Cooking Out in Asheboro, NC with Foodie Friends

My son and I enjoyed a terrific cook out in Asheboro, NC last night with Greta and Joel and some of their neighbors. The plan was to watch a movie on the side of the water tank. No kidding. Of course, it rained. But that didn't put a damper on the party. Joel set up his projector in the house, so we had a movie anyway even if not on the water tank.


Chef Joel was hard at work on the meat. He sent around the grilled Texas Toast and sauced up the chicken and pork chops. He used a variety of different sauces including a mustard based barbecue sauce from our sister state, South Carolina.


Greta and Joel have two nice porches which was great. Most of the guests hung out here on the side porch with the food (of course). The grill was around on the back porch. Joel just got a big gas grill and is enjoying that. Gas is more convenient and easier when you have a crowd over.


Since we were shopping at the local IGA which is a small grocery, our appetizers were very traditional Southern. We brought sausage balls made with Frank Corriher sausage which is our favorite, Seven Layer Dip, and a veggie tray. The sausage balls were quite popular or else my son ate almost all of them - not sure on that.

Neal from Jugtown brought some really fabulous finger foods. He had spinach wraps that were much like those that I had in Greece (very yummy), barbecue shrimp (my son went wild for those), and crab appetizers.


When the meat came off the grill, yum! Joel had them just perfect. Very moist chicken and chops with loads of flavor.

Back to School Cook Out

Back to School Barbecue Blow Out at the Pool (if you want to call it a pool - teehee)

Summers always go by so fast. The kids are always bummed that break is over but also excited about getting back to school and seeing old friends again.

When the boys were really little, I got a wild hair one day and thought I'd host a back to school cook out. This was the weekend before classes started back.

I told the boys to invite the other kids around the neighborhood to come over, and I ran to the store and picked up hot dogs, chips and drinks. Since this was an impromptu event, I figured I'd better keep it simple. That actually worked out better, since it was kind of a drop in thing all afternoon and evening. Some of the grown ups even joined in - parents checking up on kids and folks out walking around.

It doesn't take a lot for kids to have a grand time. We do have a basketball goal, so that's always fun for them. Some years I pick up water guns, a blow up pool, and one year I got a horseshoe set. The kids keep themselves entertained while I grill.

I've continued to keep it simple. The kids really don't care about having a fancy meal. They just like to run around and play before they have to hit the books. They do, of course, get hungry and hot dogs go a long way. I've found that it works out best to get canned sodas and put those on ice. I use paper products and plastic silverware. It's also a good idea to have trash bags handy. The kids really are good about helping clean up if you ask.

My oldest goes to college next week. The younger one only has three more years in high school. I guess we'll be hosting back to college parties - or not. We'll see. I hope they always enjoy hanging out here and grubbing on a few grilled hot dogs.

Gradutaion Party - Barbecue Luau

My kid is graduating from high school which is a wonderful excuse for a party - like an excuse is needed. Yes! We must celebrate this monumental occasion.

The young grad is not big on crowds. Never has been. Probably never will be. He cried through his entire first birthday party. It was not joyous - not a bit. I've kept his parties small since then and relaxed.

At last count, I think we have 20 relatives coming in from out-of-state. There are eight of us here around town. Then, of course, the kid-o has a few close friends who are always invited to our parties.

Hum. We're looking more at a medium sized party than a small party.

A Cook Out - Of Course

Since I'm Grill Girl, a cook out certainly seems the logical choice. Most of our home parties are on the barbecue no matter what time of year.

My brother suggested a luau theme. He found some cool stuff in Ohio on sale so picked up a blow up flamingo and palm tree plus some plates, cups, and napkins. Sounds like a plan to me.

I got in touch with some of my internet party buddies to get some more ideas. The funniest one was a coconut bra. Teehee. My net buddies have not seen me in person. I am a 34G. Coconuts do not come that big. Nope. They sure don't. So - scratch that idea.

Some Cool Luau Ideas

My lady friends who write about cooking and entertaining and such did give me some super ideas.

We, of course, needs leis and grass skirts. Someone suggested flowered shirts and said to check Good Will where folks often drop off such impulse purchases after a trip to the Islands.

The little drink umbrellas to go in the cups will be festive. Most of the party folks aren't drinkers, but those are fun regardless of what's in the cups. Those are for sure on the list.

Hula hoops. Yes. Those are always a blast. I'll have to swing by Wal-Mart and pick up a few of those. I used to be good a hula-hooping. Today? Not sure. Guess we'll find out.

While I'm at Wal-Mart I'll get a couple of wading pools - either plastic or blow up. I know the big kids (the graduates) may not want to wade, but we have little kid relatives. The bigger kids can use the pools to fill up water guns and also some little squirt toys that they have at Oriental Trading Company. They have all sorts of cute things at Oriental Trading Company. The prices are low. And, they even have an entire luau section.

The Barbecue Luau Menu

I considered a pit cooked pig, but the group size is really too small to go whole hog (pun intended). Pork shoulders on the smoker would be an idea, but graduation weekend will be a whirlwind with so many relatives in. I'm taking my own advice and keeping it simple and flexible.

So, it's hot dogs plus grilled pineapple. Those all cook fast, and no one is stuck manning a grill for hours and hours. If we have extra folks come, then it's really easy to toss on some more burgers and hot dogs, so I feel comfortable with that.

We'll have some of the typical fixings like chips and probably potato salad, slaw and chili. One of my friend's mentioned goldfish crackers. Oh yes. That's a cute idea. Maybe served in fish bowls (clean new ones of course).

The grilled pineapple is super for dessert, and I think ice cream would also be good. Most everyone loves ice cream.

Other Luau Ideas I'm Thinking/Working On

Music - We are Jimmy Buffett fans, so I know we'll play some Buffett at the party.

Games - My kids don't like too much structure. We have a basketball goal and will have the wading pools. I may try to get some horseshoe pits made and ready. Volleyball might be fun. Would need to figure out what to do about poles for that.

Lights - I thought I might string some of the Christmas lights around the porch. Oh? Is that tacky? Teehee. That's OK. Some of the camper lights might be good. Need to check prices on those.

Any Ideas From My Fabulous Readers?

There are the plans - so far. Please feel free to add any ideas. This is my first kid to graduate. I want this cook out luau to be extra special.

And Finally . . .

Congratulations to all members of the class of 2008!