Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

Three Steps to Summer BBQ Bliss #MakeSummerGreat

By

My very favourite thing to do in the summertime is relax on the patio with family and friends.

Barbecued burgers. Chilled drinks. Fresh cut fruit. Cold desserts.

If that’s not a slice of heaven, I don’t know what is! And the best thing about summer entertaining is that it doesn’t have to be complicated or costly; simply assemble a few tried-and-true staples, give them an unexpected twist, and voila! You’ve got the perfect recipe to make summer great.

Here are three easy steps to summer barbecue bliss.

Step One: Chip, Dip, Repeat. Remember, the most memorable barbecues are the ones that serve simple foods that everyone loves. To start, grab classic ripple chips and fresh veggies, and serve them with this to-die-for (trust me!) Creamy Taco Dip.
greatvaluebbq_jun26009The dip has only five ingredients – Greek yogurt, Great Value Light Cream Cheese, crumbled feta cheese, Great Value Taco Seasoning Mix and chives. Mix them all together and try not to lick the bowl. It’s that addictive! 

Step Two: Build a Better Burger. Did you know that Great Value Beef Burgers are juicy, tender and taste great? I won’t blame you if you’ve never tried them, because I – being a bit of a burger snob – just didn’t have them on my radar. At all.

But you know what? I’m officially converted. Not only are they a great value (see what I did there?) they’re made with 100% Canadian beef and cook quickly and evenly, especially when grilled. And while they are delicious on their own, here’s a chance to elevate your guests’ experience – with kicked-up toppings!
greatvaluebbq_jun26029Make a secret burger sauce by combining Great Value Real Mayonnaise with Great Value Sweet Green Relish, Great Value Prepared Yellow Mustard and Great Value Tomato Ketchup. It’ll add a certain je ne sais quoi and it’s the perfect way to let your barbecue stand out.

Step Three: Finish with a Flourish. DIY dessert bars are high on the list of “must-dos” at your summer barbecue. And since we’re enjoying long, hazy and humid days, what better way to cool off than with a cold scoop of ice cream?

First, grab a few of your favourite ice cream flavours. I vote for Great Value Cotton Candy, Great Value Cowmooflage (a fun mix of chocolate, vanilla and caramel flavours) or Great Value Cookies and Cream Ice Cream. Then, break out the toppings! Let your guests scoop their own ice cream and create a sweet masterpiece. Offer everything from gummy candy to candy-coated chocolates.
greatvaluebbq_jun26051For an extra special touch, make these Edible Ice Cream Bowls. They’re a neat way to increase the “wow” factor, and hey, less cleanup for you!

Of course, the true secret to barbecue bliss is keeping it simple – with the menu and the prep. Everything featured above can be found in-store at Walmart, my one-stop shop for summer entertaining. The recipes were also showcased at a very special barbecue I hosted for Toronto-area influencers; follow #MakeSummerGreat for all the fun wrap-ups!

For more recipe inspiration, visit www.walmart.ca/recipecentre.

This post is sponsored by Walmart Canada, as part of the Great Value #MakeSummerGreat program. In exchange for this review, I have received special perks in the form of products and/or compensation. All opinions on this blog are my own.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  3. Jenn Erin

    That secret burger sauce sounds easy to make yet super delicious. I can’t wait to try it out.

  4. Soozle

    Oooh! I really love the sounds of the taco dip! I am heading out for a girls weekend at the cabin next week – I think this would be a hit!

  7. Debbie Bashford

    I am familiar with Great Value I just don’t get to a Walmart very often as it’s so far away

  9. Leslie Crosbie

    Big backyard BBQ’s is one of the things I miss now that I live in the city, hopefully I will know more people for next summer!

  13. kathy downey

    I tried the dip last night for our game night and your right its so delicious,and i did see some one scrap the bottle of the bowl….this dip with anything is delicious!

  15. sarah alexis

    I love when people offer a big variety of burger toppings – it honestly turns any burger into a GOURMET burger experience. I love baby arugula as a topping! mmmmmm

  19. Vivian Dionne

    I love doing dessert bars. I have used the edible ice cream bowls, they come in so handy!

  22. Lynda Cook

    The dip sounds great! and yes it’s best to keep your BBQ simple, goes along more smoothly! I love shopping at Walmart and buy a lot of their products!!

  24. Rosanne Robinson

    I definitely have to try the taco dip, it sounds really yummy. I agree, BBQs should be informal, simple & easy, they’re the best.

  27. Heather Howard

    Our family bbqs always include potato salad, chips, hot dogs and lots more. But those 3 things are always there.

  30. Carole Dube

    The dips sounds delicious and I love great value product and by 75% of my grocery at Walmart!

  34. Krista M

    The ice cream bar with various toppings is so perfect for guests because it’s fun & gives everyone the option to choose what they want & be creative!

  38. kathy downey

    We had a party last evening for my niece’s Birthday and Creamy Taco Dip was the hit of the party!

  39. Susan T.

    I am so ready for summer BBQ season! I’m going to make some of that Taco dip to get in the mood! :)

  40. kathy downey

    It’s funny how if you don’t have something for awhile you completely forget about till you happen to come across it again,i need to make this over the weekend it’s so delicious.

  41. kathy downey

    We made the Edible Ice Cream Bowls earlier the week when the grandkids were visiting,they were easy to put together and the kids really enjoyed them.