Today I have a super fun guest post from Ashley of Belts and Bangles! I hope you like it!!
First a little about Ashley: Ashley Spade is a law student in Chicago. When not studying or browsing vintage stores for the perfect pair of pumps, she enjoys cooking and hanging out with her furry sidekick, Sir Winston Pugsalot, a mischievous pug. Follow their adventures on Twitter: @ashspade or read her fashion blog: http://www.beltsandbangles.com
Summer means hanging out at the beach, wearing flirty fashions, and cooking out on the grill. Grilling is a healthy alternative to microwaving and stovetop cooking, and can make meal preparation a creative adventure. If you are a grilling novice, you can find affordable grills at stores such as Family Leisure, and the Internet is chock-full of easy recipes. It is not only possible to prepare an entire meal over an open flame, but a fun challenge to your everyday menu, as well.
Appetizers
Many mistakenly believe that grills are only intended for meat and the occasional cob of corn, but remember: food was cooked over an open fire for millennia before the invention of the electric stove and microwave. Grilled tomato and mozzarella sandwiches are easy appetizers to make, and can be a fun way to start an outdoor meal.
Vegetables
Kebabs are an easy way to cook veggies and meat at the same time, and can be as creative as you want. You can opt for veggies with meat, veggies alone, or meat alone, depending on your personal preference. Spicy fish kebabs are one of my personal favorites. I serve them with a glass of chilled white wine, and savor the contrasting flavors.
Main Course
Burgers
Burgers are a mainstay of summer menus, but you don’t have to settle for a wad of hamburger thrown on the grill. There are many alternatives to this overused recipe, including bleu cheese burgers. These are delicious with all the fixings or none at all, and can be paired with grilled corn on the cob.
Chicken
Most people opt for the barbecued variety, but if you aren’t “most people” and want to try something new, try marinating your chicken in Italian salad dressing for a day or two before throwing it on the grill. The result will be moist and lightly seasoned, and will taste delicious with a crisp Caesar salad.
Dessert
Yes, you can even grill your dessert! My favorite delicacy to throw together is a pineapple-berry hobo pack. This is easy to make, and the ginger mixes well with the pineapple and berry flavors. Pair with a dollop or two of vanilla ice cream, and you have a satisfying end to your meal.
When it’s 92 degrees outside with a heat index of 110, remember that you don’t have to slave over a hot stove in a sweltering kitchen. You can escape into the outdoors and still prepare a home-cooked and nutritious meal for your family and friends. So, close your oven and open your backdoor today!
I so want the grilled tomato and mozzarella sandwiches!
Those little tomoato/mozz sammies look soooo good!! and so cute!!
Oh my gosh I love bleu cheese burgers! And I don’t even really like bleu cheese!
We just had these a couple of weeks ago with grilled corn on the cob!!!
This post makes me hungry!!!!
Totally trying out those recipes…especially the tomato and mozzarella sandwiches, yum!
This post is worthy of appreciation, looking forward to more exciting!
Wow, perfect. Fortunately, I found your website!
Thanks for sharing!