Pool parties, bonfires and long-weekend fireworks: it’s moments like these that define summer for Canadians. So for a memorable summer gathering, delicious food and refreshing drinks will play a starring role to help friends and family make the most of the season. Whether you’re planning in advance or you’re holding a last-minute barbecue, we make entertaining easier with a little help and inspiration from some must-have summer products and recipes.

Start with a Classic

Serving steak is a surefire way to make your grilling menu special. Available in a variety of cuts, our Sterling Silver® Premium Beef range offers an array of beef textures and flavours so you can make the right choices to please all your guests. Rub with herbs and spices, and grill to enjoy as-is or over salad greens, slice thinly and use as a sandwich or wrap filling, or finish with a pat of seasoned butter and canola oil for extra melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

Try:

• Classic Marinated Steak with Arugula & Roasted Pepper Relish (Tip: This is the perfect dish to impress the in-laws)
• Grilled Steak with Kale Caesar Salad
• Spicy Grilled Steak Fajitas with Poblano Peppers

Mix up the Menu

Burgers and corn on the cob are staples, but it’s nice to switch up the usual grilled fare. Cue our range of kabobs – available in meat, seafood and vegetable varieties – prepared in-store and ready to grill, which easily fit into your menu as an appetizer or main. Mix and match your offerings from our wide variety to satisfy all your guests’ tastes, whether you’re serving four or 20 people.Our kabob range even has dessert covered, with delectable fruit kabobs that can be brushed with maple syrup and grilled, or served fondue-style with melted chocolate or spicy-smoky caramel sauce made with a hint of Compliments Sweet and Smoky mustard bbq sauce.
Try:

• Salmon & Kale Salad with Brie Croutons
• Creamy Avocado Pasta with Baby Kale & Salmon (Tip: For vegetarian guests, swap the salmon kabobs for a veggie option like our Vegetable Kabob Griller skewers, which come in a pack of three kabobs loaded with zucchini, pepper, red onion, cremini mushroom and grape tomatoes.)
• Spicy BBQ Beef Kabobs & Southwest Potato Skins

There’s nothing like a hot dog loaded with all the trimmings. But you can get creative this summer and wow your diners with our range of fresh sausages made in-store and ready to grill. These sausages are a handy ingredient for mains, sides and appetizers, too! Load up a pasta or potato salad with tender pieces, top crostini toasts with freshly grilled slices or turn them into fun-to-eat skewers.
Try:

• Grilled Sausage & Grape White Pizza
• Smoky Sausage Kabobs (Tip: For a kid-friendly version, use a mild variety of campfire sausage.)
• Grilled Sausage with Garlic Bread & Quick Bean Salad

Make Cheese the Star

Cheese is an ingredient that often gets overlooked in backyard entertaining — or is used only as a burger topper. To take your summer soirée to the next level, serve cheese as an app melted on crostini toasts, garnish salads and sides with crumbles or make it part of the main event, tucked inside burgers. For more inspiration, check out our spotlight on Comté. Check to see if your local Sobeys has an in-store cheese ambassador. These experts can help you find the right cheese for your menu and theme.
Try:

• Grilled Goat Cheese Spread
• Planked Meatloaf & Steamed Kale Salad
• Comté-Stuffed Hamburger with Grilled Mushrooms & Sweet Potatoes

Set up a Drinks Station

Keep everyone cool with self-serve drinks. Fill a cooler or galvanized metal tub with ice and arrange bottles of Compliments Lemonade, Compliments Brewed Iced Tea, Compliments 100% Fruit & Vegetable Juice & Purée Blends from concentrate with other added ingredients and Compliments Sparkling Waters inside. Don’t forget cups or glasses, extra ice and a range of garnishes like citrus slices, berries and fresh mint.
Try:

• Fiery Carrot Caesar
• Pomegranate Kir Royale Mocktail
• Virgin Mojito
• Earl Grey Iced Tea Lemonade

On the Guest List

As a guest, you’re faced with the decision of what to bring. Earn good-guest brownie points and show up with any of these party-ready products. (If you’re the host, suggest these picks to invitees to round out your menu.)

Host suggestion: Appetizer
What to bring: Chips and dip
How to serve: Chips and dip are always a crowd-pleaser. Even better, they can double as a burger or hotdog topper or a spread for a sandwich. Pick up Compliments Naturally Simple Dips, available in four flavours, and pair with homemade chips.
Host suggestion: Salad
What to bring: Compliments Organic Salad Mix
How to serve: Bring a couple of packages of different blends to complete the backyard buffet. And don’t forget the dressing – store-bought or homemade — and salad tongs to toss and serve.
Host suggestion: Dessert
What to bring: Brownies, cookies or a loaf
How to serve: Make a batch of easy-to-transport desserts and complement them with a tub (or two) of Compliments Ice Cream or Compliments Balance Greek Frozen Yogourt. Pick up disposable bowls and spoons in case the host doesn’t have enough to go around.