A few weekends ago, we had a little backyard BBQ* with our friends Catie and Jimmy. Played a few games – bocce, backgammon and badminton – sipped some rosé and grilled up a feast. It was a super simple menu that will be on repeat around here all summer. Starting with the 4th!
Grilled Tri-tip with Roasted Tomato Salsa from the Bi-Rite Cookbook
Catie made it so I can’t totally tell you what all went in it, but the basics were red bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a few types of hot peppers roasted in a HOT oven, then pureed with cilantro and seasoned to taste. SO GOOD!
Grilled Corn with Harissa Aioli
The aioli was basically my homemade mayo, with a smidge of smashed garlic and a harissa spice blend (toasted first) added at the end. A little lime juice squirted on at the end, and this may replace Café Habana’s version (i.e. Mexican street corn) of my favorite summer corn.
Spinach Salad with Apricots, Blueberries and Ricotta
I happen to love a little fruit in salads, and this was no exception. I had never thought to add ricotta to salad, fearing it wouldn’t hold up, but it gives it a great richness. And has been repeated many times since.
and the plan was to end with a peach cobbler of the sorts, but we ran out of steam (sun and wine’ll do that to a gal!) … the peaches were great the next night grilled and topped with vanilla ice cream. And would also be the perfect ending to any day at the grill!
What are your favorite summer grilling menus? Anything good on tap for Wednesday?
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*in case you noticed this looks more indoor than out, San Francisco summers days, even when warm, do not necessarily translate to nice summer nights. 
4 comments
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July 3, 2012 at 11:09 am
Greg Boss
That’s a great looking summer meal! Must have gone perfectly with bocce and badminton. Thanks for giving me a few ideas for tomorrows menu. Enjoy your fourth!
Greg at Dazadi.com
July 24, 2012 at 11:04 am
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