It’s summer, which means it’s time for backyard barbecues and family get-togethers. Use these out-of-the-box tips to throw the ultimate healthy shindig…a party your guests will be talking about well into the chilly winter months.

Make Appealing Apps

MAKE APPEALING APPS

Get the party started with delicious, feel-good appetizers. I like to replace typical pigs in a blanket with these protein-and-fiber-filled Brussels in Blankets. Another tasty option: My Buffalo Cucumber Boats, which are as fiery and flavorful as they are adorable. And finally, Sesame Garlic Edamame, which looks like a restaurant dish but takes mere minutes to toss together. Your friends will be seriously impressed and happily satisfied.

Take a Dip

TAKE A DIP

Everyone loves a delicious dip. Sure, you can simply put it in a bowl and stick it out on the spread, but a clever presentation will elevate your recipe. I like to hollow out a pepper (any color will work, but red, orange and yellow really pop) and serve an addictive dip inside.

Use my hollowed-out pepper trick to feature this creamy and scrumptious Edamame Hummus at your next gathering.

Chill Out

CHILL OUT

Drinks are a must and keeping them cool can be, well, cool. Set up a creative bevvy bar or drink station. Your first step: Make your ice nice by using frozen water balloons. They stay frozen longer than standard cubes and they look adorable. Load them into a cooler or use something more fun like a silver, aluminum beverage tub, wheelbarrow or even a blow-up kiddie pool. Then stash a variety of drinks like water bottles, refreshing flavored sparkling water or your preferred beer and wine.

Another fun frozen fix: Freeze fruit like grapes and drop them into beverages. It’s a pretty presentation and it doesn’t water down your sip as it melts. And then, you get a sweet and slurpy snack when you finish your drink.

Stick with It

STICK WITH IT.

Fire up your grill and grab some skewers. Kebabs are perfect party food because they don’t require utensils—you can eat them while standing and socializing. If you’re going to go the skewer route, try using rosemary sprigs. It makes for a gorgeous presentation and it delivers amazing flavor, whether you’re cooking chicken, shrimp or veggies. If you’re going to stick (ha!) with regular skewers, you may want to double up and thread two through your food. It allows for easier flipping and sturdier cooking. Finally, skewers aren’t just for veggies and protein. I make delicious fruit kebabs, which look gorgeous piled on a serving platter.

Master the Grill

MASTER THE GRILL

Invest in a food thermometer. It’s next to impossible to know when your poultry and other meats are cooked, and people tend to risk eating undercooked meat if they don’t check the temperature. Use your thermometer to ensure your meat and poultry are cooked to the proper internal temperature: 165°F for poultry, 160°F for ground meats, and 145°F for meat steaks and roasts.

Stop Pop-Drip

STOP POP-DRIP

Serving up frozen treats like popsicles for dessert? Use cupcake liners to keep them from dripping all over little hands as they melt. Simply slide the liners up the stick and leave them in place while enjoying the pop. Looking for a tasty and delish recipe? Try my Superfood Ice Pops or for an adult treat, try these Strawberry-Daiquiri Ice Pops.

Summer Party Hacks

It’s summer, which means it’s time for backyard barbecues and family get-togethers. Use these out-of-the-box tips to throw the ultimate healthy shindig…a party your guests will be talking about well into the chilly winter months.