The winter winds are finally starting to taper off.  The sun is shining again and the whole world seems to be waking up.  That can only mean one thing – it’s time to start the grill.  BBQ season is gearing up and before you can get that fire toasty hot it will be in full swing.

A quiet BBQ is perfect for a summers eve

Great meat is essential to any BBQ.  And any meat can be grilled to perfection with the right rub, sauce, and skill.  But for many people it is the sides that truly complete the perfect BBQ.  The next time you are getting your grill ready consider some of these additions to make your BBQ the best in town.

1.    Everything seems to taste better cooked on the grill, but who knew toast could have such a transformation.  Even some basic Texas Toast, straight from the bag, with just a touch of butter will toast up to perfection on the top shelf of the grill.

Two toast!

2.    Vegetables are important, and corn on the cob is a great BBQ side.  Just wrap up the corn in aluminum foil with your favorite seasonings and some butter and set them on the grill for around 15 minutes (be sure you turn it every couple of minutes).  Wait until the last to cook your corn because it tastes its sweetest the fresher it is.

Corn on the cob - mouth watering!

3.    Coleslaw is a must for any great BBQ - particularly if you find yourself in the southern portion of the United States.  For the best Coleslaw in town, cut the cabbage relatively course, chop with the sharpest knife you have to help keep the water in the cabbage (this keeps you from crushing the cabbage).

Coleslaw, jazzing up BBQs since 1876

4.    Mayonnaise is NOT your friend during the BBQ season.  It is too easy for the heat to cause the condiment to go bad.  Potato salad made with olive oil instead of mayonnaise will last longer in the heat.  An added bonus is that skipping the mayonnaise means you can offers something to the non meat-eaters attending your BBQ.

Don’t cover it all in mayo - you may die on a hot day

5.    Unique side salads beyond the green salad can make a BBQ stand out.  Try a refreshing cucumber salad made with thin slices of cucumbers and very thin slices of red onions.  Flavor with some vinegar, salt and pepper, just a palm full of sugar and some fresh chopped dill.  This is another delight for the non-meat eaters and meat-eaters alike.  It is also low in fat.

Cucumbers - summer in a green thing

6.    Fungus never tasted so good.  Try roasting up a Portobello cap marinated in Italian dressing.  It will surprise everyone when put on a bun to replace the burgers.  The Portobello mushrooms are a healthy and refreshing alternative to traditional BBQ meals or they make some excellent sides.

Mushrooms, some are bad, some are delicious

7.    Roasted vegetables may not seem like traditional BBQ food, but one taste and you will make them a part of your tradition.  Slice red, yellow and purple bell peppers into one inch strips.  Slice some tomatoes into 1/4 inch slices.  Cut up summer squash or zucchini into ¼ inch slices.  Or maybe you prefer asparagus or egg plant for your vegetable or choice.  What ever vegetables you have or enjoy from these above can be marinated and placed directly on the grill for two to three minutes per side.

Fire peppery

8.    A great green salad has to be more than iceberg lettuce, shredded carrots and radishes.  Add some baby spinach, some leafy lettuces and even some butternut lettuce.  Sprinkle with some chopped dill, cover and shake so that the whole salad is filled with the flavor.

Lettuce be friends - get in my salad!

9.    Ice cream may not be the first food you think of for fixing on a hot summers day, but some coffee cans, ice, cream and sugar make for fun for the kids and then a tasty treat to boot.  You put the ingredients in the small coffee can, the small can in the big can and then ice all around the small can so that it’s packed tight.  Make sure both lids are taped shut tightly and then let the kids toss around the can for about 20 minutes.  If you really want to get fancy then they now make a toy that does the same thing (and it’s not all that expensive).

Ice Cream - the scourge of the obese

10.    Having the kids play with cream and ice may not seem like the best solution for dessert.  Roasted fruit could be the better alternative.  Slice up some pineapple, peaches or pears, sprinkle them with a little sugar and then set on the grill for about five minutes for each side.  A sweet and healthy finish to the perfect BBQ meal.

Fruit is Nature’s Candy

The great thing about grilling is that anything goes.  Experiment with what you grill, but also remember the sides.  The main attraction may be the meat, but there is so much more to a great BBQ meal.

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