Independence Day
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Sticky Barbecued Chicken Wings
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Gourmet Hamburger
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Planning Notes & Schedule of Tasks
The day before
- Prepare the hamburgers, cover and refrigerate.
- Prepare the marinade for the chicken wings and marinate them overnight in the refrigerator.
- Prepare the base for the key lime pie, bake and allow to cool completely.
- Prepare the filling for the key lime pie, add to the pastry base, cover and refrigerate.
A few hours before
- Cook the new potatoes for the salad and allow to cool.
- Prepare the spicy mayo for the burgers and refrigerate.
- Complete the potato salad, cover with cling film and leave in a cool place (alternatively if time is tight, this can be prepared the day before and refrigerated - just remember to take it out of the fridge an hour before eating).
- Whip the cream and decorate the key lime pie. Refrigerate.
About an hour before
- Light the barbecue (following the manufacturer's instructions).
- Prepare the salad garnishes for the hamburgers along with any preferred accompaniments. Lay them out on a table out of the sunshine along with plates, napkins & cutlery.
- Remove the potato salad from the refrigerator and allow to stand at room temperature in a cool place.
Once your guests have arrived
- Barbecue the chicken wings, arrange on a serving platter and serve to your guests, along with some drinks of course!
- Once all of the guests have arrived, you can begin barbecuing the hamburgers. If you are cooking for large numbers, cook the hamburgers in batches, just a few at a time. Barbecues are intended to be relaxed, easy going affairs, so don't worry about feeding everyone at the same time!
- Eventually when everyone has been fed and the party is in full swing, you can serve the final course of your very special Independence Day menu - the ever classic, key lime pie.
Now you can relax, and enjoy the rest of the party!
Tips for a perfect barbecue party....
This Independence Day menu has been designed for an elegant, but informal celebration. But being casual shouldn't mean lowering standards! So make a little extra effort to make it really special....- Set the table elegantly, but informally. Use your normal china, glassware and cutlery.....avoid plastic and paper at all costs!
- Use candles and flowers to set the scene and don't forget the background music.
- Self-service for a barbecue is perfectly acceptable. Either set the food on platters on a side table or if space permits, place the platters directly onto the dining table.
- Provide extra napkins and finger bowls when serving a dish that is to be eaten with fingers.
- Have an ample supply of wine and soft drinks such as Iced Tea readily available.
- Set up the barbecue area with everything you will need for cooking including solid tongs and long-handled forks. Ensure that you have enough preparation space, a bin for rubbish and a cleaning cloth for spillages.
- Make sure that you've got someone helping you because if you leave the barbecue for more than a moment or two, the food will burn! That's one of the real joys of barbecuing...guests are usually more than willing to help!
- Ensure that whoever is cooking is wearing an apron to protect from spitting & splashes.
- Always warm the dinner plates before serving.
To go from my Independence Day Menu to
An Alternative Barbecue Menu
CLICK HERE