Alfresco Dining
The Perfect Time to Bring Families Together

(Family Features) - As summer approaches, so do family get-togethers by the pool and neighborhood BBQs by the grill. The sunshine and warm summer nights complement a backyard setting and provide you with the perfect atmosphere to entertain friends and build lasting memories with family.

For your next backyard party, get the most out of the occasion with these helpful tips:

Don't Spoil Your Dinner - Prepare foods that can withstand several hours outdoors with reliable ingredients such as barbecue sauce, and steer clear of mayonnaise and other perishable foods.

Get the Whole Family Involved - Create quality family moments by involving everyone in the cooking and preparation. Kids can set the table, relatives can make side dishes and friends can craft icy drinks to ease the heat.

Think Outside the Grill - Outdoor entertaining doesn't mean that all the cooking needs to happen on the grill. Try incorporating favorite grilling ingredients, such KC Masterpiece BBQ sauce, into conventional, kitchen-made recipes for a flavorful twist. Do you think you have a winner? Then enter your most innovative recipes in the "Creative Kitchen Masterpieces" contest for a chance to win $4,500 of kitchen appliances at www.kcmasterpiece.com.

Plan Ahead - Cook savory, flavorful recipes that can be served cold and made in advance, like Legendary Chinese Chicken Salad. When your guests arrive you can devote more time enjoying their company instead of on last-minute preparations.

Legendary Chinese Chicken Salad
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Serves: 6

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
3/4 cup KC Masterpiece Ginger & Garlic or Honey Teriyaki Marinade
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 head iceberg lettuce (or one 10 ounce bag shredded lettuce)
1/2 cup snow or sugar snap peas
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup carrots, shredded
3 green onions, sliced
1 cup crispy chow mein noodles
1/2 cup chopped cilantro (optional)

For easy clean-up, line an 8x8-inch baking pan with heavy foil. Place chicken breasts in pan. Mix KC Masterpiece Ginger & Garlic Marinade with soy sauce and pour over chicken; allow to stand at room temperature while oven preheats.

Preheat oven to 350º F. Bake chicken 45 minutes, basting frequently, or until chicken is cooked through and nicely browned. Pour off juices from pan into a small container; skim all fat that rises to the top and reserve for use as salad dressing. When chicken is cool enough to handle, cut into chunks. (Chicken and sauce may be prepared in advance to this point; cover and refrigerate until serving time.)

At serving time, arrange lettuce in a large bowl or platter. Scatter snow peas, cucumber, carrots, green onion, chow mein noodles and chicken over lettuce. Spoon reserved dressing over chicken and sprinkle with cilantro, if desired.

SOURCE: KC Masterpiece