Expert tips and tricks to throw an epic backyard barbecue
(BPT) - Few things add depth and flavor to foods quite like the grill. Barbecuing is a sure way to bring people together by pairing food and fun with classic dishes and unique twists on your favorites.
No matter if you're new to grilling or a master of the flames, there's always room for improvement. From saving time and money on supplies to discovering new recipes and grilling hacks, a few tricks from the pros can be a game-changer. The barbecue experts at Albertsons Companies are sharing insider secrets and top tips to help you throw your best backyard barbecue ever.
Use technology to get personalized deals, rewards and perks
Your grocer's app can be a fantastic resource for deals, shopping lists, and more. For example, the new Deals & Delivery app combines Albertsons Cos.’ two most used services allowing customers to shop, save and redeem Rewards all in one place — from home or in-store. Shoppers are automatically enrolled in the new Albertsons for U™ program when downloading the Deals & Delivery app so they get personalized deals, rewards and perks like free monthly items. You’ll even get a treat on your birthday! Shoppers can download by store name across Albertsons’ 20-plus stores, including Albertsons®, Safeway®, Vons®, Jewel-Osco®, Shaw's®, ACME® Markets, Tom Thumb®, Randalls®, Carrs®, Pavilions®, and Star Market®.
To find the app, search your local Albertsons Cos. store in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and download today.
Signup for FreshPress and unlock unlimited free grocery delivery and exclusive perks
The ultimate time-saver is having barbecue supplies delivered to your home. With FreshPass™, you can get everything you love brought right to your doorstep. This optional subscription service is integrated into the new Albertsons Cos. apps. FreshPass is available for $99 a year (or $12.99 per month) and offers unlimited free delivery on orders $30 or more, and in select markets, free 2-hour grocery delivery and Drive Up & Go shopping experiences. Albertsons Cos. is offering a free 30-day trial* to try the program and numerous perks for subscribers, including discounts off select products — like an always-on 5% discount on their exclusive Open Nature® and O Organics® product lines, $5 monthly credit for annual subscribers, rewards that don’t expire, and exclusive culinary and wine experiences.
*Restrictions apply. Refer to Full program Terms & Conditions at Safeway.com/mobile/delivery-subscription-tc.html.
Grill a delicious main entree with broad appeal
Just imagine a beautiful platter of everyone's grilled favorites with splashes of colorful veggies throughout. That will be exactly what you'll serve with this show-stopping Summertime Mixed Grill. With a variety of Open Nature® meat and seafood options and quality fresh produce, there's something for everyone. Plus, with your local Albertsons Deals & Delivery app, you can add all the ingredients you need to a shopping list on your phone or opt to get them delivered right to your home with FreshPass™.
Try fresh takes on grilled veggies
You can't go wrong with veggie kebabs on the grill. But there are so many delicious plant-forward dishes you can make on the barbecue, no skewers required. Cauliflower is arguably the most trendy (and most versatile) vegetable there is, so try these Grilled Sriracha Cauliflower Steaks as a hearty vegetarian meal or a smoky side dish. Sriracha and lime zest add zing to any dish, and cauliflower grills beautifully and stands up well to big flavors. Enjoy this healthy alternative to beef or serve this as a complementary side to juicy flame-grilled steaks.
Rethink burgers and go beyond the bun
A classic grilled burger will never go out of style, but that doesn't mean you can't experiment with recipes that explore interesting flavor fusions. For example, the Grilled Greek Pita Burger recipe is an unexpected take on traditional burgers that is sure to please! Made with lamb, feta, Kalamata olives and a balsamic glaze and served in a pita, it’s bursting with Mediterranean goodness. Mix the burgers loosely and form into an oblong shape to fit a pita pocket for a fun dinner that fits in the hand.
Complete the meal with a grilled fruit feature
Watermelon is a quintessential summer treat that is often enjoyed fresh, but giving it a quick char on the grill turns it into something extra special. In just a few minutes you can transform this chilled high quality fruit into a grilled masterpiece perfect as a side dish or healthy dessert. Grilled Watermelon is easy to make! Simply slice the melon and brush each piece with coconut oil, grill for 4 minutes on each side, sprinkle with salt and serve. Try this truly unique and seriously delicious way to serve everybody’s favorite summer fruit and to wow guests at your next barbecue get together.