Make-ahead seasoning mixes are a huge game changer. Just because you're in a rush doesn't mean your food should suffer. This kickin' BBQ seasoning will be ready to go whenever you are. ...get the recipe
Fun Food Holidays™
May is National Barbecue Month

May jump starts the outdoor cooking season as National Barbecue Month. Of course, the most outdoor cooking takes place over Memorial Day weekend with Memorial Day itself sharing holiday duties with National Hamburger-Cheeseburger Day and National Barbecue Day.
First and foremost, be safe! Basic safety tips include making sure you are not wearing any clothing that has hanging shirt tails or sleeves, apron frills or strings when you barbecue. Don't leave the grill unattended and always have a fire extinguisher or hose nearby. Don't let any other activities take place near the grill (such as kids playing). Also remember food safety - make sure foods are properly handled from start to finish (this includes thawing, marinating, and cooking to proper doneness).
What is the difference between barbecuing and grilling? Many people use the terms interchangeably, but technically they are two different things. Grilling is cooking the food directly over a high heat source. Barbecuing is all about slow, indirect, low-heat which gives food that characteristic smoky flavor.
You can further enhance your food by using marinades, rubs, basting sauces and mops. Avoid high salt or high sugar recipes or mixes. Too much salt can leech out moisture from the meat and sugar can burn too quickly. Also make sure not to over-marinate as the texture of the meat can be compromised.
So now that you have the barbecuing basics, fire up that grill! Here are some great recipes to get you started:
Recipes to celebrate National Barbecue Month
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Easy Barbecue WingsServes/Makes 6 / Ready In: > 5 hrs
Just two ingredients and your crock pot! The result: delicious and tender chicken wings ...get the recipe
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Barbecued Fried ChickenServes/Makes 4 / Ready In: 1-2 hrs
Chicken is fried until golden brown then simmered in a tangy homemade barbecue sauce until tasty and tender. ...get the recipe
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Barbecued Turkey CutletsServes/Makes 6 / Ready In: > 5 hrs
Add this to your list of go-to crockpot meals. Turkey breast slow-cooked with a sweet and tangy sauce and served over rice. ...get the recipe
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Barbecued Lima BeansServes/Makes 20 / Ready In: > 5 hrs
Tender lima beans are slow cooked and served in a sweet and tangy sauce. Makes a great side dish for burgers, grilled ribs or brisket, or fried chicken. ...get the recipe
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Barbecued Beef Sandwiches For A CrowdServes/Makes 50 / Ready In: > 5 hrs
This big-batch recipe for barbecue beef sandwiches is delicious and can serve up to 50 people (you can scale it down for smaller groups too, of course!) ...get the recipe
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Fireman's Chicken In Barbecue SauceServes/Makes 4 / Ready In: > 5 hrs
If it's good enough for the firemen, it's good enough for the rest of us! An overnight marinade and a trip to the grill makes some chicken that's certainly worth getting fired up about. ...get the recipe
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Barbecued Boneless Beef RibsServes/Makes 6 / Ready In: > 5 hrs
Beef ribs are slowly cooked in a homemade barbecue sauce. ...get the recipe
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Patti LaBelle's Best-Ever Barbecue Chicken With Bodacious Barbecue SauceServes/Makes 6 / Ready In: 1-2 hrs
The "Lady Marmalade" singer doesn't just know music, she also knows chicken. This saucy dish can be oven-baked or finished on the grill. ...get the recipe
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Spicy Honey Barbecue Chicken WingsServes/Makes 6 / Ready In: 2-5 hrs
Just the right balance of smoky (barbecue sauce), sweet (honey), and spicy (mustard and hot sauce) to make these wings a hit with everyone who eats them. ...get the recipe
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Oven Baked Barbecued Short RibsServes/Makes 6 / Ready In: 2-5 hrs
Meaty short ribs are baked with a tangy-sweet sauce until tender and falling off the bone. ...get the recipe
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Barbecued PotatoesServes/Makes 4 / Ready In: < 30 minutes
If you're grilling your main course already then this potato side dish recipe is a breeze to add to your meal. ...get the recipe
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Honey Barbecue Pork SteaksServes/Makes 4 / Ready In: < 30 minutes
Throw some pork steaks on the grill and dress them up with a simple honey-barbecue sauce baste. ...get the recipe
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Award Winning Barbecue SauceServes/Makes 3 cups / Ready In: 1-2 hrs
Make sure to pair this sweet and smoky barbecue sauce with some slow-cooked ribs, grilled chicken, or pulled pork to really let it shine. ...get the recipe
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Backyard Barbecue Beer BratsServes/Makes 20 / Ready In: 2-5 hrs
Beer brats are the move for taking your cookout game to the next level. A combo of beer and cola keeps the brats moist without being too sweet and the peppers and onions make a righteous topping. ...get the recipe
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Famous Dave's Legendary Pit Barbecue RibsServes/Makes 6 / Ready In: > 5 hrs
These ribs get both a rub and a sauce for a double dose of flavor. Add in the smoky flavor that comes from slow-cooking over hickory and you'll see why these ribs are legendary. ...get the recipe
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