4th of July Weekend -- What to bring to a BBQ?

Despite this summer being a little on the cool side so far, it was perfect bbq weather this weekend -- the type of nights when you wear a sweater after dark and don't mind being near a warm grill.  Whenever friends have parties, I always try to think of something unique to bring to the table -- partly just because I enjoy bringing something different, but also because they all know that I cook and expect something good!  In a pinch, I'll bring a bottle of wine, but for cookouts especially, it is fun to play with food.

Amongst all the hot dogs, bags of chips, and other cookout staples, you can stand out with dessert.  One thing I've made at cookouts before is grilled pound cake with fresh strawberries.  There is hardly any work involved since you can buy the pound cake at the grocery store, and everyone will love this for dessert.  Best of all, it makes dessert for a crowd for only about $6-$8!

Grilled Pound Cake with Fresh Strawberries

1 pound cake, sliced (store-bought is fine for this purpose)

1 lb. fresh strawberries

Sugar to taste (amount of sugar will vary depending on the natural sweetness of your berries)

1- Slice up the pound cake and put slices back in the pound cake container from the store for transport to the party.  

2-Wash and cut up strawberries -- put in a container with a lid for easy transport without leaks.  Sprinkle sugar over top of strawberries to help draw out the natural juices of the berries.  Mash berries slightly with a potato masher or large spoon, and set aside for at least an hour before serving so the juices have time to come out.  

3-When it is time for dessert at the party, simply grill each slice of cake for 2-4 minutes on each side (cake can burn easily, so keep an eye on it).  Pound cake will have grill marks on both sides that bring out a caramelized sugar flavor.  Top with strawberries and eat.

Another dessert treat that everyone enjoyed at a bbq last night was my new recipe for Coconut Cookies.  Cookies are great for outdoor eating because they are finger food, and very easy to transport to the party.

Chewy Coconut Cookies

1 stick butter, softened

1/2 c. each of brown and granulated sugar

1 egg

1 1/4 c. flour

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. vanilla

1 1/2 c. flaked coconut

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.  Cream butter, then add sugars gradually, beating well.  Beat egg into mixture.  Mix together flour, soda, and salt in a separate bowl, then add into butter mixture gradually -- beating after each addition.  Add vanilla and coconut.  Using two spoons, drop dough by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet -- allow space for cookies to expand while baking.  Bake for 9 minutes or until lightly browned.  These cookies taste best after they have cooled.