Chillin’ and grillin’ in the backyard

By CARLA ROBINSON

Blackened angus tomahawk steak

(Serves 2-3)

Ingredients:

2-3 lb. Angus Tomahawk Steak

Olive Oil

1 tsp Butter

Spice Mixture — combine 1-tsp each: salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, Cajun seasoning

Supplies:

Long Grilling Tongs

Sheet Pan

Aluminum Foil

“I get my wood from Meadow Creek Barbecue Supply out in Lancaster County,” she said. “I know that wood is pure.”

Preparation is key

Getting the best out of any grill comes down to time, and preparation — especially if you’re tackling a large or unusual cut of meat. According to Combs, that means first making the extra effort to mix up a brine or a marinade, and then settling in for a long slow cook.

“A lot of the larger meats require a brine,” she said. “Then I’ll smoke it on low (250 degrees) for about six hours, then finish it off with a high heat. You want to cook it slowly over low heat to give it that nice smoky flavor, but then you also really

Preparations: want that crust at the end.”

Remove steak from refrigeration. Allow to sit at room temperature for 1 hour. Pre-heat an outdoor grill to the highest heat setting. Close the lid. If using charcoal, heat and prepare coals for direct cooking. Season steaks generously on all sides with olive oil and spice mixture.

Allow the spice mixture to penetrate the steak. Sear the steak for 6 to 8 minutes (depending on desired internal temperature) on each side. Allow flames to kick up the sides! Transfer the steak to a sheet pan. Cover tightly with foil. Let rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Slice... Enjoy!!

Of course your menu includes much more than meat. A successful barbecue host sends everyone home sated, and stuffed with delicious foods. Classic sides include homemade baked beans, potato salad and/or coleslaw, or course.

But sides are also trending toward the more adventurous, according to Combs. Her catering menu, for instance, includes citrus roasted beets and lemon scented quinoa.

Kids love home-baked macaroni and cheese and chicken fingers are always popular with them.

And you definitely can’t forget the s’mores. Make sure you’ve got plenty of marshmallows, crackers and chocolate bars on hand. Gathering round the fire to roast those gooey slabs of sweetly delicious summer can make the perfect ending to a wonderful evening.

Setting the stage

You want your patio and garden to be a luxurious extension of your home. Consider it an outdoor room — your home-based getaway spot.

Toss the hard cast iron furniture of yore and reach for comfy furniture, arranged for lounging, and accessorized with lived-in touches like throw pillows, outdoor rugs, colorful lanterns.

Some source of shade is also a good idea, whether it’s an obliging tree that’s already there, something you’ve put in a pot or even a carefully-placed, angled umbrella. If you’ve thought ahead, you’ve already planted aromatic herbs like lavender or rosemary in your garden, which can add a delightful scent to the air. And don’t be afraid to cut a few flowers for your vases or decorative pots.

Outdoor string lights can add a relaxing vibe, and tablecloths are a nice touch too. Hurricane candle holders can help keep low lights flickering. Don’t forget a few fluffy blankets in case the evening air turns chilly. Citronella candles or some insect spray are always a good idea, as bugs can be a real killjoy.

And last but not least, don’t forget to charge your bluetooth speakers! The right playlist can set the perfect tone.