Has any club done a family cookout?

[schuh]

I'm in the Rochester, NY, Cooking Light group. We've had two meetings to date -- one at a Starbucks to discuss the group, and a second was an appetizer/dessert selection. For our third, I had the idea to host a family cookout (that saving me the hassle of "getting rid" of my husband and two kids). I'm now trying to figure out the logistics of doing this. I'm particularly stumped as to the main dish -- we were thinking about kebobs -- as well as food for the kids. As of today, we have 12 adults and 7 kids (ages 7 months to 8) coming. (I don't know what I'll do if it rains.) Does anyone have any suggestions/experiences to share?

[Peggy]

schuh,

Our group had an outdoor cookout last June for our first get together, (after our initial "meet at a restaurant" dinner). Since it was our first gathering, we made it pot-luck and each family unit was responsible for a particular dish. I recall we all used recipes from the June 2000 issue. We had it at my house because I was the only one with a pool. Almost everyone brought their dishes pre-prepared except for last minute prep details. Of all the dinners we have had since, I would say that that one was the most relaxing and enjoyable for the "cooks". Since all of the prep was done ahead of time, we were able to play in the pool along with the husbands and kids so everyone had a great time. Since then, the women cook the meal together and the families arrive to eat when it is ready. Since it was my house and my husband was BBQing, I remember the main course was Chipolte-Marinated Pork Chops with Chimichurri Sauce. Our kids are older so they are not as picky as younger eaters. I would make a menu that the adults like and if you don't think the kids will eat it do a few hamburgers, hot dogs or chicken pieces. Maybe a fruit salad also and a kid pleasing dessert. That should please the little ones. There are some great CL Grilled Salmon, Pork Chop and Marinated Flank Steak recipes to choose from. I can make some recommendations if you are still stumped. Good luck!

Peggy

[This message has been edited by Peggy (edited 05-20-2001).]