'Nutty and Saucy’ recipes plus barbecue party hosting tips ensure great grilling
To kick off barbecue season, the Peanut Bureau of Canada has developed three ‘nutty and saucy’ recipes – Peanut Hoisin Barbecue Sauce, Mango Peanut Salsa and Thai Peanut Marinade – that will make warm-weather menus sizzle with flavour. Plus, the Bureau is offering simple barbecue party planning tips, so outdoor entertaining is a breeze.
“Grilling foods with homemade sauces is a healthy and affordable way to create gourmet fare in your own backyard,” says food trends expert Dana McCauley, “And I love barbecue parties – they can be casual family gatherings or elegant outdoor meals. Due to their very nature, outdoor barbecues are relaxing and fun for both the guests and the hosts”
Sizzling flavour combinations
Making homemade barbecue sauces and marinades can add flavour at a fraction of the cost of store-bought versions – and gives grillers an opportunity to cook with healthy, all-natural ingredients such as fresh fruits or vegetables and peanuts.
McCauley and the Peanut Bureau of Canada suggest combining contrasting flavours to complement meat and fish. Peanut Hoisin Barbecue Sauce, for example, combines sweet, salty and aromatic flavors with a peanutty pop and is an excellent accompaniment to grilled beef, pork and chicken. And the Mango Peanut Salsa provides a sweet yet tangy crunch and to grilled fish, shrimp, pork or chicken.
“The Thai Peanut Marinade is simple to make and delicious on chicken, pork, fish and shrimp. You get to enjoy the delicious flavour of Thai takeout much more affordably,” advises McCauley. “Plus, you can chop up your leftovers and toss them with noodles and snow peas for a tasty meal the next night.”
Tips that make outdoor entertaining a breeze
When you’re ready to fire up the grill for friends or family, McCauley suggests these simple steps to ensure you’ll have a party to remember.
- • Carnivore cooks take care. Make sure you store and prepare meat for the barbecue properly.
- • Keep raw meat chilled until it hits the grill.
- • Use a clean serving plate for cooked meat – raw juices can contaminate.
- • Move perishables out of the sun.
- • Cook meats to the recommended internal temperature – and use a meat thermometer to be sure.
- • Don’t reuse marinade that has been on meat – if you want extra for dipping, put some aside first.
- • Keep it clean. Scrape down your barbecue grill every time you cook. Dirty grills can turn off guests – and affect the flavour of your food. And don’t forget to wipe down outdoor furniture before the party starts.
Get organized
Create salads, sides and appetizers ahead of time, so all you have to do is grill the main ingredients when the guests are there. Mini-lights and citronella candles create a cozy atmosphere and help to keep bugs at bay. And think through your rain plan, so there are no surprises if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Grill responsibly
From margaritas to freshly squeezed lemonade, nothing says summer like a cold beverage. Remember to grill responsibly – and be sure to have ice cold non-alcoholic beverages on hand for non-drinkers. A cooler filled with extra ice and water always comes in handy.
Try these great recipes from the Peanut Bureau of Canada:
Peanut Hoisin Barbecue Sauce
Mango Peanut Salsa
Thai Peanut Marinade