Pizza Puts an Unexpected Spin on Outdoor Grilling

MISSION, KS--(Marketwired - Jun 20, 2013) - (Family Features) Summer is the season for outdoor family fun and a perfect time to enjoy the mouthwatering aromas and flavors of dinner cooked on the grill -- but it doesn't have to revolve around hot dogs and burgers. Now you can put a new spin on the traditional grilled fare this summer with an outdoor pizza party.

"Once the warm weather hits and families start spending more time in the backyard, it's time to create an easy meal that is perfect for everyone," said Amy Allen Clark, founder of MomAdvice.com. "Rather than just turning to hot dogs and burgers, you can now cook your favorite Jack's® Original pizza outdoors on your gas grill thanks to new cooking directions for the gas grill that ensure crispy, hot, delicious results. Here are a few of my favorite tips for an easy outdoor pizza party."

Pizza Grilling 101
Enjoying a JACK'S Original Pepperoni pizza on the grill takes just a few simple steps:

1) Pre-heat your gas grill to 400°F with the lid closed
2) Using a spatula or tongs, carefully place the pizza directly on the center of the grate
3) Cook for 12 to 15 minutes - rotating half a turn approximately seven minutes into the cook time
4) You'll know your pizza is ready to enjoy when the cheese is melted and bubbling in the center, the crust is golden brown and the pizza has reached 160°F - you can check internal temperature with a standard cooking thermometer.

Create a Fashionable Spread - Outdoor entertaining can be fun and chic with inexpensive pieces in your arsenal. Use clean terra cotta pots for pretzels and chips, ice down drinks in an unused tin pail, use jars for serving lemonade and display finger foods on a wooden cutting board.

Offer Ample Seating - If you have a large crowd coming; bring your indoor seating outside to add extra chairs. If you are short on seats, ask guests to bring their own chairs so everyone is comfortable. Quilts or blankets are fun seating for kids.

Bring on the Games - Outdoor party games keep the guests entertained. Badminton or a few rounds of bean bag toss will get the fun and conversations flowing. Inexpensive sprinkler toys, a sand box, sidewalk chalk and bubbles are fun items to have on hand for the smaller guests at the party.

You can make an easy, weeknight outdoor meal into a really memorable one with just a few additions:

• Side Salad: Start with a tossed salad, fresh veggies, small dishes of grated Parmesan or Romano cheese and crunchy croutons. Have a couple of bottled dressings on hand and let each person customize their salad toppings. Kids love making their own salads.
  
  
• Dessert: Grilled summer fruits are healthy and delicious. Halve peaches, nectarines or a pineapple; remove the pits, brush lightly with oil, place in aluminum foil and cook on the grill. Customize your grilled fruit with your favorite flavor of creamy, low-fat yogurt for a delicious hot-cold dessert combo.
  
  
• Drink: Fill a pitcher with ice water and add slices of cucumber, oranges, limes or lemons for a flavorful twist on ordinary tap water.
  
  

For detailed grilling instructions, backyard entertaining tips, and information on how to enter for a chance to win a backyard makeover in the "JACK'S Summer Grilling" sweepstakes, visit www.jacksgrilling.com.

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