Summertime is BBQ season and that means lots of hosting parties and being hosted.  You’re going to need some amazing summer recipes to wow your friends and neighbors.  If you’re ready to step up your backyard BBQ game, try these 5 fabulous options.  Don’t forget to step up your fun and safety while you’re at it!

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Step Up The Fun

Backyard BBQs aren’t just about food (though, let’s be real, that’s a pretty important part).  You also want to have a whole lot of fun while hanging out with your friends, family, and neighbors.  We all know the old standards of ring toss, frisbee, and catch, but here are a few other ideas to step up your entertainment.

1. Get giant outdoor versions of your favorite indoor games such as Jenga and Sorry.  These are equal parts fun, quirky, and nostalgic and they’re bound to draw everyone in for a turn!
2. It’s summer, which means it’s probably going to be hot.  Cool off with a good old fashioned water war with these easy-to-fill water balloons!
3. Help kids (and adults) embrace their inner Picasso with this homemade sidewalk chalk paint.

Step Up The Safety

I know safety isn’t probably the first thing that pops up when you think about summer fun, but it’s a key part of keeping the fun going (and making your party welcoming)!  Here are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Water safety is vital.  If there is a pool make sure there are plenty of (fully sober and focused) adults to look after the kids.  It only takes a moment for a child to find themselves in trouble.
2. Don’t let good food go bad.    The last thing you want is to send your guests home with food poisoning as a lovely parting gift!  Keep cold foods cold with ice trays like these.
3. Keep your party welcoming for all by watching out for food allergies.  I have a great article on Allergy-Safe Summer Grilling to help you get going!

Step Up the Food

Now that we’ve got an amazing atmosphere, it’s time to think about the food!  If you’re ready to step up your backyard bbq food you NEED to try these summer recipes!

1. Instead of just having soda, try this delicious sangria mocktail.  It’s festive, delicious, and a great non-alcoholic choice that can keep everyone included!
2. There’s nothing quite like deviled eggs to make it feel like a party!  Try these Kicked Up Deviled Eggs to wow everyone at the party.
3. There are few summer recipes more iconic than a good old fashioned apple pie!  If you’re looking to find the tastiest, easiest gluten-free pie crust recipe, try this one!
4. Summer.  Ice cream.  Need I say more!?!  You’re going to love this Peanut Butter Ice Cream!  If you don’t have an ice cream maker, try out my brand new Salted Caramel Ice Cream instead.
5. I recently discovered homemade ‘snack cakes’ and I just LOVE them!  Good news…I now have a delicious recipe for a GF/Vegan Strawberry Snack Cake for you!  I’ll be sending it out as an exclusive recipe for my subscribers later this month, so be sure to join my email list today!

Try Some New Summer Recipes This Year

Summer is just around the corner and I couldn’t be happier!  This year, step up your summer by trying these new recipes and activities.  Your family is going to have a great time and you’ll make memories that will last you a lifetime!  Don’t forget to sign up to get weekly encouragement delivered right to your inbox, and get the FREE GF/Vegan Strawberry Snack Cake recipe!

If you make any of my recipes, be sure to post it on Instagram and tag me!  If you’re looking for more cooking inspiration, join us in my Fearless Gluten-Free Living group on Facebook!