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Summer is almost here, and everyone everywhere is looking to see what delicious meals they will be making at home this season. That’s where Chef Tony Matassa comes in. He has spent the last 12 years creating recipe videos for BBQGuys, an outdoor living superstore based in Baton Rouge, LA. He’s shared with HOLA! USA some great summer BBQ recipes that you can make for your next virtual BBQ. Check out what he says below!
Cupcakes
Unexpected right? But you can make the most delicious of cupcakes on a grill or in a smoker. Chef Tony Matassa says, “The food itself receives a light smoke flavor that adds an extra, complex dimension you just can’t achieve in a regular oven. Then there’s the huge wow factor the dish itself brings to standard outdoor entertaining.”
Wondering how to make smoker cupcakes? The BBQ Guys got you covered. Drink to pair with it? Why, an iced Irish coffee.
Flatbread Pizza
We started at cupcakes, why not pizza, too? We all know how great and extra flavorful grilled food tastes, so it’s no surprised that pizza and flatbreads would benefit the same way. “Any kind of pizza is a hit when grilled, but this one in particular benefits from the charred and caramelized toppings that only a grill can provide,” Chef Tony explained.
Bet you’re wondering what kind of pizza you can make on your grill? This grilled venison sausage flatbread pizza should do the trick. “Flatbread off of a grill is just flat-out amazing — the exterior receives a nice char, and the crispiness of the crust is exactly what you’re looking for from an entree like this,” the BBQ pro said.
The perfect drink to pair with your delicious meal would be a smoked cinnamon Old Fashioned.
Grilled Veggies
Who doesn’t love toasted, cripsy veggies? They certainly beat out steamed vegetables by a landslide. Next time you’re looking to fire up your grill, may we can entice you to make some grilled honey glazed carrots & parsnips.
“Would you rather a plate of steamed carrots and parsnips, or a plate of fire-roasted carrots and parsnips with great caramelization,” asks Chef Tony. He continues, “Caramelization really goes a long way for flavor, not to mention that grilled veggies are among the healthiest foods out there.”
Wash your veggies down with a smooth and smoldering rosemary Manhattan.
Naan
Naan (which translates to “bread”) is a flatbread that is common within the Southern and Central Asian regions and is normally made in a tandoor oven. Chef Tony suggests making this on a kamado grill or a standard charcoal gril, if you find yourself tandoor-less. “The intense heat of the charcoal makes the starch in the dough really pop, leaving an airy interior while still crisping the exterior,” explains the pro griller.
A great recipe to try out at home? Grilled cheese & garlic naan for optimal good eats. Then wash it down with a mango margarita, for good measure.