Preparing for the Fourth of July: Ideas for a Dream Outdoor Kitchen, Our Favorite Recipes for the Grill, and More!
We’re only a few weeks away from the 4th of July! With outdoor barbeques, firework shows, and delicious food, it’s no surprise that this patriotic holiday is a fan-favorite.
If you plan to host a 4th of July barbecue, we’re here to ensure that you (and your grill) are up to the challenge. And there’s no better time than summer to invest in pieces for your outdoor kitchen! Stay tuned for our favorite premium grills and accessories, unique recipes for your 4th of July party, and a look into our recent BBQ battle!
Creating Your Own Custom Outdoor Kitchen
The summer holidays bring endless opportunities for outdoor get-togethers, making this sunny season the perfect time to revamp your patio space. If you’re looking to upgrade aspects of your current outdoor kitchen or create your dream entertaining space from scratch, investing in custom pieces gives you premium tools tailored to your specific needs and preferences.
Whether you’re an avid at-home bartender or an expert on the grill, custom outdoor kitchens allow you to add certain features or tools that align with your lifestyle – just in time for your summer celebrations.
Storage Options That Meet Your Needs
For those looking for a variety of storage options, Vintage luxury grills and grill accessories are an excellent choice. Embodying the retro, classic feel of gourmet outdoor cooking, Vintage gas grills deliver an abundance of amenities enjoyed by home chefs.
Designed with center-mounting, Vintage provides ultimate customization for storage. Whether you’re looking for custom storage or a plating and garnish center next to your grill, Vintage gas grills and accessories provide maximum storage with a sleek exterior.
Explore the amenities that Vintage has to offer: https://premium.almo.com/Brands/Vintage.aspx
Choosing High-Quality Lighting and Performance
When upgrading your outdoor kitchen, you shouldn’t have to sacrifice your own style for high-quality tools and features. For stunning colors and top-of-the-line quality, look no further than Hestan.
There’s no better way to enjoy the summer holidays than with Hestan’s high-quality performance. Bringing a whole new meaning to 4th of July lights, Hestan utilizes halogen stadium lights to illuminate your entire cooking area so you can keep grilling all night long. Built from scratch in Anaheim, California, Hestan creators ensure that every detail is absolutely perfect.
With an assortment of beautiful colors to fit any style, Hestan provides incredible quality with endless options for customization. From beachy blues to strikingly warm tones, Hestan’s curated collection of stunning exteriors is guaranteed to impress your guests this summer – and every summer.
Start planning your custom kitchen at https://home.hestan.com/outdoor-products/
Adding Features for Entertaining
If you’ve hosted a 4th of July party in the past, you’ll know how important it is to have a convenient space for cooking. Having to run in and outside of your home for ingredients, ice, drinks, and access to a sink is certainly a hassle (and keeps you away from your party).
With premium grills from Heat, you’ll enjoy convenient features that prioritize your needs. Heat professional gas grills deliver high performance and chef-inspired features at a great value.
Take a look at the high-quality grill collection, ranging from 32 to 40 inches.
If you’re interested in the entertainment-focused accessories from Heat, you’ll adore the convenience of the Drop-In Ice Bin Cooler with Condiment Tray, which allows you to serve drinks and top your burgers without leaving the party. Also, the Insulated Sink with Condiment Tray provides ultimate convenience, so you’ll never have to travel inside for running water.
Our Favorite Unique Grilling Recipes for the Fourth of July
Now that we’ve covered the basics of outdoor kitchens, it’s time to get to our favorite recipes for a summer barbeque. These simple, unique recipes are perfect for entertaining, so we’re certain your friends and family will be pleased with your party menu.
Pizza on the Grill
Our list of favorite recipes wouldn’t be complete without a vegetarian option – and we love this unique recipe for pizza on the grill. This recipe has a smoked taste comparable to a wood-fired grill, so if that’s up your alley, you’ll definitely fall in love with this treat, too.
Ingredients for the Pizza Dough, (Makes 2 Pizzas):
1 ½ cups warm water
1 package active dry yeast
3 ¾ cups bread flour
2 tablespoons salt
1 teaspoon sugar
Olive oil
Toppings: tomato sauce, cheese, olives, mushrooms, pepperoni, vegetables, onions, herbs, etc.
Prepare the grill for high direct heat. Prepare the toppings, and shape the pizza dough to the desired size on a floured surface. Once your dough is the correct shape, let it sit for a couple of minutes. Then, press out and edges again until you have a 12-in wide dough. If you’re making multiple pizzas for a party, you can shape the dough earlier that day, stack and separate with parchment, and store in the fridge up to 2 hours before grilling. Fold up a paper towel, dip in olive oil, and use tongs to wipe the grill grates. Place pizza on your floured baking sheet and let the dough slide onto the grill. After cooking for 2 minutes, check underneath the dough with a spatula to see if it is browned. Remove from the grill and flip with a spatula.
Sweet N’ Salty Grilled Fruit Skewers
Are you interested in experimenting with a quick and easy treat on the grill? These sweet and salty snacks are the perfect accessories to a 4th of July party, as they are both delicious and convenient to serve.
Ingredients:
6 peaches, sliced
2 cups diced watermelon
2 cups diced pineapple
1 tablespoon honey
1 lime, juiced
¼-½ teaspoon cayenne
1 pinch salt
Before starting this recipe, soak your skewers in water for 30 minutes — this helps prevent burning. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 450 degrees. Add your fruit to the skewers, alternating the fruit however you desire. Grill for 2-3 minutes on each side, remove from grill, and set aside. In a bowl, mix together the honey, lime juice, cayenne, and sea salt, and brush over the fruit. Serve this treat at any temperature.
And now, onto the recent BBQ Battle (and an extra-special recipe)!
This past April, the Almo Premium Appliances team participated in a BBQ Battle team-building event. The group was divided into teams to test out 3 different recipes on the Heat, Hestan, and Vintage grills.
Here’s one of the recipes from the event — Flank Steak with Melon Relish!
Ingredients:
1/2 large cantaloupe, peeled and diced
1/2 large honeydew, peeled and diced
1 medium red onion, diced
1 cup Italian parsley, chopped
1/2 cup fresh mint, chopped
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons white balsamic or cider vinegar
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 pounds flank steak
2 teaspoons sea salt
1/2 tablespoon ground black pepper
Toss your cantaloupe, honeydew, onion, parsley, mint, vinegar, and oil in a bowl and set aside. Heat grill over high heat. Season your flank steak on both sides with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-8 minutes on each side (medium rare), 8-10 minutes on each side (medium), or10-12 minutes on each side (well). Remove from the heat and allow to rest on a clean cutting board for 5-7 minutes. Cut diagonally into 1/8 inch-thick slices and transfer to a platter. Spoon relish on top, and serve the remaining on the side.
As you prepare to host an exciting 4th of July party, we hope you’re excited to experiment with these unique grill recipes. Whether you’re looking for an updated outdoor kitchen or a few minor upgrades to your existing outdoor space, we wish you an enjoyable summer of outdoor gatherings!