Hostess With The Mostess

I had such fun putting together this western themed BBQ in the Superstition Mountains to the east of Phoenix.  I started with a gorgeous set of rustic printables from Frog Prince Paperie, and then took my inspiration from the gold mining history of the state park and the legend of the Lost Dutchman's Mine.  

The kids grilled their own hot dogs (made meal prep very easy for this hostess!); and we served homemade chips from Mike's Burgers, Cheesesteaks, and Ice Cream in gilbert; and homemade coleslaw.  All were individually packaged to make serving the meal a breeze.  Instead of plates, I used pie tins.  Bandanas for napkins.  Wooden utensils stamped with a "BBQ" designed to look like the mark from a branding iron.

Desserts were pure Americana:  apple pie; blueberry muffins; snickerdoodle blondies; sugar cookies in boot and cactus shapes; and s'mores made from homemade marshmallows, homemade graham crackers, and high quality chocolate.  So amazingly delicious!

Fun with friends, good food, and a campfire--the recipe for the perfect summer BBQ.