Don’t want to show up empty-handed to your next summer barbecue? Tote along one of these treats to make the cookout even better.
Barbecue season in the Hudson Valley is an event. As the temperature creeps up on the thermometer, locals flock to backyards for summers spent barbecuing and grilling galore. And, since seasonal cookouts are often potluck-style shindigs, it’s more than likely you’ll want to bring something to add to the table. So, what’s your signature shareable? If you’d rather skip cooking something up, turn to these local goodies for snackable treats that everyone at the barbecue will adore.
Sweet Deliverance Granola
We know what you’re thinking. Granola, at a barbecue? But that’s precisely what you should bring if you’re in search of something that’s supremely snackable and bound to bring in loads of “Where did you get this?” questions. For summer, go for the Hudson Valley-based brand’s strawberry & salty peanut granola, made with protein-packed seeds, dried fruit, and salty peanuts. While it tastes delicious on its own, it’s equally as scrumptious when sprinkled atop an ice cream sundae for dessert.
Harney & Sons Iced Tea
What’s a summer cookout without a tall glass of iced tea? Keep it local with a fresh brew from the Millerton-based Harney & Sons. While you could technically make any of the teas iced, the Fresh Brew Iced Tea Sampler is ideal for convenience and variety. The fresh brew iced tea cartons come in Indigo Punch, Tropical Mango, Invigorating Peach, and Blood Orange, which means that there’s a flavor for every sort of gathering.
Beth’s Farm Kitchen Hot Sauce
If you need something to sauce up your hamburger or hot dog, put down the ketchup and mustard and pick up one of Beth’s Farm Kitchen’s hot sauces. The Hudson Valley-based brand’s habanero hot sauce does summer flavor right, with notes of vinegar to start and a peppery habanero finish. This one works well with everything from tacos to chicken and pork, which means it’s a must on the condiment table at any upcoming cookout. Plus, this sauce is vegan and gluten-free.
Finding Home Farms Sweet Honey Cornbread Mix
We know we said no cooking, but this cornbread mix from Finding Home Farms is just as giftable in the package as it is in fresh-baked cornbread mode. Whether you choose to bake it up beforehand or not, you’ll love savoring the sweet honey flavor alongside a plate full of ribs or pulled pork. The Middletown business makes baking simple, since all you need to do to whip this up is add eggs, milk, and butter.
Fruition Chocolate Works Bars
When summer evenings roll around, there’s nothing quite like roasting s’mores over the open fire. If you want to give your sticky-sweet treats a Hudson Valley upgrade, swap out the standard Hershey’s bar for a sliver from one of Fruition’s award-winning milk chocolate bars. The variety pack from the Shokan brand includes brown butter milk, spring salted dark milk, Hudson Valley bourbon dark milk, and Dominican Nacional dark milk, which means you’re one purchase away from gourmet s’mores this season.
Jacüterie Sausage
No summer cookout is complete without juicy, grilled brats and sausages. Instead of picking up the same ol’ from the grocery store, look to this Hudson Valley brand for fresh sausages inspired by global culinary traditions. The South African-inspired boerewors sausage is excellent for traditional grilling, while the bratwurst are just the thing to slide into a roll and slather with spicy mustard.