By Craig Light
Menu by Ellen Oltman Kellner
On those warm days of summer, we find any excuse to be outside. Drinking our morning coffee on the deck, taking our favorite book to the lawn, and eating outside as often as we can. But the best days spent outside are those when we gather with family and friends. My most memorable summer days were spent running around outside, getting grass stains on my knees, smelling subtle wafts of smoke and char as the grill heats up, and feasting on the many barbecues throughout the summer months.
As I grew older, I seemed to find fewer stains on my jeans as I spent more time at the buffet table. Sitting, talking, and laughing with close friends as I satiate my need for summertime barbecue, I can think of nothing better. With so many holidays occurring during the summer months, it’s easy to find an excuse to gather and celebrate. Between Memorial Day, Father’s Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day, there is no shortage of opportunity to fire up that grill, light up your smoker, or load up the rotisserie. Whatever your style or method, it’s all barbecue.
There are endless options for creating the perfect barbecue. Some people prefer the classic of hamburgers, hot dogs, and barbecue-basted chicken. Others look for the “low and slow” methods used to create pulled pork or brisket. Also necessary is an assortment of farm-fresh veggies, local corn, and my favorite side of all, potato salad. It pairs perfectly with the spicy and tangy flavors that barbecue sauce delivers. Despite what you may be serving at your next barbecue, the most important factor to hosting a great event: be a crowd pleaser and make sure everyone has something to enjoy. Now crank up some tunes, spark up the bonfire, and celebrate!
ELLEN’S BBQ MENU
Follow links for recipes
Hot Dogs and Hamburgers—serve with all the fixings
Runamok Maple-Marinated BBQ Chicken—marinating boneless chicken before grilling makes it juicy, quick, and delicious
Vermont Cheddar Street Corn on the Cob—a North Country version of Mexico’s fire-roasted favorite
Green Salad—source fresh produce from any one of our local Farmers’ markets
Grilled Potato Salad—a new twist with Prosciutto di Parma
Honey-Glazed Grilled Peach Halves—delicious with Wilcox Vanilla Ice Cream