| It doesn't have to cost you a lot of cash to | | | | homemade salsa. It's really very easy. And |
| make your BBQ memorable. Remember -- most | | | | don't just stick with the basic tomato/pepper |
| people expect burgers and potato salad. So | | | | salsa -- be brave and try a fruit or a veggie |
| any different food is good. And if you | | | | based salsa. Choose your salsa based on the |
| follow our cheap barbecue party ideas you can | | | | meat and vegetables you will be serving and |
| impress your guests for very little money. | | | | invite your guests to cover these foods for a |
| | | | new taste experience. |
| First off I must state that there is | | | | |
| certainly nothing at all wrong with burgers | | | | 3) It's almost embarrassing how much good |
| and potato salad. I love them both and all | | | | will and praise a simple salad will gather. |
| weekend griller's barbeque parties should | | | | As cheap barbeque party ideas go, this is one |
| have a good selection of these and other | | | | of the best. Everyone does potato and |
| basics. But just a few other cheap barbecue | | | | macaroni salad. Ask your neighbors to bring |
| party food ideas during planning can save | | | | a dish and you'll probably get 3 of each. |
| your food -- and your parties -- from boring | | | | You can impress everyone to no end by making |
| repetition. | | | | up a colorful and easy pasta or fruit salad |
| | | | that not only looks great but tastes great, |
| Here are five cheap and easy food ideas you | | | | too. Add some grilled items into it at the |
| can try immediately to make you next barbeque | | | | last minute for a very special touch. |
| party memorable and fun: | | | | |
| | | | 4) Sides -- Go beyond the salad! So you've |
| 1) One word -- Condiments! Everyone has | | | | brought your beautiful (though cheap) salad. |
| ketchup and mustard. Occasionally you see a | | | | But now think beyond to other side dishes. |
| lonely bottle of Tabasco. But for very | | | | What springs to mind? If you are like most |
| little money or effort you can add a rainbow | | | | people - corn on the cob comes to mind. |
| of variety to your table and impress your | | | | There is nothing wrong this. But to really |
| guests. Visit a specialty store or good | | | | impress your guests think of adding one or |
| supermarket and pick up some bottles of | | | | two other unusual sides that will complement |
| unusual barbeque sauces or hot sauces for the | | | | the main course. And remember that sides |
| table. Do not just paint the meat on the | | | | don't have to be just veggies. Think of the |
| grill -- give your guests a choice on the | | | | possibilities of fruits, shellfish and even |
| table. Today's barbeque and hot sauces come | | | | meats. |
| in a wide variety of flavors and heat levels | | | | |
| and there is something for (almost) everyone. | | | | 5) Desserts - Why not use the fire? Okay, |
| Consider the food you are serving and other | | | | you gotta have desserts. You'll probably want |
| sauces that may complement it. If you are | | | | something cool (homemade ice cream, maybe?) |
| serving pork consider a white BBQ sauce or | | | | and some sweets to keep the kids happy. But |
| horseradish sauce. If you are serving fish | | | | since the fire is still warm why not consider |
| consider a sweet barbeque sauce or a | | | | really wowing your friends by making an |
| Vietnamese or Japanese fish sauce. | | | | additional dessert or two on the grill. Make |
| | | | homemade ice cream (always a reasonably cheap |
| 2) Salsa -- Not just for corn chips anymore! | | | | choice) AND grilled dessert to go with it and |
| Several years ago salsa took over the | | | | you will be considered a party god for many |
| number-one-selling condiment spot in America | | | | years. |
| from ketchup but most people still think of | | | | |
| it as just a dip for chips or a covering for | | | | Since most barbeque parties feature the same |
| Mexican foods. Salsa is -- and can be -- so | | | | basic foods, these cheap party food ideas |
| much more. Consider visiting a Farmers' | | | | will help any weekend griller to impress |
| Market or specialty supermarket the day of | | | | their guests. Do it well and your neighbors |
| the BBQ and picking up a fresh salsa. Or | | | | will invite you to every party and beg for an |
| better still,yet spend an hour or so the | | | | invitation to yours. |
| night before the party and make a batch of | | | | |