friday 5: excuses to throw one last bbq

summer is nearly over. i can smell it in the air & there is a distinct color change currently going on. i know, i know, people always say that california doesn't "do" the change of seasons, but i'm to tell you they are all wrong. although our leaves might not change colors as the fall approaches, there is definitely a change of lighting. call me crazy, but i strongly believe that fall in california has it's own look, it's own color of sunshine if you will. a little more amber with that autumn golden glow. anyway, with the days getting shorter, & the kids back in school, before we know it - halloween will be here & summer officially over. i guess now's the time to get in one last bbq, one last summer celebration. so here are five tasty dishes you can serve at your "goodbye summer" celebration...

1. sizzling country ribs & patio beans: so you're getting two for the price of one today. these are two absolute staples at all of our family bbqs. both are my mom's secret recipes (don't tell her i spilled the beans) & are often requested by both friends and family.

2. spinach tortellini salad: delicious & oh! so pretty to look at. plus, it's one of the few salads that you can actually eat the leftovers - no wilting, you gotta love that!

3. corn & black bean salsa: what's a bbq without the chips & dip? this salsa will ensure that all your chips get eaten. but don't worry, when the chips are all gone, you can keep eating the salsa with your fork as a side dish - it's that good, you won't be able to get enough.

4. cheese bread: don't be scared off by the combination of mayonnaise or worcestershire sauce, i promise it's good.... in that fattening, good thing it's the last bbq of summer kinda way.

5. big, fat & chewy chocolate chip cookies: on their own, they are absolute perfection. but pair with some ice cream & some homemade hot fudge? oh la la! perfection!

hope i've inspired you light up the grill at least one more time this summer!

carbo loading.

it's BBQ time at our house. some of our favorite menu items? patio beans, sizzling country ribs, coleen's beach week pasta salad, layered spinach tortellini salad, lemonade cake & frosting. another BBQ staple at our house is the cheese bread. just thinking about it is making me hungry.

cheese bread
ingredients:
one loaf of french bread
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1 cup mayonnaise (we are best foods kind of people)
3/4 cup chopped onion
dash of worcestershire sauce
dash of salt & pepper

mix the all of the ingredients (except the bread) & let the flavors "mix" for about an hour or more.

split the loaf of french bread lengthwise. spread topping on top of each half. Bake at 325 degrees for 15 minutes or until topping is hot & bubbly. cut into serving pieces & serve hot.

enjoy!