Throw a Labor Day grilled pizza party!

The last days of summer are upon us but that doesn't mean you need to let the winter doldrums take over just yet! If you don't already have plans, why not organize a backyard BBQ with a few good friends or your family? To make it a bit unpredictable, throw a grilled pizza party with homemade dough (or store bought if you're not feeling so adventurous) and set out all the toppings so everyone can throw on whatever they like.

Suggested bases: marinara, pesto, flavored olive oil, barbeque sauce

Suggested cheeses: mozzarella, fresh mozzarella, ricotta, goat cheese, Parmesan, Gorgonzola

Ideas for toppings: grilled vegetables, prosciutto and fresh figs, salami, chicken, fresh herbs, fresh arugula, toasted pine nuts, olives or capers, caramelized onions, roasted garlic

You'll need to grill them on high heat and your pizza crust should be no more than 1/4 inch thick. Grill one side first then set the pizza to the side and let each person add their toppings. Once they're ready, put them back on the grill until the cheese is melted and your toppings are warm (anywhere from two to ten minutes). Visit the link above to get a full rundown to ensure success - and find a few recipes for inspiration if you're not sure just what you want on your own pizza. And if you're feeling intimidated, Allrecipes.com even has a how to video describing exactly how to go through the grilling process!

WEEKEND PROJECT: Garden Chaises

Garden Chaises

Every backyard can use a few of these chaises for drip-drying on after a dunk in the pool or for just lounging around after a day in the garden. They're made entirely out of 1x4 treated pine boards and finished off with exterior primer and paint. If you wish, substitute cedar or redwood for this outdoor furniture and let the wood weather naturally. A power saw, though not absolutely necessary, will make cutting easier.

Materials You'll Need:

1x4 treated pine boards

11 4-inch galvanized finishing nails

Sixteen 1 1/4-inch galvanized deck screws

Exterior paint primer

Crosscut saw, circular saw, or table saw

Rafter angle square

Pencil

Tape Measure

HammerDrill

Clamps

Paint brushes

To make Garden Chaises:

1. To form the side rails of the chaise base, lay out two 6-foot-long 1x4s like train tracks, approximately 20 inches apart. Cut three 20-inch crosspieces. To form the rectangular base, nail a crosspiece at each end, overlapping the side rail ends and squaring the crosspiece up with the outer edges to form a butt joint. Repeat at the other end. Set aside third crosspiece.

2. Cut two 12-inch 1x4s for the front legs. Position legs in the inside corners of the base, with the leg tops flush with the tops of the side rails and front crosspiece; use four screws to attach each leg. This should leave 8 ½ inches of leg exposed.

3. The back legs are 27 inches at their highest point. Mark 27 inches on each board, then cut down from there a 35-degree angle. (For angle, mark line with a rafter angle square. With a power saw, simply adjust the bevel gauge.) Attach the back legs at the inside corners of the other end, with 8 ½ inches of leg exposed. Attach to base frame using four screws for each leg.

4. To make the angled backrest of the chaises , trim the end of a 1x4 at a 35-degree angle. Line up this piece flush with 1 back leg. Clamp to hold it against the leg and the side rail. Draw a line where the backrest meets the side rail. (This will be a 55-degree angle.) Unclamp and cut, then nail in place. Repeat on the other side. Nail the third 20-inch crosspiece across the top of the back legs, aligning the ends of the crosspiece with the outside edges.

5. Cut eighteen 20-inch slats. Work from the back legs to the front, evenly spacing the slats and nailing into place.

6. To finish, prime, following product instructions. Lightly sand. Paint two coats of the finish color, sanding lightly between coats.

Country Home Magazine

August 2001