'cue it up

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Wow, judging by the early results in our summer get-together poll, you love barbecues! So do we.

For my summer BBQ, I'm going with an Americana theme. This being an election year, a little home-country pride seems like the way to go. I'm thinking red-checked tablecloths, drinks in jelly jars, Ron's color-appropriate cocktails (I know they were created for the Super Bowl, but is there ever a wrong time for bright-blue Gatorade bevvies with sparkly stirrers? Answer: There is not), apple pie topped with vanilla ice cream, American rockers on the playlist. And, of course, lots of locally grown food and domestic microbrews. Nice.

And speaking of barbecues, I often get questions from party hosts about how to keep costs down. Potlucks are the easy answer. But Iron Chef America BBQ Showdown is the more awesome answer. Ask your guests to bring the fixings for their favorite BBQ dish, assign the "secret ingredient," and let the competition begin. For a big party, break up the battle into categories, like marinated meat, veggie dish, BBQ sauce, salad, dessert or beverage.

Have guests vote for king/queen of the 'cue, and award a prize that can become part of an annual tradition, like an apron signed by the winner or a customizable trophy. The prize can then be competed for and passed around at future BBQs you and your friends have. Hot fun in the summertime....

For more ideas, check out our BBQ party guide.

Comments

I love this! I've always wanted to do a food competition for all of my friends (since they are all such great cooks) and this seems easy and perfect. I do think secret ballots are in order though.

I love the Iron Chef angle. So long as I can be the Chairman Kaga and intone the phrase he made famous: "Allez Cuisine!"