With the weather finally warming up a little, it’s time to start thinking about a backyard BBQ!

Here are few ideas to help you “grill up a good time!”

A little festive wording makes for a really fun invitation… Here are a few suggestions:

” Let’s get together for no special reason…Just to celebrate good food, good friends, and the summer season!”

“Come on over for a BBQ, We’ll have burgers and hot dogs and plenty of cold brew!”

“It’s time to enjoy a little bit of sun!  With good friends and food, it’s sure to be fun!”

“Join us for hamburgers and hot dogs as we ketchup with old friends!”

String up a few strands of white lights around your patio, throw a red and white checkered tablecloth on the patio table, and set out a few Citronella candles or torches (to keep the buggies away), and you’re all set for a stellar night of food and friends under the stars.

In addition to the usual suspects (burgers and hot dogs), here are a few of our personal favorite recipes:

Lone Star Rub Drumsticks (LOVE this one- from a Weber grill recipe book)

2 t. kosher salt

1 1/2 t. pure chile powder

1 1/2 t. dried chopped onion

3/4 t. garlic salt

1/2 t. paprika

1/2 t. dried marjoram

1/4 t. ground cumin

1/2 t. fresh ground pepper

1/8 t. ground cinnamon

8 chicken drumsticks

Mix ingredients in a small bowl.  Rub mixture under and on top of the chicken skin.  Grill on medium-low heat, turning frequently (every 5 minutes or so)

Roasted Corn on the Cob

6 ears of corn on the cob (with the husks)

butter

salt

aluminum foil

To get started, gently pull back the husks of the corn, remove the corn silks (using a small brush if necessary), rinse, and pat the corn dry with a paper towel.  In a shallow baking dish or cookie sheet, pour melted butter.  Holding the husk out of the way, roll the ear of corn in the butter.  Sprinkle with salt, reposition the husk to cover the ear of corn, and wrap tightly in foil.  Grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning frequently.

And if your thirst is craving something a little more than lemonade, try this recipe for Lemon Shandies.  It’s one of those great almost-summertime beverages!