Santa Maria Style Tri-tip

The first outdoor bbq of the summer is always fun. This year it was extra special because it was our first bbq in our California home in four years. In fact, it was our first bbq at all in four years. When we moved to Virginia, my husband went on strike and decided he would not bbq until we were back home. Four years later… how I missed the summer tri-tips, carne asada, grilled burgers and costa azul shrimp that marked the summer weekends. The truth is it was too hot to bbq in Virginia. Unlike California, the evenings don’t cool off which makes bbq’ing quite unpleasant. But here, under the cool evening sky, we are relishing the Santa Maria style tri-tip with a bright salsa verde, my corn and zucchini confetti, roasted potatoes and a very patriotic ice-box cake for dessert.

Easy icebox cake, layered with graham crackers, whipped cream, whipped cream cheese and raspberry jam. Delicious and uber easy.