Tuesday night cook-out anyone?  

Who says you can’t have a BBQ partay at the beginning of the week…on a school night?  Spatula Slap impromptu Backyard BBQ 2013 went from 4 to 24 (plus 1 dog and 1 cat) in the span of approximately 24 hours.  As the number of guests started to increase so did my shopping list, but the whole purpose of this BBQ was to catch up with friends, so bottom line, I knew I did not want to be in the kitchen, or manning/womanning the grill, all night.

Being the Slaponista that I am, the food had to fit my style of BBQ Chic, and include options for all those vegetarians out there.  At my last cook-out more friends showed up than expected, and I was in the kitchen more than intended, as well as drinking more than intended.  This time though I was prepared.  I had a plan for easy, delicious, nutritious dishes and sides, prepared mostly in advance.  Through means of  social media and word of mouth, I gave my guests an idea of the delights I would provide.

The Results: Backyard BBQ 2013 was one of the smoothest and easiest thus far.  The key was to keep it simple…and sassy…stupid!  Dishes to prepare in a pinch when the guest list increases.  Don’t be shy, if you forgot to grab something at the store that day, phone-a-friend.  In my experience guests are usually more than eager to pitch in when duty calls.

Simple deliciousness included, in no particular order, Watermelon with Feta and Mint Salad (tastes like yum-yum-summah), Caprese Pasta Salad (let the fresh mozzarella and basil shine), Aloha Mini-Turkey Burgers (topped with sweet hot pickles, pepperjack, engulfed in a soft hawaiin roll), Grilled-to-Perfection Asparagus(olive oil+spices+grill=all you need), and Bourgeois Buffalo Wings (buffalo sauce with the sexual touch of maple syrup).

Not only did I Slap together a nutritious feast, our Spatula friends contributed as well, providing refreshing mojitos with mint straight outta’ the garden and unrefined mint infused simple syrup, a selection of cheeses, olives and oh-so much more.

The dish I savored the most?  Easy!  The L-O-V-E served up by the attendees.  Can you taste the love?