There is no better way of spending a summer afternoon than cooking a favorite meal in your beautiful outdoor living space. The splendid warm days that characterize summer shouldn’t end without preparing and sharing something fresh from the grill with your friends and family members. As mouthwatering as a steak or hot dog may be, however, have you ever found yourself without that perfect dinner idea that is both easy and sure to impress an audience? Try these recipes for sweet cola ribs and party poppers at your next summer barbecue.
Sweet Cola Ribs
This is a popular summer meal, which you can prepare while bonding with your friends and loved ones. The ribs are prepared in advance and then cooked over indirect heat, leaving them deliciously tender. Cola helps add a punch of mouthwatering sweetness. To prepare a meal for two, you require:
- 2 racks of pork ribs
- one sliced onion, a can of cola
- two cups of ketchup
- a cup of brown sugar
- one tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- black pepper
- two crushed garlic cloves
After you saute the onions in olive oil, combine the brown sugar, ketchup, cola, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and garlic in a pan and add to the onions. Boil on medium heat, stirring occasionally until it thickens to a sauce-like consistency. Rub the ribs with some of this sauce to coat them and place them in the refrigerator overnight in plastic wrap for the flavors to permeate the meat. When ready to cook, place ribs on a grill set to 250°F, flipping regularly to ensure even cooking, for approximately ninety minutes until tender. Re-coat with barbecue mixture as needed and serve with remaining sauce for dipping.
Party Poppers
These oven-baked appetizers make it easy for you to satisfy your hungry guests while they wait for the main meal. Besides being appetizing, they are easy to prepare since they only require a few ingredients. Incorporating them in your menu negates the need for you to fuss over the oven while entertaining your guests. To prepare this appetizer, you need:
- 1 can of refrigerated crescent rolls
- mini chocolate chips
- cookie decorating sugar, and
- melted butter
Pre-heat your oven to 350°F while rolling out the crescent rolls into two large rectangles. Press the edges firmly to ensure that all perforations are sealed. You should then cut your dough rectangles in half using a pizza cutter, before cutting across both halves. Sprinkle the chocolate chips at the center of each of the smaller rectangles. Pull the two long sides together before pinching them to seal. Brush each with melted butter and lightly coat with the sugar. Bake according to time on package, checking every few minutes until they turn golden brown. Best served immediately while chocolate filling is still warm.
This summer, you should consider ditching your dining room in favor of your outdoor living space. These recipes can help you enjoy every minute possible in your garden landscape!