How to cater the perfect summer BBQ

Labor Day marks the unofficial end to summer and that means we have a good month to get out and get grilling. But who knows, with the way our summer has been this year, maybe it will be nice enough to grill into November! If that’s the case here are some grilling tips and ideas from the folks at GFS Marketplace for the perfect summer BBQ:

Cut your prep-time in half
Use items such as pre-formed hamburger patties, pre-made potato salad, and macaroni salad and your own seasonings and extra ingredients to make it your own. Pre-made fruit and vegetable trays will also cut way down on prep and allow you more time to enjoy your guests. Check out these delicious potato salad recipes below that start with pre-made potato salad. Your guests will be talking about it well into the winter months!

Use marinades or rubs to add extra flavor
Marinades and rubs can be used to add more flavor. Marinate meats for no more than 24 hours for the best flavor and tender meat. GFS Marketplace carries hundreds of different Trade East spices from rib rubs to burger seasonings. A favorite, Canadian Steak Seasoning, is a versatile seasoning that works great on beef, chicken and vegetables.

Don’t be afraid to turn down the heat.
If you cook at too high a temperature, your product could be overcooked on the outside and raw in the middle. Use medium heat when grilling and your meats will turn out perfect every time. However, if you are grilling a larger piece of meat such as tenderloin, turn up the temperature high and cook the meat for 10 minutes on each side. This will seal in the meat’s own juices. Turn down the heat to 350 degrees and continue cooking until it reaches your desired doneness.

Stop by
Other grilling questions? Stop by the GFS Marketplace in Niles, located at the Golf Mills Shopping Center and talk to the grilling experts there. They’re happy to help! Store hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m Monday through Saturday and 12 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday.

Buffalo Potato Salad

10-pound container potato salad

2 cups chopped celery

1 cup sliced chili peppers

2 cups crumbled blue cheese

Island Breeze Potato Salad

10-pound container American potato salad

2 cups chopped fresh pineapple, drained

2 cups cashews, roughly chopped

3 lemons, zested

Orchard Potato Salad

10-pound container American potato salad

4 medium apples, diced

3 cups ham, diced

2 cups smoked Gouda cheese, grated

Spring Veggie
10-pound container American potato salad
Radish slices
Fresh dill sprigs
Diced cucumber
Diced red onion