Turn a BBQ Into a Backyard Bistro

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., July 9 /PRNewswire/ — Here’s a new twist on a night ‘out,’ — invite your friends and family over for a backyard bistro. It is easy to plan a memorable summer soiree with a few stress-free entertaining recipes and tips from Jennifer Bushman, author of the “Kitchen Coach” cookbooks.

“Whether you’re cooking for your family or the whole neighborhood, a pantry stocked with trusted, versatile ingredients will help you turn your patio into a party, without overspending,” says Bushman who recommends these easy summer-saving strategies:

• Small plates deliver big taste. Host a tapas party and ask all your guests to prepare an appetizer or side dish to share. Use the summer’s freshest ingredients to prepare delicious and affordable recipes like Roasted Vegetable Tapas for less than $2 per serving.
• Set the scene with outdoor string lights and set the table with an authentic Italian meal prepared with some pantry staples. Start your dining experience with a delicious Ricotta Bruschetta recipe prepared with Bertolli(R) Premium Pasta Sauce.
• Whether it’s for an intimate outdoor dinner for two or a small gathering, summer meals can be a breeze with Bertolli(R) Frozen Meals. With options like Chicken Florentine and Lemon Herb Shrimp & Penne, even the most kitchen-challenged cooks can create a sizzling summer meal paired with a light salad that tastes better and costs less than a prepared meal from your local Italian restaurant.
• Planning to attend a cookout away from home? Offer to bring a no-hassle side dish like Easy Mediterranean Pasta Salad. Your friends will be sure to return the favor when it is your turn to host.
• Beef it up. Inexpensive beef cuts, like skirt and hanger steaks, have bigger flavor than more expensive steaks, like filet mignon. Add even more punch with Wish-Bone(R) Italian Dressing, a great summer staple as it does double-duty as a delicious salad dressing and marinade.
• Use leftovers to your advantage. On the day of the event, just pop leftover chicken, ribs or steak onto the grill. Incorporate small amounts of cheese or vegetables into delicious and creative salads. Visit www.MakingLifeBetter.com for more meal ideas.

For more simple, affordable summer recipes, meal ideas and a Family Fun Book, visit www.MakingLifeBetter.com.

Asian Grilled Steak

    3/4 cup Wish-Bone(R) Italian Dressing
    3 Tbsp. soy sauce
    3 Tbsp. firmly packed brown sugar
    1/2 tsp. ground ginger (optional)
    1 to 1-1/2- lb. flank, top round or sirloin steak

    Combine all ingredients except steak in small bowl.

    Pour 1/2 cup marinade over steak in large, shallow nonaluminum
    baking dish or plastic bag. Cover, or close bag, and marinate in
    refrigerator, turning occasionally, 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
    Refrigerate remaining marinade.

    Remove steak from marinade, discarding marinade. Grill or broil
    steak, turning once and brushing frequently with reserved marinade,
    until steak is desired doneness.

    Also terrific with Wish-Bone(R) Robusto Italian, Light Italian or Red
    Wine Vinaigrette Dressing.

    Cost per recipe*: $8.02
    Cost per serving*: $2.00

Ricotta Bruschetta

    1 loaf Italian bread, cut diagonally into 1/2-inch-thick slices*
    1 clove garlic, halved
    1/3 cup Bertolli(R) Classico(TM) Olive Oil
    1 package Bertolli(R) Premium Summer Crushed Tomato & Basil Pasta
    Sauce
    1 container (15 oz.) ricotta cheese
    2 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil leaves
    Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

    Arrange bread on baking sheet. Evenly rub with garlic, then brush
    with Olive Oil. Bake 10 minutes or until golden. Evenly spread Pasta
    Sauce on bread, then top with cheese. Bake 5 minutes or until cheese
    is golden. Sprinkle with basil.

    *SUBSTITUTION: Use your favorite prepared pizza crust instead of
    bread for a quick meal.

    Cost per recipe*: $10.00
    Cost per appetizer*: $0.50

Roasted Vegetable Tapas

    1/2 cup Wish-Bone(R) Italian Dressing
    6 cups assorted sliced fresh vegetables* (zucchini, yellow squash,
    bell pepper, carrot, ripe sweet plantains, mushrooms, eggplant)
    1/2 cup cubed manchego or Parmesan cheese

    Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

    Toss Wish-Bone(R) Italian Dressing with each vegetable in large bowl.
    Remove vegetables from Dressing with slotted spoon and arrange
    separately in bottom of broiler pan. Roast 35 minutes or until
    vegetables are tender and golden, stirring once halfway through.

    Arrange vegetables and cheese on serving platter. Sprinkle, if
    desired, with chopped fresh cilantro or oregano.

    Cost per recipe*: $8.00
    Cost per serving*: $1.33

Easy Mediterranean Pasta Salad

    3/4 cup Wish-Bone(R) Italian Dressing
    1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
    1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
    8 ounces twist pasta, cooked, rinsed with cold water and drained
    1 can (14 oz.) artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
    1 jar (7 oz.) roasted red peppers, sliced
    1 can (6 oz.) pitted ripe olives, drained
    4 ounces sliced pepperoni, halved
    Blend Wish-Bone(R) Italian Dressing, parsley and black pepper in large
    bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients. Serve chilled or at room
    temperature.

    Cost per recipe*: $9.90
    Cost per serving*: $1.24

*Based on average retail prices at national supermarkets.

    Contact:
    Gillian Kushner
    212-445-8417
    gkushner@webershandwick.com

SOURCE Unilever