Cookout Season

I don't know if I've told you this before but my children and I guess my whole family really, love to eat! Wildman will eat practically any thing put in front of him and Tater Tot has thus far. Since it's that cookout time of the year I've got a few recipes for you to try out. I've highjacked both of them from the internet and will give credit where credit is due. Both serve as a base and you can definitely take creative liberties when preparing them for your crew.

We had a great time cooking out with our family last weekend. It's always fun to see what people bring and to see how your own new recipe turns out. We had Dad's smoked chicken~enough said!

This potato salad recipe was the one I took with me and although I'd never tried it, I was pleasantly surprised. It is definitely a base and I think you don't have to get too creative to come up with some really good additions. For example, green onion (which I did), bacon, dill pickles/relish etc. etc.

Fipps Family Potato Salad (from myrecipes.com)

4 lbs. baking potatoes

3 hard boiled eggs, grated

1 cup mayo (I used Dukes)

1 tbs. spicy brown mustard

1 1/2 teas. salt

3/4 teas. pepper

Cook potatoes in boiling water (I peeled and diced them first) until tender.

Stir together potatoes and egg.

Stir together mayo and next 3 ingredients.

Gently stir into potato mixture.

Serve immediately or cover and chill.

So so so so easy. Next up is a pasta recipe I served as a main course hot. But it was really good the next day cold. I think this would make for a great side at a cookout. Or I think it would be fantastic with chicken in it.

No-Time Pesto Pasta (from kraftrecipes.com)

1/2 of a 16 oz. pkg penne pasta, uncooked

1/2 cup pesto

1/2 cup chopped roasted red peppers

1/2 cup crumbled feta (w/ basil and tomato or plain)

Cook pasta as directed. Drain, return to pan

Add pesto and peppers, cook and stir on low heat 3-5 minutes

Stir in cheese.

What?!?! That's it?

Summer here we come!