Q: Food is one of the most important elements of a cookout, and there are lots of different courses to consider. You can start planning the menu before you have a finalized guest list, but you'll have to determine quantities later. Popular appetizers and snacks for barbecues include: Fresh fruit Fresh vegetables with dip Chips Guacamole The main course at a cookout is typically a red meat dish, but it can also be poultry, fish, or a plant-based protein. Pick a food that you really like, and that will also be popular with your guests. Good options include: Steak Ribs Hamburgers Hot dogs Sausages Kebabs Shrimp Pork butt Brisket Tofu Portobello mushrooms There are lots of popular side dishes you can serve at a cookout. You can pick your favorites, try to pair the sides with the main you're serving. For instance, if you're serving something lighter like shrimp or mushrooms, you might want a heavier side like potatoes. Popular cookout sides are: Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, zucchini, and bell peppers Coleslaw Potato salad Corn on the cob Baked potatoes Salad Pasta salad Dessert isn't necessary at a cookout, but it's a nice touch. You can either go simple and opt for things like cookies, fruit, or ice cream. Other options include cake, brownies, cupcakes, squares, and marshmallow treats. Beverages can be simple like pop, juice, and beer, or you can even have a themed drink or cocktail for the cookout. It's good to have a variety of drinks to accommodate kids, people who don't drink, and people with beverage preferences. Here are some drink ideas: Lemonade Punch Iced tea Sangria Wine Margaritas Mojitos Soda It's possible that not all your guests will want to or be able to eat the food you've decided in your meal plan. One way to accommodate dietary restrictions is to offer a number of different dishes, including different meat options and a vegetarian option. Check your RSVPs to determine if any of your guests listed allergies or restrictions. Cookouts are fairly informal gatherings, and it's totally acceptable to hold a potluck-style barbecue. Especially if you're having a lot of people come, don't be afraid to ask guests to bring a dish so that you don't have to worry about it. The custom is typically that the host will provide the main dish, and can ask guests to bring sides, appetizers, snacks, and desserts. Once you've decided on all your menu items and your drinks, make a list of all the food, spices, and condiments you need for your snacks, main, sides, dessert, and drinks. To help plan the quantity of food, each guest will consume, on average: Two beverages when they arrive, followed by one more every hour 6 to 8 ounces (170 to 227 g) of meat 1 cup (150 g) of pasta salad or potato salad 1 cup (100 g) of coleslaw 1 to 2 cups (75 to 150 g) of salad Two pieces of fruit 4 ounces (113 g) of cake or cookies
A: Choose snack items and appetizers. Pick a main course. Select a few side dishes. Plan a dessert. Pick some beverages. Plan for dietary restrictions. Ask guests to bring dishes. Make a grocery list.

Q: Finding a safe, quiet space is good for both you and him. It will make both of you feel more comfortable and open than if you were in front of other people. If you want to have friends there to help you feel more comfortable, make sure you don't make him feel attacked. Don't gang up on him, or he is likely to shut you out. Talk to him directly, rather than over the phone. This will cause him to answer quickly and directly. If you discuss it with him over the phone, he has leverage and can respond at his leisure, promoting negative conflict management. Either with a close friend, a pet, or in the mirror, prepare the first few minutes of the conversation. This can be an awkward moment for your guy and if he feels attacked, misled, or ambushed, you'll want to stay direct and emotionally neutral. This will help him feel more comfortable in opening up to you. "I feel like you've been angry at me about something, and I've been thinking about what. Can we clear the air?" "Lately, I feel like we haven't been the same. I've noticed you shutting me out, are you angry about something?" "Is something bothering you? You've been acting differently lately and I would love to help you." Do not escalate the emotional level of the conversation by showing inconsistent feelings. Stay positive and consistent to keep the conversation flowing. Remind him that you're concerned about him and that you want to help him through any conflicts he might be feeling. Show you care by using positive eye contact and by talking with your hands. Occasionally touching his hand or shoulder will encourage him to be more open. Avoid rolling your eyes at all costs! He will take this as annoyance on your part and can make him more upset with you. If he is mad, it is important that you don't get defensive. Be prepared to apologize for any mistakes you have made. You've put him on the spot and asked him to be open to sharing his anger with you, denying it or becoming aggressive may close this window in future conversations.
A: Choose a spot to talk. Rehearse an opening. Be persistent. Stay engaged in the conversation. Be prepared to empathize.

Q: If you are worried about how your body is going to react to allergens or if you are struggling with your allergies, see your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor may be able to prescribe medicines that will help you deal with the oncoming allergy season. There are many over-the-counter options (OTC) available for allergies, but talking to your doctor about your symptoms is still a good idea. Your doctor can make recommendations for OTC medicines or prescribe a stronger medicine if needed. Your doctor may recommend you see an allergist and get allergy shots, which may help desensitize you to the allergens over a period of years. This is a long-term treatment. There are many different allergens that may be causing your allergy symptoms. If you are unsure about what you are allergic to, then a skin test is a good idea. Talk to your doctor about getting a skin test done to find out what you are allergic to. If OTC nasal sprays do not relieve your congestion during allergy season, then you can ask your doctor about a prescription corticosteroid nasal spray. This type of nasal spray is much stronger and may help to relieve your congestion if other types of nasal sprays have not helped. If you have not had success with medications or you just want to avoid them, look into acupuncture. A number of studies have shown acupuncture to be an effective approach for treating allergies.
A: Talk to your doctor about allergy medications. Request a skin test. Ask your doctor about a corticosteroid nasal spray. Consider acupuncture for allergies.

Q: While the chocolate or chocolate mixture is still melting, stir in a few spoonfuls of peanut butter until the mixture is smooth again. This will add a delicious hint of peanut butter to your finished chocolate bars. Sprinkle a little finely ground sea salt over your chocolate bars immediately after pouring them into the molds. The salt will add a little more complexity to your bars, as well as enhancing the deliciously pure chocolate flavor. In a dry frying pan, lightly toast some peanuts, almonds, coconut, or whatever other types of nut you like. Scatter them over the bottom of your chocolate molds before pouring in your chocolate for an extra nutty crunch when biting in your finished chocolate bars. Finely cut up a few chunks of your dried fruit of choice and place one or two pieces into each chocolate mold. This will help balance out the richness of your chocolate, as well as adding a freshness to cut through some of the sweetness. Apricots, cherries, cranberries, or figs would all be excellent additions to your chocolate bars. Make sure not to use anything with a high water content, as this can cause your chocolate to seize and become unworkable.
A:
Mix peanut butter into the melted chocolate for some subtle nuttiness. Add some sea salt for a sweet and salty taste. Mix in some toasted nuts for an extra crunch. Add some dried fruit to your chocolate for a tangy chew.