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Long
summer days make any weekend the perfect
time to throw a great outdoor party.
Most
parties and celebrations revolve around
food – my favorite place to start
planning a party! On this page, I've compiled
my best burger tips, ideas for your own
rubs and marinades, spins on classic picnic
sides and cool summer desserts.
In
the upper right, you'll find links to
great info for your summer entertaining,
from grills to wines to this month's freshest
produce. Here's
to a fun summer!
See
previous outdoor entertaining tips:
Steak Savvy, Tangy Sauces & Compound
Butters
- Use
shredded lettuce, which will stay on
your burger better than lettuce leaves.
Iceberg works best, and to save time,
you can find preshredded iceberg at
Fred Meyer.
- Mix
finely chopped onions into the mayonnaise
for extra flavor.
- Have
all the extras (tomatoes, onions, lettuce,
etc.) ready to go so you don't have
to worry about slicing veggies while
flipping burgers.
- Grill
buns just before serving.
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More
fat = more flavor –
80/20 hamburger (80% lean, 20% fat)
works great for a juicy, flavorful
burger, and much of the extra fat
drips away during grilling. |
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How
much? Plan for 1/3 lb. of
meat for each guest. |
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Season
the patties – Add salt
and pepper before shaping into patties
(a rub
can be added here also). |
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Shape
the patties – Make
all patties the same thickness while
handling as little as possible. Put
a slight thumbprint on the top of
each patty – this prevents the
meat from balling up. |
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Prevent
sticking – Brush a
little oil on each patty (not the
grill) just prior to grilling. |
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Only
flip that burger once –
In fact, just put the grill top down
and let it cook. |
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Don't
press the juices out –
That's what gives it flavor. |
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When
is it done? The USDA recommends
an internal temperature of 160°F.
Also see my Meat
Doneness Chart. I highly recommend
using an instant-read thermometer,
which will be safer (less chance of
burning your fingers) and easier to
read. |
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Have
perfectly melted cheese –
Add a slice to the top of each burger
while it's still on the grill. And
remember – there are a lot more
varieties than cheddar or American!
Flavorful gouda, mushroom brie and
feta are some of my favorites. |
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Veggie-friendly
option – Keep everyone
happy at the barbecue by also offering
Grilled
Portobello Burgers. |
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