Summer is almost over. Take advantage of the last few days by enjoying a family cookout. Bring your family together to relax and have fun together.
Planning a cookout does not have to be complicated. Start with your menu. Hot dogs and hamburgers can be made easily on the grill.
If you would like to add a little more zest to your traditional hamburger try this easy recipe.
Mexican Burgers
Makes 6 servings
1 1/2 lb. ground round steak
1/3 c. mild or hot salsa
1 can (4 oz.) chopped green chilies, well drained
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
6 oz. Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeno peppers, sliced
6 hamburger buns
Sour cream
Sliced avocados
Salsa
Combine meat, 1/3 c. salsa, chilies, salt and pepper; mix well. Divide into six portions. Shape each to form a 3/4-inch patty around one ounce of cheese, sealing edge well. Grill four inches above medium to hot coals on an open grill. Cook six to eight minutes per side for medium hamburgers. Serve on hamburger buns. Top burgers with sour cream, sliced avocados and salsa. Serve immediately. This recipe is from the American Dairy Association and Dairy Council.
If you prefer something less spicy try this cheeseburger.
Inside – Out Burger Babies
Divide ground beef into 16 equal portions. Shape each into a 3-inch diameter patty. Top one patty with one – half of a a 1 ounce slice of Mozzarella or American cheese folded in half; top with second patty sealing edges gently with fingers. Repeat with remaining meat and cheese. Grill 6 to 7 minutes for medium or until done, turning once. This recipe is from the American Dairy Association and Dairy Council.
- Sides
Accompany your meal with corn on the cob roasted on the grill. Have a crock pot with melted butter to spoon over the corn when you are ready to serve. Other delicious sides could be a baked potato, fresh fruit (watermelon cantaloupe, or pineapple), or a pasta salad.
- Dessert
Desserts can be made and served with minimal preparation. Enjoy dessert time as a family activity.
Make smore’s together. Have family members exchange chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers. As they exchange the food they must also give each other a compliment. As you stack the ingredients together use it as an opportunity to talk about how each ingredient is important in making a smore. Continue explaining that each family member is an important part of making a happy home. Name something that each person does to contribute to your home. Deuteronomy 4:9 tells us “Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them”. Use the moments you have as teaching opportunities.
Popcorn, ice cream sandwiches, or pudding cups frozen with a popsicle stick in it are all easy ways to finish off a cookout. Enjoy your dessert while playing a game, talking about what happened this summer, or having fun with water balloons.
Have fun with your family as you savor the last days of summer!
