
• 1 can pineapples
• 1 fresh banana
• 6 cut strawberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1 can cranberry sauce

Cut up all fruit, and distribute throughout six skewers. Glaze with cranberry sauce and grill.

Homemade ground beef patties- make your own and save money!

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 package dry soup/seasoning mix
• 1-2 teaspoons barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 3/4-1 cup bread crumbs

Best barbecue sauce- Make it homemade! Add flavor and save money

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup mustard
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon celery seed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 dashes hot sauce

Mix all ingredients in a saucepan on HIGH, bring to a boil. Let simmer 30 minutes.

Happy grilling to all!