Spice Up Barbecue Traditions:
Experts Offer Tips for Your Next Grill-out
(ARA) - Year after year we grill up the same barbecue
fare: hot dogs, hamburgers and chicken breasts. These party pleasers are
always delicious, but this year, why not add some extra spice to your
barbecue traditions? Two summer entertaining experts from Hormel Foods
share easy tips to serve up an inventive menu infused with new flavors
at your next summer grill-out!
Flavorful Grilling
"Barbecuing is a wonderful way to create delicious, smoky flavor while
keeping meat nice and juicy," says Hormel Foods' "Flavor Czar" Dan
Hernandez. "By experimenting with new ethnic flavors and spices, you add
some creativity to barbecue favorites like hamburgers and chicken."
Hernandez offers the following tips:
* Get creative with condiments: Give your guests a welcome break from
the usual barbecue condiments like ketchup, mustard and relish. Try
topping your burger with a fresh, flavorful salsa, like CHI-CHI'S Salsa,
and a slice of pepper jack cheese for a Mexican twist.
* Mix up a marinade: Marinating meat adds flavor and
tenderization before cooking. Every marinade should contain an acidic
ingredient, such as vinegar or wine; an oil, such as olive or canola;
and seasonings, such as herbs and spices.
* Serve a savory side: For an easy side, slice up new
potatoes and add a dash of light olive oil, such as CARAPELLI Extra
Light Olive Oil, which is made in the Mediterranean for authentic taste.
Mix in feta cheese and rosemary, and cook on the grill in a foil pouch
for a no-mess Greek treat.
Nutritious Grilling
Summer favorites, while heavy on taste, can be heavy on calories. Hormel
Foods' test kitchen director Joan Hanson offers these calorie-saving
tips to create tasty barbecue meals:
* Go lean: Choose white-meat poultry without the skin and lean cuts of
meat, such as sirloin, flank or tenderloin.
* Try turkey: Many barbecue favorites now have turkey
substitutes providing a leaner, lower-calorie option. Try making
hamburgers with ground turkey instead of ground beef or grill up a
seasoned turkey bratwurst, like JENNIE-O Beer 'N Turkey Bratwurst.
* Flame-broil fruit: For a low-calorie dessert, try
fruit on the grill! Lightly brush cut fruit -- such as apples, pears and
peaches -- with canola oil, add a dash of cinnamon, place on skewers and
grill for about three minutes.
Safe Grilling
"Preparing and serving grilled entrees and side dishes in warm weather
can be tricky," Hanson says. "Keeping food safe should be a top
priority." Here are some food safety tips:
* Keep it cool: To prevent bacteria growth, keep perishable foods, like
potato salad, in the refrigerator or a cooler until just before serving.
Also, always thaw meat in the refrigerator or cooler, never at room
temperature or in the sun.
* Trust the temp: Bring your meat thermometer; cook
hamburger and pork to 160 degrees F and chicken and turkey to 165
degrees F. Here's a good rule: if the juices do not run clear, keep
cooking.
* When in doubt, throw it out: After the meal, throw
away any leftovers that have become wet or have been left out for one
hour on hot days.
For more creative grilling tips, flavorful recipes and food safety
guidelines, visit www.hormel.com. Courtesy of ARAcontent
Fourth
of July Patriotic Gifts! Proud to Be American!
Jazz Up Summer Barbecues with the
Original American Spirit
(ARA) - Premium bourbon is one of the fastest-growing
spirit categories in the world, enjoyed not only in seasons of turning
leaves and cozy fires, but also during the warm, lingering days of
summer. Whether mixed in refreshing cocktails or punching up the
barbecue sauce, a fine Kentucky bourbon is a satisfying accompaniment to
any summer grilling occasion.
Bourbon is the only straight spirit to rightfully claim the U.S. as its
birthplace. Throughout the sun-splashed days and star-spangled nights of
summer, there is no more all-American way to celebrate with good friends
than with a premium bourbon aged at least six years.
Louisville native Tom Bulleit is founder of Bulleit Bourbon, recognized
as one of the world's best whiskies at the San Francisco World Spirits
Competition. He suggests that premium bourbons add a subtly complex
character and distinctive body of flavors to summer cocktails and
punches that no other spirit can. For example, the rye used in Bulleit
Bourbon gives it a clean, dry taste that blends well with sweeter
ingredients, producing consistently delicious results. As a flavoring
for barbecue sauce, Bulleit Bourbon contributes hints of vanilla,
caramel and wood smoke.
"Bourbon is highly underrated as a summertime drink," says Bulleit. "My
wife Betsy enjoys it with tonic and a slice of lemon and everyone who
tries it remarks on how light and refreshing it tastes. In barbecue
sauce, it provides a rich and savory depth of flavor that no other
ingredient can match."
The recipes below from www.bulleitbourbon.com are two examples of fun,
creative ways to enjoy authentic American bourbon all summer long, over
ice as well as on the grill.
Bulleit "Orange Cruiser"
Ingredients:
1 1/2 ounces. Bulleit Bourbon
3/4 ounces. Mint Syrup
3/4 ounces Pineapple Syrup
6 orange slices
4 ounces Fresh Sweet 'n Sour
To prepare: Place the orange slices with the syrups and Bulleit Bourbon
into a shaker tin filled with ice. Shake vigorously and pour (do not
strain) into a highball glass. Garnish with mint sprig.
Note: add a splash of club soda as optional.
(Designed by Las Vegas cocktail guru Francesco LaFranconi of Southern
Wine & Spirits)
Bulleit Bourbon Pecan Barbecue Sauce
Ingredients:
2 slices smoked bacon, fine dice
1 medium onion, fine dice
1/2 cup pecan pieces
1/2 cup Bulleit Bourbon
1 large can tomato puree
1/3 cup Kentucky sorghum
1/3 cup dark brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon black pepper
Bulleit Bourbon to taste (approx. 1/4 to 1/2 cup)
To prepare:
In heavy saucepan, brown bacon and remove with slotted spoon. In
residual grease, cook onion until transparent. Add bacon pieces and stir
for one minute. Pour in Bulleit Bourbon and flame to cook off alcohol.
Add remaining ingredients and return bacon to pot. Cook on low heat for
45 minutes until thickened. Add more Bulleit Bourbon to taste.
(Recipe created by Bob Perry, Executive Chef/GM, My Old Kentucky Dinner
Train, Bardstown, Ken.) Courtesy of ARAcontent

