Whether you are off to the lake this long weekend or choosing to stay in the city, there is one thing all our weekends should have in common - a BBQ. Preparing and eating food outside is primal, the perfect platform to spark creativity and downright fun. But heating-up the grill is much more of an event than pre-heating the oven, not to mention it is the perfect event to waste away a sunny evening alongside a cold beer.
I find a lot of people get stuck in the burgers or smokies slump when meal planning. The fact is that the options are limitless when it comes to the BBQ! If you are new to the ‘Que worse, uninspired, chat with the folks at Miller’s Meats. The staff are always happy to suggest a cut and cooking method, and will happily guide you through the basics of a brisket or perfectly charred ribs. Freshly caught pickerel, marinated tofu and even your breakfast spread of eggs and ham can be prepared on the grill with the right equipment.
However, no BBQ is complete without the perfect sides. Canadian grown zucchini, green beans and peaches are all in ample supply this week at local produce stands and markets such a St-Léon Gardens. Choose to buy what is in season for the best savings and maximum flavour. Simply toss your fresh fruit and veg in canola oil and sea salt, then grill a few minutes on each side, not too close to the coals or flames, to yield a simple, yet flavourful side dish that can accompany even the most hearty meat. Round-out the meal with a homemade grilled garlic bread (spreading garlic butter or even Caesar salad dressing (yes, really!) on cut French bread and you have a perfect long-weekend dinner!
Ever BBQ’d cheese before? No? Well now is the time to start! Whether you are Team Charcoal or Team Propane, heating your favourite brie or camembert into a delicious, gooey appetizer is as simple as can be! Take a small BBQ-proof pan or tin foil and place your cheese in the middle. Top with any jam you have in the fridge - last weekend I used a homemade Saskatoon jam and it was the perfect match to the earthy brie. Crown the jam with chopped pecans and loosely cover. Heat-up the cheese at medium-high heat for a few minutes, until the wheel of cheese is soft to the touch and then carefully transfer to a serving dish with crackers and baguette for dipping and spreading. This is the perfect appetizer to start or end a BBQ feast on a high-note. Note sure which cheese to choose? Support Canadian Dairy Farmers and source an expertly crafted, Canadian cheese or reach-out to the experts at The Cheesemongers Fromagerie. They also have curated Cottage Packs, available for $65, Tuesday through Saturday (while supplies last). These packs feature 3 cheeses, a freshly baked baguette and few fun extras including a reusable backpack tote and a yummy surprise accompaniment to compliment the selected cheeses!
Don’t have a BBQ? Not confident in your grilling skills? Short of showing-up at your friend’s house with an 8-pack in tow and a plea in your eyes, you still have options! Budweiser Canada is presenting BBQlicious until August 11. BBQLicious is a BBQ event featuring limited edition menus with some of Canada’s top-rated BBQ joints. In Winnipeg, Budweiser is collaborating with Big Guys, Jeffrey’s, Silver Heights and Famous Dave’s to bring us mouthwatering and finger licking BBQ classics and limited-edition platters, paired perfectly with a cold pint of...yep, Bud.
Amanda Bibeau is a Winnipeg-based food blogger who is passionate about affordable food for all and ‘food without judgment.’ Amanda enjoys hiking, exploring Winnipeg's craft beer scene and working her 9 to 5 as a sr. recruiter with RBC.
