Last weeks question asked what you cook for the big cookouts of the years. You know, the stuff you throw on the grill or in the smoker when you have family and friends over for the big party (the impress the guest food). So this week I thought I would ask you about the foods you cook when it's just you and the people who live at your address, the typically stuff. So, generally:

POLL: What do you cook for the little cookouts?
1) Brisket
2) Burgers and Dogs
3) Chicken
4) Fish and Seafood
5) Pulled Pork
6) Ribs
7) Rotisserie Roasts
8) Steaks and Chops
9) Veggies
10) Other (Please Specify in the Comments)

Recently the mailman brought me the latest thing from Barber Foods. Chicken patties the size of a hamburger patty designed for the grill (cleverly called chicken grillables) and the bun. Being billed as a healthy alternative to frozen burger patties I was naturally skeptical. Dry and flavorless I figured, but always willing to try most anything.

So on the grill they go. I cooked them the same I would a burger patty, hot and fast, and without any additional seasonings. These grilled up just like any preformed, frozen patty. When cooked through I pulled the chicken patties off the grill. I dressed one up just like I would a burger and another one I cut up for taste testing.

What I found was that these patties were not dry and actually tasted like chicken. On the bun with lettuce, tomatoes, mayo and mustard they tasted very much like a burger.

Chicken Grillables sell in packs of 4 for between $7USD and $8USD at a variety of outlets. If you are looking for a quick meal solution that you can throw on the grill, while also trying to cook up something a little healthier then I would recommend these.

Photo: Barber Foods.

Several months ago I asked readers if they Exchange or Refill their propane tanks. Several people commented that they were getting shortchanged on their propane exchanges. Tanks designed to hold up to 18 pounds of propane were only being filled with 15 pounds. The majority of complaints I received were directed at Blue Rhino exchanges (Blue Rhino is owned by a company called Ferrellgas). Now the Albany, NY the Times Union is reporting that the New York State Consumer Protection Board is warning consumers to beware of unscrupulous tactics by some propane suppliers. This practice, which started in 2008 when propane prices spiked, has lead to two federal lawsuits against large propane suppliers for violation of consumer protection laws. Amerigas, the exclusive supplier of self serve propane exchange units to Home Depot claims that they are no longer liable since they have changed labeling on their propane tanks to state that it contains only 15 pounds of propane.

Recently I have seen a few complaints from gas grill owners that their must be something wrong with their grill since they seem to be using more fuel than normal. Clearly this is caused by changes in refill volume that most grill owners are simply not aware off.

To insure that you are getting a full tank of propane you should locate a refilling station that meters the fuel amount they sell and charges not by the refill but by the amount of propane sold. I encourage you to talk with your local propane supplier to make sure you are getting what you pay for and help end this deceptive practice.

Celebrate summer outside by throwing the ultimate cookout. Get great ideas, recipes and information about entertaining in the backyard.