Friday, August 24, 2012

BBQ Spit Roast is Ideal for Special Events

By Nora Seabolt


It is nearly time for families to uncover the grill and fire up the barbecue, sending the tantalizing fragrance out to neighbors. As the season changes into summer, the weather becomes perfect for outdoor activities. Traditional picnic foods like coleslaw, potato salad and chicken make it easy to gather family and friends to the table for a meal. Those fortunate enough to have a spit over their grill frequently use it for a spit roast BBQ. Regardless of the occasion, the family will be glad that the BBQ is again ready to make delicious meals.

Appoint someone to clean the grill, including the parts of the spit. Use a clean cloth to dry after rinsing. Leave any tied strings secure on the roast as it helps the meat stay intact during the cooking process. Use a toothpick to poke several holes in the roast and insert small bits of garlic and onion that will add flavor while cooking. Use your favorite prepared marinade or use an interesting recipe to make one from scratch. Adding salt after cooking helps prevent the roast from drying out.

Plan the menu by asking ahead of time about food allergies, likes and dislikes. Adults usually want a more balanced meal, so prepare steaks or roast beef along with the side dishes. Both chicken and potatoes are perfect when prepared on the grill. Cook up a spit roast or a couple of chickens and prepare coleslaw or potato salad while enjoying the beautiful outdoors on a pleasant afternoon. Small tables around the patio and the picnic table set give plenty of room for people to sit. The BBQ is the equivalent of the company water cooler, where guests gather to talk and listen.

Prepare the fixings for gourmet hamburgers and place them on the table for guests to build the burger their way. As the meat cooks, cut the onions. Making things like special sauces and fried bacon strips for the barbecue is better when done ahead of time. Then reheat anything by placing it on the grill or in the microwave before putting it on the table where guests can reach and add it to their plate. Cheddar, provolone and jack cheese are all delicious slices to put on the hamburger before eating. Cover it with the bun to encourage melting.

An advantage of solar lights is the gleam does not interfere with the starlight from above. They brighten pathways and steps around the yard. Colorful solar lights in the pool, pond or garden area are a great conversation piece. Automatic timers ensure that lights come on when the shadows start to lengthen. The solar and low voltage outdoor lights are friendly to the environment and inexpensive to operate while providing safety and colorful dcor to the yard.

Organize the barbecue by using toss-away plastic flatware and paper plates, napkins, and cups. The guests will readily place their trash in a convenient trash bin lined with a plastic bag. Hang weights to avoid having the tablecloth, plates and food ending up blown off the table by the breeze. One method of getting help with cleanup is to invite guests to pack up food they want to take home. Family and friends will enjoy the meal and the conversation.




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