It's Still Summer BBQ Season!

A huge summer pastime is of course, barbecues. Barbecues, like a lot of other things in the U.S. have blown into almost a cult-like status...a commercial powerhouse, a competition amongst men (and women). Barbecues are for backyard get togethers, celebrations, game day, fundraisers, fairs and festivals.

What does BBQ mean exactly? Where did it come from? What does today’s barbecue look like?. What does your summer BBQ look like?

noun: barbeque

But where did the Barbecue originate?

It began when a human ancestor called Homo erectus began cooking meat with fire about 1.8 million years ago, according to Planet Barbecue (Workman Publishing, 2010). But barbecues the way that Americans know them now meat cooked over a grill or pit, covered in spices and basting sauce originated in the Caribbean.

The word barbecue comes from the language of a Caribbean Indian tribe called the Taino. Their word for (grilled on a wooden grate) is barbacoa. The word first appeared in print in a Spanish explorer's account of the West Indies in 1526, according to Planet Barbecue.

Since then, the popularity of barbecues has spread like wildfire. The history of barbecuing in America dates back to colonial times, before that, the Native Americans, and it has been a part of American culture ever since. In fact, one of the first laws enacted in the colony of Virginia during the 1650s forbade the discharge of guns at a barbecue. George Washington wrote in his “diaries” about barbecues quite often. Other presidents had barbecues as well.

From then on, all kinds of historical and personal events have been commemorated with barbecues. Weddings, buildings being built, farming, wars being won and eventually celebrations of all kinds but especially the 4th of July.

In modern times, barbecue plays a significant role in Southern cuisine. They are known famously for their zesty and bold flavors of sauce and tender meat. As someone who has tasted the yummy Southern barbecue, I can see why it is a staple cuisine there. Almost all states in the south as well as the midwest have a following for barbecue and all say they have the best barbecue. These states have a fierce rivalry from state to state and there are numerous competitions...making quite a subculture.

All across the U.S. this pastime has taken off big time. It has also evolved into, instead of just meat cooked over the fire, using three important ingredients to get the best flavor and texture. Meat, wood, and the third, sauce (which is optional). It is important to use the best quality meat, the most interesting (to achieve distinct smoky flavor) wood. And..your unique taste for sauce, marinade or rub. Some grillers can even take mutton and make it tasty and tender.

Also, more recently, everything is being grilled, like vegetables and fruit. With a more health-conscious and food driven society, foodies everywhere are getting in on the act as well, using marinades and sauces for their favorite veggies such as microplaned zucchini and sliced pineapple. With veggies, folks like our own Hometown employee Gregg Tisil (Operations Manager) tosses his grilled veggies with olive oil and balsamic vinegar and for the fruit….well, they just get tastier without any additions...they caramelize...yum.

Here at Hometown Pharmacy we have tasty, gourmet products for that optional 3rd step of barbecuing. The Sauce, marinade or rub option. Stonewall Kitchen has many, many different grill sauces, marinades, and rubs for you to choose from. They also have condiments for after your barbecue...for burgers, brats, steaks, and chicken. Some of my favorites are the aiolis (gourmet mayonnaise), grill sauces, mustards, and relishes. Some flavors I like (a slim smattering) include: Sriracha Aioli, Smoky Barbecue Aioli, Habanero Mango Aioli, Bourbon Molasses Mustard, Traditional Pub Style Mustard, Farmhouse Green Relish, Truffle Ketchup, Pulled Pork Simmering Sauce, Roadhouse Steak Sauce, Sesame Teriyaki Sauce, Texas Rub, Boozy Bacon Barbecue Sauce, Honey Barbecue Sauce, Baby Back Rib Sauce, maine Craft Ale Grill Sauce...phew that was only very few that are available.

Hometown employee Dale McCoy (Maintenance Manager) loves to barbecue. His favorite meats and fish to grill are: pork shoulders, shrimp for shrimp tacos, whole chickens, brisket, and baby back ribs. He loves to experiment and although he probably wouldn’t share his secret recipes, he has some hints and tips to share. “Patience, cooking low and slow, the right temperature, and the right seasons for the right meat”. He also likes to use his rotisserie for whole chickens. He loves to cook over the campfire, in the smoker, and on the Weber. He has used and experimented with several of Stonewall’s sauces, aiolis, starters and other gilling and condiment products. One of his favorites is Pulled Pork simmering sauce. He also really likes the aiolis for shrimp tacos.

Also, When people think of grilling, most likely they are going to think about burgers, steaks, and brats! However, grilling items such as fruits and veggies can add an intense amount of flavor to your cookout! Next summer gathering, offer to bring the fruit salad and wow them with this amazing recipe below!

GRILLED FRUIT SALAD

Ingredients:

6 tablespoons lemon juice
2 peeled peaches, pitted and halved
3 medium plums, pitted and halved
4 apricots, pitted and halved
Fresh pineapple, cut into 4 slices
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons honey
Fresh baby arugula
1 cup crumbled feta cheese

Instructions:

1) In a bowl, combine 3 tablespoons lemon juice and fruit; marinate 30 minutes. (Drain and save marinade)

2) Grill fruit over medium-high direct heat 4-6 minutes. Flip; brush with reserved marinade. Grill, uncovered for 4-6 more minutes. Remove from heat; cool 5-10 minutes. When cool enough to handle, cut fruit into quarters.

3) Whisk together olive oil, honey, and any remaining lemon juice. Drizzle half the dressing over arugula, tossing until well coated; place arugula on a large serving platter. Add grilled fruit; drizzle with remaining dressing.

4) Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and enjoy!

We found this recipe via www.tasteofhome.com. They deserve full credit

Be sure to visit your local Hometown Pharmacy and see what you might like for your next Barbecue. Also please see Stonewalls website (see above for link) for products and other information….. and here are links for recipes, and Blogs.

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