There are three summertime holidays which just scream for grilling, bbq'ing, and otherwise spending your time around hot coals with friends: Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. We're at the midway point peoples, and its time to make your plans for what to sear, smoke, and grill this coming weekend. I have plans for two pork shoulders and a 10lb rack of beef ribs. But I thought for the casual grilling weekend warrior, I'd suggest a few simple items that might turn an ok bbq into a great one. Here we go:

Bar-B-Q Chicken. This is the classic, sticky, sweet, juicy, and crispy bbq'd chicken you'd dream of. Its incredibly easy, so so so so good, and will hands down earn you BBQ master titles from your friends. Stick with drumsticks, thighs, and wings for this one. no breasts allowed.  

Smokey/Spicy Burger. This is a Bobby Flay recipe, and it totally rocked my world. You definitely want the cheap beef for a burger, so go with 80% lean. I was blown away by how amazing this was. 

BBQ Bills Classic Burger: I learned the base of this recipe from my neighbor when i was 13 in a suburb of boston. He said his dad always added oregano and worcestershire to the meat, and i couldn't agree more that its a killer combination with beef. Try it, you'll love it.  

A few other burger recipe's can be found here, and if you're after a non-meat item this grilled fish sandwich was totally rocking.

If you're after a totally vegetarian grilling option, I'd try to grill up a portobello with olive oil and garlic.... but i'm never after a vegetarian grilling option so what do i know!

Happy 4th everyone... get planning.