Backyard BBQ's - They're Sizzlin' !

by Jennifer McKinney-Seet, CSEP

Spend the last dog days of summer enjoying the warm weather outdoors with family and friends by hosting a backyard barbeque. Here are a few tips to help you get organized:

Choose a theme (luau, patriotic, western, pool party, international, etc.) and create a check list for the supplies you'll need in addition to the fun décor and accessories. Items such as:

•  Plates (paper, plastic or china), Cups, Napkins, Utensils
•  Grill and grilling tools (tongs, charcoal, propane, lighter fluid, etc.) 
•  Drink cooler, drinks (always include water), and ice
•  Trash bags and Aluminum Foil
•  Serving platters and utensils
•  Seating - tables and chairs 
•  Bug repellent (citronella candles, bee traps, etc.)

Once you have your supplies, you'll need some basic food items and condiments.  For quantities, estimate one of each meat item per person and 6oz per person for side dish items. Always round up when estimating. Here are few suggestions for your menu:

• Burgers, Chicken, Corn on the Cob, Fish, Ribs, Pork and Steak, Hot Dogs or Brats, Watermelon Salsa Salad (see recipe below) Leafy Salad or Fruit Salad, Egg Salad, Chicken Salad, Potato Salad, Coleslaw, Baked Beans, Potatoes, Macaroni & Cheese, Chips and dip, etc.

Tips for Grilling:

• Rub light olive oil on both sides of chicken to keep it from drying out. Add a dry rub under the skin for extra flavor.
• Place a slab of butter on each side of the steak after searing for more flavor. Meat is tender to the touch for rare to medium rare and firm for well done.
• Mix in blue cheese and or Lipton Onion Soup mix with hamburger patties.
• Smother corn with butter, chives and garlic salt before grilling.
• Wait at least 30-45 minutes after lighting coals before cooking, especially if using lighter fluid, to give it enough time to properly heat and burn off chemical fumes.
  

Nothing beats the heat during summer than heading out for a fun cookout with friends and family! Be sure to make it a great party by being organized and preparing ahead so you can relax and enjoy your event.

 Chef's Corner

Recipe of the Month

At Thomas Caterers of Distinction, we make all our food

from scratch. We are proud to share some of our

time honored recipes with our friends.

Watermelon Salsa Salad 

Created by TCOD Executive Chef, Eric Day

Featured in July 2007 issue of InTake Magazine

Watermelon Salsa Salad is a wonderful balance of savory, sweet and spicy.  A refreshing and light summer salad with just a touch of Jalapeño kick.  Good for a hot summer day! 

2 Cups Watermelon (remove rind and cut in bite-size pieces)
¾ Cup Red Onion (diced)
½ Cup Seedless Red Grapes (halved)
1 Yellow Bell Pepper (diced)
2 Jalapeños (seeded and diced)
3 Tablespoons Lime Juice (fresh)
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
¾ Cup Cilantro (chopped)
Salt and Pepper (to taste)

Directions:

Toss all ingredients together and refrigerate allowing flavors to mix for about one (1) hour before serving.  Makes four (4) 1 cup servings. Great for summer pitch-ins, picnics or for a light lunch salad. Can be served in a watermelon basket as an attractive centerpiece to your picnic or pitch-in buffet.

Use left over watermelon to make a Basil Mint Watermelon Milkshake.

1 Cup Watermelon
2 Cups Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
2 Tablespoons Basil (fresh)
2 Tablespoons Mint (fresh)

Puree in blender on high (may add ¼ cup or more of your favorite clear libation). Makes three (3) 8 oz. servings.

Hosting a Party

Choice Days to Host a Party or Gathering   

Where to Host a Party - Hot Spot Feature

                                  OPEN HOUSE

                                   Wed. Sept. 26

5999 Memory Lane                                                               6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Greenfield, IN 46140                                                           Free Cocktails & HDs

(317) 489-3333                                                                   Call 317-489-3333 to RSVP 

www.adaggios.com                                                Register to win a Chocolate Fountain

This brand new facility is well equipped for all your event needs and can host seated events for up to 500. Located on the East side of Indianapolis at the corner of Mt. Comfort Rd and US 40. Adaggio's wants to provide you with everything you need to make your event a success and offers many all-inclusive packages to choose from. Other amenities include services such as: entertaining DJs, Hummer Limos, High Tech Conference Center, High Speed Wireless Internet, Video and Internet Conferencing, Flat Panel Widescreens, Video Projection Equipment, Photo Montage Presentations and Monthly Bridal Show.

Mark your calendar to attend their free Open House on Sept. 26 from 6pm-8pm and enjoy complimentary 

cocktails hosted by the venue and hors d'ouevres by Thomas Caterers of Distinction. While enjoying the Open House, you can also register to win a free chocolate fountain. Call 317-489-3333x1 to RSVP.

 Thomas Caterers of Distinction has been nominated as one of the Indianapolis area’s top businesses on the Indy Channel A-List. Visit www.wrtv.cityvoter.com and search for Thomas Caterers under "Wedding Caterers" category to cast your vote between now and October 15, 2007 and you'll be automatically entered to win a WRTV gift basket.

Multiple Course Gourmet Dinners
Prepared by our talented Chefs especially for you and up to nineteen additional guests. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be presented in our state of the art kitchen, followed by a five course dinner to be served in our custom designed Client Tasting Room. Perfect for a quiet night out with friends or an impressive evening with clients. This unique package includes a multiple course surprise gourmet meal, wine, and service staff. Hands-on experiences are also available led by our talented team of Chefs to test your skills in our kitchens with "Iron Chef" Competitions (great for corporate team building events) or private cooking lessons. Limited times available. $75 per person. Limited to parties of 20 or less.

Call now for reservations: 317-542-8333.

Contact Us 

     Thomas Caterers of Distinction

     4440 North Keystone Ave

     Indianapolis, Indiana 46205

     Phone: 317-542-8333

     Fax: 317-545-0683

     Email: Info@thomascaterers.com
    

About Us

We are a full service off-premise catering and event management company specializing in award winning gourmet cuisine for over 23 years. We custom tailor each event to fit the client's personality and style, making each occasion a unique experience.

Our highly qualified staff is certified and trained to assist each client with every detail of planning their event, from creative menu designs and elegant décor to entertainment, tenting, power and travel needs, you can relax knowing that our Certified Special Event Professionals will handle every detail with care to allow you to be a guest at your own event.

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