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This backyard barbecue menu is ideal for your busy lifestyle because most of the dishes can be made ahead of time.
Start the party and the conversation with a sparkling sangria. This unique version gets its flavor from tart colorful hibiscus flowers and mildly fruity ancho chile pepper. Black bean salsa and tortilla chips is a great appetizer to serve with the sangria. Nothing tops ribs for casual summertime entertaining. Everyone will be licking their fingers with these sweet and smoky ribs seasoned with a spice rub of chipotle pepper, cinnamon and brown sugar and a final glaze of maple syrup. Bright and peppery arugula salad dressed with white balsamic vinaigrette offsets the rich flavor of the ribs nicely. For dessert, offer a salad of summer-ripe fruit with nutty poppy seeds and a hint of ginger. Fudgy brownie cupcakes with light crunch from chopped figs round out the dessert.
Make ahead menu, memorable flavors and spirited conversation – all the makings of a great party.
A beverage to delight the eyes as well as the taste buds. A lively Latin duo of tart colorful hibiscus flowers and mildly fruity ancho chile pepper add punch to sangria.
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This colorful salsa has a fresh flavor yet is so easy to make from items in your pantry. It has a moderate smoky heat from the chipotle chile pepper and is highlighted by fresh cilantro.
These spicy ribs are flavored with 2 chiles -- chipotle chile pepper and chili powder -- then sweetened with brown sugar and maple syrup. You can even bake the ribs a day ahead and grill just before serving.
This meatless pasta dish is full of flavor from the quick pesto prepared with arugula, parsley, almonds and Parmesan cheese. Red Swiss chard adds color, texture and nourishment.
Poppy seeds and a hint of ginger accent this refreshing fruit salad. Include fresh fruit such as such as melons, grapes and berries.
Cat Cora adds chopped figs to brownie cupcakes, giving them a light crunch and a moist, fudgy texture.