American Summer BBQ

I think I have nailed the easiest summer BBQ traditional menu. My old Swedish au-pare is visiting she lived with us when Jillian was 3 and Amanda was 6 full time. Then she lived with us off and on for several years as she finished a journalism course at Brooklyn College.  My daughters are now 26 and 29, and their old babysitter is 44 years old. When she visits its for American culture and I try to keep the food served authentic. I remember the first meal she requested all those years ago was McDonalds. That would be easy but I can't serve Micky D's.

American Summer BBQ is confusing because America has a diverse population and is a blend of different cuisines. This is my rendition.

Menu:

Dip & Chips- You can make any style that works with your crowd. I serve corn chips and a salsa or Ruffles and sour cream and onion dip.

Drinks are Beer, lemonade & iced tea. ( add soda if your crowd desires, it is a traditional BBQ)

On the table with the chips place cole slaw, sour kraut, pickles, ketchup, mustard, sliced onions and sliced tomatoes.

Heat up the grill : first comes the hot dogs and hamburgers... use a tray that holds the rolls and meat.... then serve back at the table by putting the meat and rolls together. Your guests will dress their dogs or burgers as they want. I love putting cole slaw on my burgers!

Next on the grill: Wrap your corn in aluminum foil dressed in olive oil and salt. Marinate your steak the night before with oil, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and worcestershire sauce. Take the paper off of cans of baked beans and heat on the grill.  This next course is served family style on the same table used before.
Remove the chips and dip.... let the beef rest before slicing.

I was entertaining my Swedish guest so they taught us their custom of doing a shot of #Svensk in between courses. There is not only a toast said before each throw down or bit off but a song is sang....by the end of the evening we all sang the song in Swedish. ( well at least the chorus)

If you can fit in anymore food desert should include a seasonal fruit: I served cherries...but blueberries, strawberries and or watermelon are all good.

Fruit pies with ice cream are a great ending to a meal that is going to put on at least 5 lbs. A walk around the block after dark would be something to help the bloat and the sound of fireworks will help you feel like it truly is summer in NY, USA.