…is here.  Memorial Day Weekend is the official start.  But, like everything else, the so-called experts are trying to throw cold water on our summer fun by telling us that the cost of a backyard barbecue is going through the stratosphere.  Here’s a look at some of the costs of cook-out ingredients and materials, compared to last year…

• 1 lb. beef $3.52 ($3.48); Up 1.1 percent
• Paper plates $1.82 ($1.60); Up 13.8 percent
• Charcoal $7.89 ( $7.78); Up 1.4 percent
• 16-ounce bag of chips $3.89 ($3.48); Up 11.8 percent
• 6-pack of beer $6.74 ($6.66); up 1.2 percent

I refuse to let the higher cost of cooking out ruin my summer.  It is one thing on which I will not skimp.  How about you?  How do you plan to cut back on the cost of cooking out?  Let me know…below…and happy grilling! 

Steve