9 Things You Didn’t Know You Could BBQ
With more time spent at home, now is the perfect time to seize the everyday by trying fun spins on made-at-home meals and kicking back with those closest to you in your own space. From tasty family-ready meals to the best way to clean and care for your grill, Canadian Tire and Yahoo Canada are proud to help Canadians get there by bringing you everything you need for the season.
BBQing is a great way to enjoy the outdoors while also fitting in your meal prep, so it’s no wonder so many Canadians flock to the backyard once warmer weather hits. And while times have changed, Canadians have not. Now more than ever, it’s a great time to take things a bit slower, soaking up every moment spent with your closest loved ones in your personal space.
This summer is a great time to tackle jobs around your home and yard, from DIY projects you may not have had the time to complete in past to seasonal updates to make the most of what the warm weather has to offer. And when the job is done, there’s no better way to reward yourself than to kick back with your family and enjoy some tasty BBQ favourites. Chances are you’ve already planned on making your favourite burgers, hot dogs and steaks on the grill, but why not switch things up with a new collection of recipes that the whole family will love. From appetizers to sides and even dessert, there are so many delicious ingredients that can take your barbecuing to the next level.
We've gathered nine of the most surprising foods that you may not have considered grilling to spice up your next family meal, as well as everything you’ll need to cook them up to perfection.
Appetizers
As you get ready to kick off your meal, a tasty appetizer is the best way to make the most of your grill. Fire up the barbecue, grab your apron and you’re ready to go.
Among the many fun recipes to test out on the grill is fresh homemade pizza. For a double dose of flavour, you can start by roasting your desired veggies and meat on the barbecue, then grilling your dough on a versatile baking tray, like this one from Vermont Castings, before assembling everything together.
If you’re looking for a quick way to feed a crowd, grilled nachos are another delicious appetizer option that’s ready in minutes. To get everything ready, package your chips, cheese and toppings into a grill-safe pouch made of aluminum foil or place them onto a barbecue-safe tray like the MASTER Chef BBQ Grill Basket, then heat everything up for six to 10 minutes over indirect heat.
Grilled avocado stuffed with cherry tomatoes and herbs is another great recipe that uses seasonal ingredients to create a mouth-watering dish. Simply slice avocados in half and place them flat side down directly on the grill to add a flavour-packed punch to this healthy appetizer. Serve them on a set of colourful dishware like the Palm Breeze Dinner Plate from CANVAS to bring a bit of the tropics to your backyard.
Mains & Sides
If a gourmet atmosphere is what you’re after, why not try your hand at lobster tails on the barbecue? Simply skewer the tails onto your favourite tools, like these Vermont Castings Stainless Steel BBQ Skewers before grilling, and it’s a surefire way to impress your family with your cooking skills.
As for an unexpected side dish, you can easily take familiar favourites and give them a fresh take by cooking them on the grill. Take potato wedges for example - toss them in olive oil and seasoning, and bake them in the oven to cook. Once they’re almost done, transfer them from the oven to the grill for the finishing touch and a hint of charring. Since you’ll be working with hot ingredients, tools like the Napoleon Locking Tongs are a must to keep hands safe with this recipe.
Salad is another side that can easily be grilled, as long as greens are not left on the heat for too long. Halved romaine lettuce makes an excellent choice for the barbecue, and once it’s been brushed with olive oil, it only needs a minute or two to pick up the delicious flavour of the grill before being plated onto a serving tray, like this summery CANVAS pick.
Desserts
While not all that common, you can absolutely try your hand at a delicious dessert recipe on the barbecue. Just give your grill an extra-thorough cleaning using the Vermont Castings Grill Tool Set, to remove any lingering flavours, and you’re all set to cook up some tasty treats.
Skewers are a quick and easy way to incorporate more fresh fruit into your diet, and top picks like strawberries, peaches, watermelon and pineapple hold up well on the grill.
If you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, grilled pound cake topped with ice cream is a definite winning recipe. Using your favourite homemade or store-bought pound cakes, brush cake slices with butter and grill until browned, then serve inside a colourful bowl like these ones from For Living.
You can also grill up your own donuts (homemade or from your favourite coffee shop) to add a smoky, savoury taste to glazed or cake flavours. Serve them alongside a pitcher filled with your choice of iced tea or coffee and you have the perfect finish to any meal.
Canadian Tire and Yahoo Canada are helping Canadians seize the everyday this summer, with tips, tricks and everything you need for the season. Click here for more!
