5 Cookout Essentials

My 5 most important food items to have at a good cookout.

Man Crates, gifts for men, contacted me to write a post about 5 things I think are essential to have at a cookout. Man crates is trying to make gift buying for men easy.  There are all kinds of categories to please just about anyone.  I think many women would like to receive a "man" crate too.

So I realize the typical time for cookouts is ending with summer but I live in Hawaii so we can cookout year round.  Also I think you can cookout anytime you want you don't need special weather for it although I understand not wanting to be outside in the cold winter...but winter is not here yet so go outside and enjoy it while you can.

When it comes to cookouts I don't think you really need any special equipment but there are some food items that I think everyone likes to see at a cookout.

1.  Beverages

Beer is always the first option for me and most people who consume alcohol but for those who don't I think Sweet Tea is a must.  Growing up in the south we always had sweet tea (brewed in a glass pitcher in the sun) during the summer.  It was always Lipton and had a lot of sugar in it.  Now I choose healthier green tea and less sweetener like this:

Cold Brewed Green Tea

 

2.  Chips and Dip

Everyone loves chips whether tortilla or potato it's always great to have an easy snack while waiting for your burger to cook.  I have many recipes for dips and salsas but this is my favorite:

Loaded Potato Dip

 

3.  Hot Sauce

My husband loves spicy foods and if he could he would add his favorite hot sauce to everything.  We always have Sriracha on hand but this is the family favorite (it's made by friends of ours from TX):

Ass Burn Sauce

4.  Jalapenos

Still on the spicy theme my husband loves jalapenos.  He always likes to add them to his burgers or even hot dogs.  He'll really put them on just about everything.  Whether raw, pickled, diced or sliced he loves them in all forms.  Here is an easy recipe to make your own pickled jalapenos:

Pickled Jalapenos

5.  Cookies

I don't know many people who don't have some kind of sweet tooth and when eating outside it's easier to have a quick hand held dessert like cookies.  These are traditional but my husband's favorite:

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Enjoy.

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10 Great Cookout Dishes

Many people have cookout parties for Labor Day.  If you need inspiration for a good dish to bring check out these ideas. 

*Click the pictures below for the recipes

Entrees:

Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes:

This dish can be made ahead and left in the slow cooker to warm. I like bringing a dish like this to a cookout because I've gone to many with only hotdogs and it's nice to have another option.

Pin it:  http://pinterest.com/pin/428053139552421654/

Vermicelli Salad:

This is a great idea for a lighter fare for your cookout.  Try mixing the rice noodles and veggies ahead of time then add fresh grilled chicken, beef, or pork.

Pin it: http://pinterest.com/pin/428053139552531395/


 Sides:

Pineapple salad:

Cool pineapple and mint with a kick of jalapeno.  This light and tropical salad is perfect of an end of the summer cookout.

Pin it:  http://pinterest.com/pin/428053139552877465/

Green Bean Salad:

Another  light salad using a common summer vegetable of green beans, lightly blanched, with the added crunch of sliced almonds.  tossed in a sweet honey mustard vinaigrette.

Pin it:  http://pinterest.com/pin/428053139552886819/

Spring Rolls:

It's practically a hand held salad.  Just remember to keep tightly covered so they do not dry out.  Also check my tutorial on How to Roll a Spring Roll.

Pin it:  http://pinterest.com/pin/428053139552935630/

Macaroni and Cheese:

This is a must have for any gathering.  A favorite of adults and children alike. It's better to make too much than not enough.

Pin it:  http://pinterest.com/pin/428053139552999536/



Snacks:

Baked Samosas:

This crunchy snack is filled with spiced potatoes and peas but you can really use just about anything (think lentils, beans, and even meats).  A great treat to tide you over until the grilling is finished.

Pin it:  http://pinterest.com/pin/428053139552817928/

Bacon Wrapped Potato Wedges:

The name says it all.  I would suggest making these as directed, but if you are brave it might be fun to try and grill them (be careful).

Pin it:  http://pinterest.com/pin/428053139552544208/


Desserts:

Chocolate Chip Cookies:

Make everyone happy at your cookout with these cookies.  Soft and chewy and oh so delicious.  Maybe bring some milk too.

Pin it:  http://pinterest.com/pin/428053139553812787/

Peanut Butter Bars:

Sweet and chewy peanut butter goodness.  These are a favorite, much used recipe, in my family and I guarantee they will also be in yours.

Pin it:  http://pinterest.com/pin/428053139552581926/

I hope you will try some of these recipes for your labor day cookout or any cookout or gathering.

Enjoy.

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