July 12, 2024
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The days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer, which means that grilling season is officially here. At Wesson, we believe that grilling remains a cherished tradition because it’s both an exciting culinary adventure and a way to bring a community together. So, if you’re planning on hosting a Fourth of July barbeque, the Wesson team has put together nine tips to help you elevate this summertime staple into an unforgettable celebration.
The Supporting Cast
While the grill might take center stage at a barbecue, the supporting cast of side dishes, desserts, and drinks are key to crafting the perfect menu. Here are some of our favorites:
1. The Side: For a hearty meal, nothing is better than the classic combo of meat and potatoes. Elevate your roasted potatoes by serving them up in Wesson’s Warm Potato Salad. Full of creamy richness and vibrant flavors, this salad shines bright alongside your favorite grilled meat. Tip: Infuse your salad with extra flavors by grilling instead of roasting the corn and potatoes.
2. The Drink: Elevate your barbeque by crafting your drink selection to compliment your menu. To pair with smoked meat, try this Homemade Ginger Beer recipe from BBC Good Food. For a perfect summer drink that the whole family will love, we recommend Allrecipes’ Sparkling Peachy Punch. A bonus point? Both these drinks are make-ahead friendly, which means a less stressful hosting experience.
3. The Dessert: End the night on a sweet note by serving up a delicious slice of dessert. Is there anything more perfect for the occasion than Wesson’s Fourth of July Berry Pie? Topped with juicy berries and whipped cream, this pie is both a dessert and decor and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Mastering the Grill
Intimated by the grill? Don’t be. Barbequing has been a favorite cooking technique for centuries, and for good reason. The grill is a fantastic way to infuse your dishes with extra flavor and aroma, while enjoying the beautiful summer weather.
4. Since grilling requires high temperatures, it is important to choose an oil with a high smoke point when coating the grill and drizzling on the meat. We recommend Wesson’s 100% Canola Oil for its high smoke point and neutral flavor profile.
5. The secret isn’t in the sauce, it’s in the marinade! Boost the flavors of your grilled dishes by marinating the meat overnight. Try this steak marinade featured in our Carne Asada Tacos to add an extra note of tastiness to your barbeque.
6. You don’t need to only be cooking meat to reap the flavors of the grill. You can enhance the flavors of your vegetables and fruits by caramelizing them on the grill. We love switching it up and tossing some pineapple on the barbeque to make our favorite Sweet & Spicy Jerk Pineapple, a unique twist on dessert that your guests will love.
Beyond the Menu
A perfectly crafted menu is only part of what it takes to host an awesome barbeque. Ambience and atmosphere are what elevate your summer cookout to perfection.
7. An effortless way to jazz up the atmosphere is through music. Grab your outdoor speaker and favorite playlist and let your guests jam out to some awesome tunes.
8. Hosting an outdoor event like a barbeque means that you might have to share your venue with some uninvited guests: bugs. To keep the bugs away, avoid setting out food too early, keep the trash cans away from the dining area, and incorporate insect-repellent scents into your decorations; think citronella candles or a lavender table centerpiece.
9. Get your guests involved in the fun by setting up a couple of lawn games. We love the classics: cornhole, ladder toss, and lawn darts. If it is a hot day, a slip and slide is a wonderful way to keep the kids busy. Just make sure they are not playing near the grill!
Happy grilling! As always, remember to enjoy the barbeque you are hosting. And if you are looking for more recipe inspiration, check out Wesson’s Recipes & Ideas page!
