Easy & Fun BBQ Recipes

Just in case you've got a hankering to do one of those end of summer barbecues in your own backyard, here are a few of our favorite simple and show-stopping recipes to sparkle up your soiree. Have fun and be creative.

This is a way to take a sauce and crank it up for your taste buds. And, it couldn't be any easier!

Easy and Delicious BBQ Sauce

Ingredients

1 bottle your favorite prepared bbq sauce
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup molasses
2 Tablespoons cider vinegar
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (optional, if you want a kick to your sauce)
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

In a large saucepan over low heat, start with your favorite prepared bbq sauce (we like the original Sweet Baby Ray's) to use as a base. Add all the other ingredients and stir to blend. cook over low heat until mixture thickens slightly. Brush on all your favorite meats during the last 10 minutes of grilling. Keep plenty of extra on the side for dipping!

This is an easy way to make sure your corn on the cob is always a sweet and tender treat.

Sweet Grilled Corn on the Cob

Ingredients

2 - 6 fresh corn on the cob
1 cup sugar
Water to cover

Directions
Peel away husk and silk from corn cobs. Fill large pot about 3/4 full with water and add 1 cup of sugar. Stir in sugar. Place corn cobs into pot. Make sure there is enough water to cover. Bring water to boil and cook on medium high heat about 30-40 minutes. When ready to grill, place cobs on grill and turn when kernels begin to brown. Do not burn! Serve with butter or margarine and salt and pepper to taste.

Here's a great summer cole slaw that's a little bit sweet, a little bit tangy and 100% delicious. We use light ingredients to keep the calorie count low too - you'll never notice the difference!

Summer Pineapple Cole Slaw

lb bag of cole slaw mix
3/4 cup light mayonnaise
2 tablespoons light sour cream
2 tablespoons grated Spanish or purple onion
1 tablespoons sugar, or to taste
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1 tablespoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon celery seed
1/2 cup crushed pineapple, juice removed

Directions

In a large bowl, combine mayo, sour cream, sugar, vinegar, mustard and celery seed. Blend thoroughly. Add the coleslaw mix. Grate the onion and add it to the mix. Add the crushed pineapple to the mix. Stir all ingredients together gently.

Watermelon Agua Fresca

This easy-to-make frosty fruit drink is available from roadside sellers all throughout Mexico. It's a traditional beverage with just the right amount of sweet and fruit to refresh and quench your thirst. It's beautiful to look at too!

Ingredients

A blender full of ripe seedless watermelon, cubed (about half a watermelon)
1/3 - 1/2 cup sugar
Fresh lime juice of one large lime
Water to desired consistency
Mint sprig for garnish

Directions

Put the watermelon in blender and cover sight sugar and lime juice. Pulse blend to puree. Add water to thin to your desired consistency. We like it like a thin smoothie.  Refrigerate the mixture until well chilled, 2 to 4 hours. If you prefer, you can leave out the water, blending just the juice, watermelon and sugar. Then when chilled, add a little sparkling water to provide a little fizz and get to your desired consistency.

Pour into a tall glass and garnish with a sprig of mint. Enjoy!

Crazy Simple Backyard BBQ Dessert

So, this one is so simple it really doesn't even have a recipe. It's more of a suggestion. And the suggestion is something that will please just about everyone. Ready for it?

Set up a Make-Your-Own-Sundae Bar!

See. We told you it was easy. But just in case you have any questions, here are some suggestions for options to have ready at your DIY sundae bar.

Ice cream - Vanilla and chocolate are always a hit. You can add a quirky flavor or two if you like as well.
Sauces - Chocolate sauce, fudge, marshmallow fluff, pineapple, strawberry, caramel and butterscotch all work.
Toppings - Cookie crumbs, crushed candy bits, chocolate and multi-colored sprinkles, mini chocolate chips or  M & Ms or chopped toffee or peanut brittle bits.
Fruit - Fresh fruit is nice in summer - peaches, strawberries, bananas, pineapple and the like.
Finishing Touches - Whipped cream, sliced or chopped nuts and Maraschino cherries provide a lovely finish.

Make sure you have everyone make their own. It's part of the fun and that way you can get a rest while your guests are enjoying themselves too!

Hope you have a fantastic way to finish out the summer. Let us know if you've got any backyard barbecue plans of your own or any favorite bbq recipes to share.