Backyard BBQ, Please Help!

Dear Ask Dad,

I'm planning a backyard BBQ get together for a few friends and co-workers (about 20 adults, no kids). We have a propane BBQ setup, and looking for ideas on how to be creative with something different than the normal hotdogs and hamburgers. What should we do?

Well Backyard BBQ,

Planning a memorable BBQ is always frustrating. You have to think about who is coming, how many people, are they healthy eaters or will a good ole fashion Rib-Eye steak work. Then you have to make sure you have all the snack stuff everyone will enjoy, drinks for the drinkers, and non-alcoholic drinks for the non drinker. Don't worry here is your menu, its easy and will get you the “WOW” factor, you be the talk around the office for weeks!

Menu:

Drinks:

12 pack Sam Adams Summer Ale

12 pack Hefenwiezen (Orange slices on side)

12 pack Coronas (Limes on side)

2 bottles of Beringer White Zinfandel

Non-alcoholic Drinks:

Home brew Sun Tea

bottles of water

12 pack Coke

12 pack Diet Coke

Non-alcoholic blender drinks

Banana Orange cocktail: 1 cup french Vanilla Coffee creamer

2 banana cut up

1 orange cut up

1 ¾ cup ice

1 ½ cup milk

Blend until it turns into a smoothie

Snack menu:

Bag of pretzels in a big bowl

Bag of white corn tortilla chips

Bag of Ruffles

Bag of baby carrots

Fresh made Onion dip (sour cream and a pack of onion dip mix)

Fresh mild salsa from the deli (add a block of cream cheese in the bowl)

Food Menu:

2lbs macaroni salad fresh from deli

2lbs potato salad fresh from deli

15 Bacon wrapped Asparagus (not everyone will have one):

Just wrap bundles of Asparagus with strips of Bacon.  I usually wrap one slice of Bacon around 3-4 Asparagus.  I’ll add a well placed toothpick to each bundle, so not to worry about the Bacon unraveling on the grill – That’s a bad thing.  Bacon Wrapped Asparagus is an easy tasty appetizer or side dish.  Everyone loves them. 

 

9 Shrimp kabobs (jumbo shrimp, green,red,yellow bell peppers)

9 chicken kabobs (cubed chicken breast, green,red,yellow bell peppers,mushrooms,onion,pineapple)

9 Steak kabobs (cubed steak,green,red,yellow bell peppers,mushrooms,onion,pineapple)

8 BBQ Brats soaked in beer: (Prepare the night before)

BBQ Brats soaked in beer Recipe:

1-12 oz. can beer
2 tbsp. brown sugar
2 tbsp. soy sauce
1 tbsp. prepared mustard
1 tsp. chili powder
2 cloves garlic, minced
Several drops hot pepper sauce
8 brats

Combine beer, brown sugar, soy sauce, mustard, chili powder, garlic and hot pepper sauce. Place brats in shallow baking dish; pour marinade over. Cover, refrigerate several hours or overnight, spooning marinade occasionally. Remove brats, reserve marinade. Grill over medium hot coals about 4 minutes. Turn and grill until done, about 3 to 4 minutes more.  

Dont forget the sauces: Ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce, salt and pepper, etc.

The main concern should be setting the mood!!!!!

1. turn on a few t.v.'s in the house, at least 1 on sports for the sports junkies like me and 1 on the news for the stories to help give topics of conversation.
2. Turn on radio lightly in the background, you don't wont to make people scream to talk with each other
   pic a neutral station that fits the crown.
3. Last but not least don't forget to send dad a plate!!!!

Enjoy your weekend and let me know how it all turned out!