With 4th of July only one week away, it’s time to start planning the menu. If you’re in Canada gearing up for Canada day or in any other country in the world just looking for a tasty meal suggestion, this post applies to you, as well. Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good BBQ?
Whether you’re cooking for the masses or just looking to make a delicious, patriotic meal for yourself, this BBQ on a budget is sure to make your mouth water.
Let’s start with homemade burgers. Thumb through your local grocery store fliers for sales on ground beef, or head to a big box store like Costco or Sam’s Club to take advantage of their regular bulk deals. To learn how to grill the perfect burger, click here to watch Mr. Handsome’s grilling tutorial. Make sure to buy buns, or just pick up a loaf of bread and toast and season the pieces individually.
While you’re at the store, pick up some corn on the cob. This time of year, delicious sweet corn is easy to come buy, and you’ll usually find great prices. Who doesn’t love a good 8 for $2.00 deal?
After you grab the corn, pick up some on-sale fruit (preferably types that can add a little red, white, and blue to your spread, like watermelon, cherries, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries).
For a side dish, throw together my healthy pasta salad.
When it comes to dessert and drinks, the sky is the limit. Whip up my easy blueberry pie or my even easier blueberry cobbler. If you want your guests to love you forever, make a batch of homemade mocha smoothies. On Thursday, I’m going to share an easy way to add a festive flair to even the most plain looking drinks.
I am getting hungry reading your post Ellie! Look forward to more recipes on Thursday. Now I am going to check out your recipes! My husband wants to make ribs as well. Any tips? Eileen
Hi Eileen,
We usually make our ribs in the oven. I really should post a tutorial, shouldn't I? I usually just cook them for 3-4 hours with some rib seasoning (or I buy the pre-seasoned ribs from Costco) and then throw BBQ sauce on them. Ribs are pretty hard to mess up, as long as you keep an eye on them while they're cooking.
Ellie
It is good you inspire people to plan a quality meal on
a budget, way ahead of time.
Going out to free events in parks in cities is fun but (attempting to) satisfy everyones hunger while there is costly if one goes to kiosks.
Yum I wish I could eat the pictures!
LOL! Me too!
Ellie
where's the bbq? I only see hamburgers.
"BBQ" can be used to refer to an outdoor party where food is cooked 🙂
I cant wait i love to cook and bake for this holiday just because of the colors
I agree, Tanya! I'm a sucker for homemade cookie cakes decorated with homemade red, white, and blue icing. And berries!
Ellie
I can't wait to see your posts on BBQ on a budget. On a different topic Ellie, do you can things like jam, soups etc?
He Regina,
I made jam a few times as a kid, but it's been a while. And I have never canned soup. Have you?
Ellie
I haven't put up soup yet. I thought about putting a few quarts up so we will have some in the fall and winter. It's too hot here to even think about eating soup.
I'm new to pressure canning, so I have canned chicken, pork, and pintos. The pinto beans come in handy for making refried beans.
Like checking out your recipes. Have made the Mexican Dip and Chai Cupcakes a couple times. Want to make the stuffed peppers this weekend. I need to go and buy corn on the cob, so delicious. Can't wait till Thursday….Jane
I'm glad to hear that, Jane! Here's a tip for corn on the cob. You can always grill it, but if you run out of time, just throw it in the microwave for a few min. Either keep it in the husk and dampen it with water, or wrap the cobs in paper towels soaked in water. Then put a little water on the bottom of the plate, too. Super tasty!
Ellie
I put wet paper towels around the corn on the cob and put it in the microwave for a few minutes. It was so delicious. First time I made it like this. Ellie, Thanks for the tip…..Jane
Glad you enjoyed it, Jane!
Ellie
Thanks for the recipes!!