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Close your eyes and envision a warm afternoon or cool evening breeze, the smoky aroma of hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill, and the sounds of family and friends laughing…welcome to my ideal summer gathering. And with the long and brutal winter many of us endured, I have been daydreaming of this for a long time!  No matter how you slice it, or grill it rather, entertaining that centers around a grill or fire pit is the best. 

Many people are either ardent fans of charcoal grills or adamant gas grill enthusiasts. No matter which team you are on, I think we all can agree that grilling is the ideal way to cook for a lot of people with really good food.  My husband and I turn to our charcoal grill when we crave the smoky aroma and taste on our meal.  The combo of briquettes and hotdogs and hamburgers is a gift from the heavens.  I do like adding wood chips to the charcoal too.  Maple chips with fish is wonderful and we do also like hickory chips with our beef and pork dishes.

I turn to my propane grill often because it is easy and fast to use.  When we entertain large groups our gas grill is perfect to grill the main dish with an accompanying dish on the side burner.  Hamburgers next to a pot of chili on the grill, or a large piece of salmon with a pan of lemony sauce to top it off makes for a complete grill meal.  And, clean up is so easy that you can enjoy one more glass of wine with your friends – doesn’t get better than that!

Our fire pit has become our outdoor kitchen in many ways.  You know when you host any type of party and everyone inevitably gathers in your kitchen?   That is our fire pit.  I surround our fire pit with bales of hay, comfortable seating, throw blankets, pillows and even a basket with new socks in every size – cozy to the extreme.  Of course there are a few coolers filled with ice cold beer and wine out there as well.  If I truly want to make this area the center of the entire occasion, I station coolers filled with hot dogs, hamburgers, fish, you name it for guests to prepare on the fire pit grill.  My friends enjoy this as they can eat what they want, when they want, and how they want it.

Oh, and as I remember an experience I had around the fire pit a few years ago, I suggest one more addition to your fire pit party – a water hose close at hand.  Not too long ago, my blanket was a bit too close to an ember and I got a lot warmer, a lot quicker than I had expected. 

I hope you will enjoy all of the perks the summer has to offer! 

- Barbara

PS: David and I were inspired by this grilling season and took to the kitchen for a summer perfect potato salad. Check it out below: