WOWing Them At The BBQ

It’s mid-July and summer BBQs are a plenty. But are you like me? Are you kinda getting a little tired of the iron steak on the BBQ with the same old, same old spices? Or throwing on burgers? Threading a few kebabs? Brush the olive oil on the veggies? Sides of potato salad and cole slaw? White Burger buns? Fruit salad? Ice cream in a bowl? Yep, it’s all…nice.

Time to jazz things up. Here’s my secret…well, it’s not really a secret, but I want to share these easy tips in taking your BBQ to the next level and make you look like a gourmet foodie in front of your friends and family!

I was invited to the President’s Choice Head Quarters for a media preview in the spring for summer tasting event. This is where their passionate chefs create and develop some of the most delicious products at this in-house test kitchen.  The products that eventually end up on the shelves at your local grocer start here.

Usually at these media events, we walk away with very full bellies. Yes, again, it’s a tough job but someone’s got to do it. We are introduced to the latest food and drink products created by President’s Choice and we walk away satiated.

What I realized at this event is that summer BBQs, whether for family, friends in the city or at the cottage, can be taken to a WOW level very easily with trying out new condiments or a twist on an old favourite.

Here are just a few of my favourites PC products that have proven already successful in my own entertainment needs.

PC Hawaiian Sweet Buns enhances the flavour of any burger!

HAWAIIAN SWEET BUNS are perfect for burgers. Similar to egg bread these buns hold just a hint of sweetness and we’ve been using these for all our burgers including chicken, beef, and veggies. My kids love them!

Meat lovers rejoice! The FREE FROM line includes the new PC “FREE FROM” SMOKED HOT DOGS made from Canadian pork raised without the use of antibiotics or preservatives. So, parents can feel better about this popular BBQ request!

During the past holiday season the PC CHICKEN GRENADES were a hit for appetizers. Due to their popularity, PC has brought out full-size servings. Each chicken breast is stuffed with mozzarella cheese, jalapeno peppers and apple jelly glaze, then wrapped in bacon. Easy for entertaining by serving a side salad. OhMyYUM!

A new line of PC Condiments including PC KIMCHI,  PC ORANGE MISO, PC SICILIAN AGRODOLCE SAUCE, and a few others can be found in the meat section. After BBQing your favourite meat or veggies, simply add these new flavours. You’d be surprised how easy it is to make something so easy seem so elegant! My son has been adding the PC KIMCHI on his burgers. Although it’s not as spicy as the Korean store bought Kimchi, the flavours are a little subtler and doesn’t fight with the meats. It’s worth trying! Use the PC ORANGE MISO after you cook chicken breasts or scallops. Perfect summer flavours!

PC KIMCHI Condiment is available at the meat section.

We had a whole bunch of kids over recently and we set up a simple dessert bar…even the adults couldn’t resist. PC introduced a line of toppings to make it fun and easy for everyone. I rushed to the local Loblaw and grabbed the PC Ice Cream Shop Flavours Chocolate Cookie Topping and PC Sugar Cone Topping, PC Caramel Syrup and PC Chocolate Syrup, and a few tubs of ice cream including PC Strawberry Shortcake and PC Banana Split. A side  fruit salad and it was an instant hit! No need to fuss!

The PC Ice Cream Shop selection!

PC Black Label Harissa Spice Blend

One particular product that I am keeping eye out for is the new PC Black Label Harissa Spice Blend . It’s a Moroccan inspired blend of spices that really stood out for me at this event. I haven’t seen it at my local grocer yet and I’ve been begging the manager to get it in. It’s got heat but it’s absolutely delicious on steaks and lamb.

Happy BBQ season!

Now, here are some more photos from the President’s Choice Summer Tasting Event!