Who ever said that barbecue season is only for summer? It's just not true.
October is often a mild-weathered month with average daytime temperatures ranging from 50-80 degrees, depending on what part of the country you are in. In my opinion, this is the perfect weather to get outside with the family, head out into the country, a park, or even your own backyard and fire up the grill.
Of course you can stick to the 4th of July BBQ menu of hot dogs and hamburgers, if you like. But why not try something different for the different season. At my family's last Fall BBQ, we went far outside the box and put together a bit of an eclectic menu. We grilled pork chops as the main course, smothered in grilled onions and a light teriyaki glaze. Before the main course, we grilled oysters in the shell. If you have never had grilled oysters before, you will be surprised, they come out tender and sweet with a little hint of smokiness. We still cooked hamburgers and hot dogs as well, so the kids would be satisfied.
Of course there is more to a barbecue than just the food. A barbecue is essentially about getting together with family and friends. We invited as many of our family and friends that could make it, and had a really good turnout. After all, in October, the majority of families are in-town going about their normal autumnal lives and loved the opportunity to get out and have some fun on the weekend.
While the grown-ups conversed and sipped our adult beverages, the kids were running around and having their own fun. In the end everyone enjoyed themselves, were well-fed, and satisfied. By the time the sun was starting to set, and everyone was preparing to go back home, many of our guests were heard to say, "It was so nice to have a barbecue on a day other than a holiday." To-which I smiled and thought to myself, "Any day can be a holiday.