Drink Cocktail Shaker
Raspberry Mango Sparkler
Pineapple Passion Fizz
Pina Colada Mix
Key Lime Margarita Mix
Hurricane Drink Mix
Mojito Mix

Please drink responsibly.

|

America Forever
Patriotic Party Supplies

Old Glory Party Supplies

America Tablecover
Patriotic Decorations
Patriotic Party Items
Patriotic Glow and Light Ups

Patriotic Banners

Patriot Day
As you know, this is a day set aside to mark the horrific events of
9/11/01 and to mark the unparalleled heroism and resilience that we witnessed in the face
of such tragedy. American Flags is giving away free American Flags to mark the occasion.
Decorations

Patriotic
Decorating Kit
Patriotic
Decorama
Metallic
Flag Door Cover
23"
X 18" Flag Banner
4'
Metallic Flag Banner
Red
7' Metallic Column
Gold
7' Metallic Column
Flags
Flags
Bases for Flags
USA Flag
USA Flag Mural
2 in. x 3 in. Cloth USA Flag
Muslin 3.5 x 6 in. Cloth USA Flags
Muslin 6 x 9 in. Cloth USA Flags
Muslin 8 x 12 in. Cloth USA Flags
Muslin 12 x 18 in. Cloth USA Flags
Plastic U.S. Flags 4 x 6 in.
Plastic U.S. Flags 11 x 17 in.

Bright Stars Scene

5' Statue Of Liberty
5' American Flags
Patriotic Stripes Scene
Waving Flags Border Roll
Fireworks Scene Setter
23" X 18" Flag Banner
Metallic Flag Door Cover
Patriotic Bunting Border
Flashing
American Flag
4'
Metallic Flag Banner
Patriotic Tableware
Patriotic
Centerpiece
Patriotic Food Tent
Flag Tray
Patriotic Star Trays
Patriotic 10" Platter
Patriotic Theme Mug
Inflatable Patriotic Cooler
Patriotic Table Favors
U.S. Flag Food Picks
Bulk U.S. Flag Food Picks
Red (solid) Tableware
Red Light Ice Cubes
Red - White - Blue Star Candles
Patriotic Favors
Flag
Folding Fan
Fringed
Blowouts
Great noisemakers for any party.
LED 7" Tinsel Maraca
Stars & Stripes Tambourine
Red,
White & Blue Twist Beads
Red, White & Blue Beads
Blinking Flag Beads
Patriotic Band Bracelets
3" Fireman Figurines
Hats,
Vests, and Accessories
Patriotic Vests
Skimmer Hat
American
Flag Bandana
Stars
& Stripes Bandana
Red Felt Top Hat
Patriotic
Vests
Fire Hat
Police Hat
Bandana Cowboy Hat
White Plastic Sailor Hat

Patriotic Party from Plum Party
 Be a signer of the
Declaration of Independence See who were the
Signers or the Declaration
When do you fly
the American Flag?
Three Cheers For The
Red,
White & Blue!
Proud to be an
American! Celebrate the patriotic holidays with beautiful decorations, banners, and paper goods.
Holidays and Patriotic Celebrations
Firecracker Crackers
BBQ Invitations
Liberty Tiara and Noisemakers
Reversible Red/Blue Bowl
Red Wicker Bowls
Yankee Doodle Dandy Napkins & Plates
Americana
Napkins
Firecracker
Candles
Red/White/Blue
Star Candles
Mini-Pot
Candles
Citronella
Garden Candles
Red
Flip-Flop Floating Candles
Flag Apron
Flag Placemats
Flag Table Runner
Flag Tray
Star Chip n Dip Tray
Flag Napkins
Flag Fans
Flag Toothpicks
Flag Tin w/ Keylime Cookies
Star Cookie Cutters
R/W/B Sports Games
Flag Football
Patriotic Potato Sacks
Patriotic
Lantern
Red/White
Star Lanterns
Uncle
Same Hat
Uncle
Sam Jester Hat
Uncle
Sam Maracas
Uncle
Sam Bendables
Patriotic
Tote Bag
Patriotic
Pinwheel
Flag
Paddle Game
Flag
Playground Ball
Flag
Bucket
Stars
and Stripes Streamers
R/W/B
Fun Fringe
R/W/B
Crepe

|