The Prep-Ahead Cookout Menu

By Story by Elizabeth Karmel

North Carolina native and Grill Girl Eilzabeth Karmel shares a make-ahead menu that proves firing up the grill is the easiest way to pull off an elegant summer gathering.

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The Prep-Ahead Plan

1 Week:  Stir up Garlic-Herb Butter. Chill up to 1 week, or freeze up to 3 months. Mix Hill Country Rub. Store in an airtight container up to 3 months. Blend Chimichurri Sauce. Chill up to 1 week. 2 Days:  Prepare Buttermilk-Ricotta Cheese Dip. After straining, chill up to 2 days. Blend Veggie Vinaigrette. Chill up to 2 days (if serving with the vegetable platter). 1 Day: Bake Whiskey Pie. Chill up to 24 hours. Slice Grilled Summer Vegetables. Prep and chill in zip-top plastic bags up to 24 hours. Smoke Beef Tenderloin. Prepare through Step 5, and chill up to 24 hours. Day of: 4 hours: Make Tipsy Berries 1 hour: Preheat grill. Grill veggies. 30 minutes: Grill corn. Crank up the grill temp, and sear the beef (Step 6 of recipe). Then slice, serve, and take a bow.
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Frozen Peach Old Fashioneds

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Frozen Peach Old Fashioneds

Served ice cold, these refreshing cocktails keep your guests cool.

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Buttermilk-Ricotta Cheese Dip

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Buttermilk-Ricotta Cheese Dip

If you've never tried homemade ricotta, then you're in for a tasty surprise. This will change the way you think about the store-bought kind. Be sure to stir only when indicated in the recipe.

Watch Us Make It: Buttermilk-Ricotta Cheese Dip

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Grilled Summer Vegetable Platter

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Grilled Summer Vegetable Platter

Start with this mix of vegetables, or simply use what you have on hand.

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Smoked Beef Tenderloin

Photo: Hector Sanchez
Recipe: Smoked Beef Tenderloin

Feel free to substitute tri-tip steak or flank steak for the tenderloin. Reduce the rub to 1 1/4 tsp., decrease smoker temperature to 250; and follow smoking tips below.

Trip-tip Steak: 1 1/2 lb. for 20 minutes Flank Steak: 1 lb. for 15 minutes

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Charred Corn with Garlic-Herb Butter

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Charred Corn with Garlic-Herb Butter

Use the husks as handles by pulling them back and tying the ends with kitchen string. Soak in cold water at least 10 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.

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Whiskey Pie with Tipsy Berries

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Whiskey Pie with Tipsy Berries

Offer with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and, to save time, you can simply top with a mix of your favorite fresh summer fruit.

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