From Grill to Table: Tips for an Enjoyable Get-Together
This is the perfect time of year for getting together with friends and family over a delicious meal-and serving dishes with Fresh California Avocados. Create a memorable feast with these grilling and entertaining tips.
Prep the Grill
- Make sure your grill is clean and you have enough charcoal or propane gas on hand
- Coat your grill lightly with oil or cooking spray before heating to keep food from sticking
- Give the grill time to heat up. Charcoal should be red hot with a white ash coating. Preheat a gas grill for up to 15 minutes, burners on high with the lid down
- Make grilling easy and safe by using appropriate tools, such as mitts, tongs, a spatula, a fork, skewers and basting brushes
Cooking at the Grill
- If you're having a barbeque, or even cooking burgers indoors, do a practice run. Try a few different dishes leading up to your party. Start with the California Avocado recipes featured here!
- Avoid flare-ups by trimming as much fat as possible from meats and using lean ground beef for your burgers
- Place your burgers over direct heat and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. You probably love to hear the sizzle of the grill, but don't press down on the burgers with your spatula! That will release all the good juices, dry out the burger and may cause a flare-up
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your food is cooked inside. Internal temperature should be at least 160 degrees F for ground beef (at least 170 degrees F for poultry). Insert the thermometer into the patty horizontally for the most accurate reading
Your Barbecue Menu
If you're having a barbecue, create a menu that's a little different, fun and unexpected. Serve sliders, fish, pulled pork or sausages. Better yet, serve burgers made of beef, turkey, tuna or whole grains and legumes. Yummy! Serve burgers on different types of bread such as pita, focaccia or sourdough. Any dish made with Fresh California Avocados adds a luxurious touch to your menu while adding great flavor.
Include savory appetizers, salads, sandwiches and desserts that are in line with your theme or the mood you want to set. Set out a "Build your Own Burger" bar with various tasty toppings so your guests can create their own burger masterpiece. Make sure all the selections are easy for your guests to handle.
Use your Space Wisely
Whether you hold your get-together on a deck, patio, poolside or in your house, design your space so your guests can move around easily, join in various groups for conversation. Set up a buffet table where they can have easy access to appetizers, entrées, sides and drinks.
The Wine List
Choose wines that complement your menu. In general...
- Dark, rich wines such as a medium-bodied Merlot, go well with heavier fare such as beef, pasta and cheese. Try Sutter Home Merlot for a smoky, spiced flavor
- Serve Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc with light fish, seafood, poultry and vegetables. Sutter Home offers a lovely, fruit-inspired Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc and a pleasant floral Pinot Grigio
- Wine cocktails and White Zinfandel wines are a refreshing treat for your summer gathering. Enjoy Sutter Home's crisp White Zinfandel
- Don't forget to have a few designated drivers assigned should a guest get too into the party mood
A Parting Gift
End the party on a memorable note. Send your guests off with a party favor, such as summer-themed wine glass charms, coasters, a printout of select California Avocado recipes or an avocado scooper.
