| Gourmet BBQ |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-302 |
|
|
|
advertisement
|
Q: We're having burgers and hot dogs, but I'd really like things to be a little more upscale. What do you suggest? A: (from Jeanne Benedict, Ask DIY Entertaining Expert) I can show you how to throw a creative and colorful barbecue together that will make you the rage of the neighborhood! Materials: Tables covered with brightly-colored tablecloths
Wooden crates, spray-painted in three or four bright, coordinating colors
Blocks of florist's foam
Basket grass filling
Mason jars, filled with a variety of sauces and toppings
Miniature signs with topping names, attached to wooden sticks
8-10 fresh-cut flowers
Plastic tableware
Paper napkins
One or two natural woven baskets (for tableware and miscellaneous items)
Wheelbarrow (optional, for kids' table)
- First, you'll want to assemble your collection of sauces and toppings. Many of these can be purchased ready-mixed (gourmet relishes and mustards, for example), while others you may choose to make yourself. Benedict has one easy suggestion to get you started: Mexican ketchup. To create this tasty and easy topping, simply fill a mason jar with half traditional ketchup and half salsa, then mix well and it's ready to serve!
- Next, start setting up your tables (Benedict suggests using sturdy plastic outdoor tables for this type of get-together.) Decide just how many tables you'll need, then cover them with washable fabric in a variety of bright colors; red is always a good choice. To top off the tables, use spray-painted wooden fruit crates to display the buffet of goodies. To make the jars of toppings easy to access, add height to a couple of the crates with blocks of florist's foam (figure A).
- Once the blocks are in place, cover them with basket grass filling (available in craft stores). Benedict also suggests creating small sign labels on wooden sticks (figure B) that can be added to the crates along with the mason jars to identify the variety of toppings.
- For additional height and interest on the table, Benedict turns a second crate upright and stands it behind the first crate; she also adds a potted plant to the setting for a natural element. Then she fills in around the crates and plant with remnants of accent fabric in vibrant colors, tucking the edges under as she bunches the fabric in place. Once the basic setting is complete, Benedict adds her collection of sauces and toppings to the first crate, then adds a second crate to hold some extras that wouldn't quite fit in the first!
- A large platter of food is placed behind the vertical crate, and bright red plastic tableware is smartly wrapped in sunflower yellow paper napkins and displayed in a conveniently-placed basket (figure C). And, says Benedict, don't forget to put spoons in each of the topping jars - you don't want your guests to have to use their hands!
- For more special accents, tuck a few fresh-cut flowers here and there between the jars and crates (figure D). Benedict also suggests garnishing the platter of food with special touches such as grapes and scallions.
A floral tip: Since flower heads often tend to droop in warm or hot weather, you may want to wire them for support. Simply cut the stem of the flower about three inches below the bloom and insert a length of 22-gauge floral wire up through the stem until it protrudes through the flower. Then bend the upper end into a hook and pull the bottom of the wire until the hook is embbed in the center of the bloom. This will allow you to position the flower more easily and will prevent it from wilting as the hours pass. - Finally, if you'll be having lots of kids at your gathering, you may want to designate a special table just for them. Here, Benedict uses a wheelbarrow (thoroughly cleaned first, of course) which she builds up evenly in the bottom - bricks or 2"x4"s will generally work well for this - then tops with a checkered tablecloth, trays of food and a few kid-friendly toppings (figure E).
By following these fun, simple suggestions, your casual get-together is sure to be a first-rate hit!
RESOURCES :
The Great Barbecue Companion: Mops, Sops, Sauces, and Rubs
Model: 0895948060
Author: Bruce Bjorkman
(March 1996)
Crossing Press
Memphis Barbecue, Barbeque, Bar-B-Que, Bar-B-Q, B-B-Q
Model: 0925175161
Author: Carolyn S. Wells
Finger Lickin, Rib Stickin, Great Tasting Barbecue
Model: 0894802089
Author: Jane Butel
Workman Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.workman.com
The Cook's Encyclopedia of Barbecues, Grills & Outdoor Eating
Model: 0754808025
Author: Christine France
Barbecues 101
Model: 076790673X
Author: Rick Rodgers
Broadway Books/Random House, Inc.
Website: www.randomhouse.com
ITT Technical Institute
Special thanks to the ITT Technical Institute for providing the personnel for the Ask DIY Web site video.
ITT Technical Institute
Website: www.itt-tech.edu/
The Barbecue Bible
Model: 076113177
Author: Steven Raichlen
(1998)
To order this title from Amazon, click here.
Workman Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.workman.com
How To Grill: The Complete Illustrated Book Of Barbecue Techniques
Model: 0761120149
Author: Steven Raichlen
(2001)
Workman Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.workman.com
| 
)
)
)
)
)
