Keep your summer barbecues simple

Its always fun to have a summer get together – but it can be so much work!

Here’s how to have a simple but great gathering

I’m all for keeping the menu simple. The center of attraction will be burgers and brats. Maybe some chicken. But what else?

Here are some ideas for you…

I like to have a veggie tray. Last year I made a veggie tray with ranch dip. I also made a fruit tray. I figured people would eat more fruit, so I made twice as much fruit.

I was wrong.

Everyone chowed the vegetables. Go figure!

I will still put out fruit, but not as much.

Another favorite is Broccoli Salad. My daughter has taken to being the one to bring that to gatherings. Funny – she used to hate it.

If you’ve never had this one, you are really missing out! This is one way to get people to eat their broccoli.

Broccoli Salad

Ingredients – 2 bunches (heads) broccoli, cut into bite sized pieces

¼ cup Oscar Mayer Real Bacon Bits (Real bacon crumbled is better if you have time.)

¼ cup red onion, diced

¼ cup raisins. Your choice – either gold or regular.

Poppy Seed Dressing

Mix first 4 ingredients in large bowl.

Mix in just enough poppy seed dressing to coat. Don’t drown it!

Chill.

Serves 3-4

Notes –

This needs to be chilled for a couple of hours for flavors to blend.

I cut the florets into small pieces. Yes, it’s a pain, but everyone loves it this ways instead of big hunks of broccoli. More people will eat it, and love it this way.

For parties, this recipe doubles or triples well,

I’ve had this salad hold OK for a couple of days in the fridge, but the dressing breaks down and gets soupy. For best results, eat within a day.