The Great American Cookout

Every year North Americans head outdoors to celebrate summer and Independence Day. Now I know you don't want to be outdone by the neighbors, so I've put together some of the best information for you to make the most out of your summer entertaining. I must emphasize that the secret to a successful cookout is in the planning. Whether you will be grilling hamburgers, steaks, chicken or fish or maybe smoking BBQ Ribs, pork or brisket you need to know more than just the secrets to barbecuing & grilling. This is why I have put together this list of great resources to help you out.

Entertaining and Party Organizing

The first part of throwing a successful summertime bash is knowing how to cook for a crowd. If you happen to be a woman, don't be put off by the idea of grilling. Grillin' for Gals is a great guide to get you going. Remember to you are planning more than a meal, it's a party.

When cooking for a large gathering make sure you prepare something for everyone. Throw on a couple of Hot Dogs for the kids while you are grilling the rest. In fact, try getting the kids fed first to alleviate their hunger for summer foods and let them finish off with some flag fudge.

Cooking and Recipes

When putting together a meal decide the best way to prepare the dishes quickly and easily. Kebabs are a great main dish because you can cook everything at once. You don't have to stick to the basics. Try a grilled meal with a Australian, Caribbean, Chinese, Italian, Eastern European, French, German, Indian, Japanese, Korean, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Moroccan, Scandinavian, South American, Spanish, or Thai style.

Start off with some great appetizers for the grill or other appetizers.

If you want tradition then you need a good recipe for Potato Salad, Cole Slaw or Barbecue Beans.

If you or some of your guests are vegetarians you can still do some 4th of July entertaining, only vegetarian style. Vegetarian grilling can be more than just veggie burgers, but you will be a success if you make them from scratch. You might also need to consider a Gluten Free or Diary Free 4th.

Desserts

Remember to cool things off with some Frozen Delights or go the extra mile with Italian ice cream. There is a lot you can do with desserts like a nice dish of dirt, Summery Fruit Candies or a margarita pie.

Drinks

When it comes to serving iced tea don't forget the iced tea, or even the iced coffee. Coordinate your drinks with the meal and the season. A nice Sangria will go great with grilled foods. There are also a lot of cool, refreshing summer cocktails you can choose from. You might even what to check out some patriotic drinks for this July 4th. Of course no great cookout is complete without beer. What you need to make this even particularly patriotic is a good selection of beers.

No matter what you plan for this summer's entertaining I know a good place to find everything you need.