Ever hosted shish kabob party?

[Debralynn]

Has anyone ever hosted a shish kabob party where you BYOB, build your own bob? I was thinking about doing this, but don't know what I am getting into. I'm already bored with the burgers and dogs and it's not even summer yet. So this is what I was thinking, I would like to cut and marinade the meats (chicken, beef, pork) overnight and have a selection of cubed veggies and potatoes, onions, etc. What do you think? This is a great time of the year with the selection of fresh veggies. Does it sound fun? I'm looking for something to blow away this group that will be coming to my house. What would you do that would be over the top and blow your friends and family away? Thanks - Debralynn :D

[Terri_A]

I LOVE your idea and might steal it! I would finish it off with a "make your own kabob dessert" as well. You could cube poundcake as well as have an array of fresh fruits and a couple of sauces for the finished product. It would definitely be a lot of fun.

I guess the only downside would be that kabobs cool quickly, so you'd have to have everyone's on the grill at the same time if you want them all to eat at the same time. But if it's a casual event you wouldn't necessarily care if everyone ate at the same time.

Great idea! I think you should do it!

[cchhbb]

My only concern would be handwashing assuming you want the guest to build his own kabob.

[kim21]

Sure, we've enjoyed kabobs often as a picnic entree, and it's a nice way for guests to be involved in the meal prep. It's also a fun way for kids to try new veggies. Just keep some hand wipes available. I usually do a pilaf or couscous as a side.

Another fun idea is individual pizzas on the grill. Again, this can be tailored to more adult tastes or very child friendly. Enjoy, Kim

[ctd1103]

This is a GREAT idea, and I for sure will be borrowing it!!! LOVE the idea of a dessert shishkabob, too, Terri - maybe for the kids cut up some hot dogs and let them shishkabob those, if you're worried about little ones and raw meat - I say do it, it's a winner! :)

[Robyncz]

We've done it, and here are some ideas we've come up with based on our experience.

1) Remind people not to overload their skewers. If they're packed really tight and you have a bunch on the grill, it takes the meat forever to cook!

2) Agree on a "symbol" for each guest so they can identify their kabob. For example, Bob ends ever skewer with red pepper; Sara with onion; Allison with mushroom, etc.

3) Have a big roll of paper towels out for hand wiping and an accessible place for hand washing.

We usually either make a big batch of Cooking Light's herbed basmati rice to serve with it and we buy the really delicious Greek-style pita bread (the thick kind, not the pocket kind). Also a giant green salad and a giant fruit salad as well. We also sometimes make tzatziki, roasted red pepper dip, or another cool creamy sauce or dip for people to drizzle over their cooked meat and vegetables. It's our rescue strategy in case some of the meat gets overcooked!