Evoking Common Senses for the Perfect Summer Barbeque

Many Florida homeowners enjoy summer barbecues, whether they’re celebrating major milestones or simply getting together with loved ones. Despite the prevalence of this backyard pastime, considering the senses can inspire unique ideas that will result in the best barbecue on the block.
Their sense of hearing gives your guests first impressions of your barbecue. Music is a great way to put party-goers into a festive mood as soon as they reach your driveway. Give your guests a variety by creating a playlist. Popular backyard bash songs can be found on the albums of Bob Marley, The Beach Boys and Katy Perry, which have fun songs suitable for all ages. You could even collect guests’ song requests during the invitation process, ensuring everyone hears tunes they love.
Once guests reach your backyard, their sense of sight will be pleased by decorations custom to your theme and style. Food presentation can make a special impact, even when serving barbecue staples. Burger and hot dog bars can be aesthetically appealing and unique, as well as great for getting guests involved without limiting their choices to traditional flavors.
Additionally, providing guests with burger and hot dog bars is great for their senses of smell and taste alike. A bar could simply contain different toppings, from sautéed bell peppers to chili, or could offer greater variety with different meat marinades to amplify flavors of the Caribbean or Deep South. A burger bar can be made friendly and fulfilling to non-meat eating guests by trying the chickpea burger recipe, right.
When contemplating beverage choices, consider smoothies; backyard barbecues are ideal venues to infuse palates with fruity flavor combinations. For a punch of fun, mango rum is a tasty addition. For a simpler alcoholic treat that will cool off guests, try Malibu rum and lemonade. Whatever beverage options you choose, be sure there is plenty of water available to keep guests hydrated in the summer heat.
Moreover, sun-soaking the skin may please the sense of touch in the short term, but it’s imperative not to overlook the importance of sunscreen. In case your guests have forgotten theirs, provide bounties of sunscreen. Citronella tiki torches can also help in protecting your (and your guests’) skin from mosquito bites, especially when your barbecue outlasts the sun.
Preparing for your summer barbecue with the senses in mind can help you cover all the bases. In fact, appealing to your guests’ senses can leave a great impression, making your barbecue the most memorable of the season.

Chickpea Burgers

Servings: 6

Ingredients
2 cups cooked, roughly mashed chickpeas
¾ cups cooked short grain brown basmati rice
6 Tbsp ground flaxseed meal
6 Tbsp oat flour
3 Tbsp diced, sautéed white onion
3 Tbsp finely diced, sautéed red pepper
3 Tbsp finely grated carrot
6 Tbsp toasted sunflower seeds
3 cloves minced, sautéed garlic
2 Tbsp barbecue sauce
1½ tsp smoked paprika
6 Tbsp chopped cilantro
Additional barbecue sauce (optional)
Additional red pepper, sliced (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350° F
2. Mix all ingredients
3. Allow to rest for 5 minutes
4. Form patties
5. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping half-way through.
6. Serve with barbecue sauce and red peppers.