Don’t you just hate being stuck in the kitchen, slaving over a hot stove in the summer time? I would much rather hang out on the back patio and enjoy a yummy grilled meal outside. If you plan your meals ahead of time, and figure in that you may want to grill the food — dinner outside will be ready in a snap.
Most meat and vegetables that you can bake or cook in a pan, can also be cooked on the grill. You’re not just limited to hamburgers and hot dogs. Chicken breast, pork chops, and salmon are all great at the grill. Vegetables can be cooked in a foil pouch, or directly on the grill if they are large enough (think corn, zucchini or eggplant).
Any type of grilled meat or fish, can be turned into a full meal by adding a mixed salad and some bread or toast. Of course you could also prepare some pasta or potato salad ahead of time and have it ready when it’s time to start up the grill.
But you’re not only limited to grilling just meat or fish. With a little creativity and imagination, you can come up with all kinds of fun dishes straight from the grill. Here are some ideas.
Grilled Pizza
Did you know you can “bake” a pizza right on the grill? Make thin individual pizzas using your favorite pizza dough recipe (or use a large tortilla instead). Grill one side, flip it and add your favorite toppings and of course cheese. Continue cooking with a closed grill top until the toppings are warmed through and the cheese is melted.
Grilled Tacos or Fajitas
Grill up some steak or chicken and slice it into thin strips. Heat your tortillas briefly on the grill and load your tacos or fajitas up with the meat and your favorite toppings. You can even grill onions and peppers right on the grill on a piece of aluminum foil for your fajitas. Serve with sour cream and salsa.
All Kinds of Kebabs
You can make a complete meal by threading any type of meat or even chunks of fish or whole shrimp on bamboo sticks. Alternate the meat or fish with chunks of vegetables for a complete meal. Drizzle or marinate with your favorite seasonings before grilling.
You can also make fun dessert kebabs by threading different chunks of fruit on the kebabs. Grill until the fruit is just starting to get soft and drizzle with a little honey before serving.
Meal in a Pouch
Just about any meal that you can cook in the oven, can also be cooked in a foil pouch on the grill. Best of all, it’s quick to prepare and makes cleanup a breeze. We like to use chunks of potatoes and root vegetables that have been tossed in olive oil and seasonings. Place a piece of chicken or fish on top of the potatoes and fold the foil into a pouch. Cook it directly on the grill over gentle heat until the meat and veggies are done.
Don’t forget about Dessert
You can even create some yummy desserts right on the grill. Toss just about any type of fruit with a little sugar, or drizzle some honey over it and grill it. Large pieces of fruit like bananas, pineapple slices or peach halves can be placed right on the grill. Smaller fruit like berries can be cooked in a foil pouch.
I encourage you to work some grilled meals into your weekly menu this summer. When it’s too warm to cook inside, take dinner to the patio and enjoy delicious food straight from the grill. You’ll be surprised how fast and simple this can be when you plan for it ahead of time and have everything you need in the house.
For more great cooking ideas, a grilling guide and plenty of weekly menus including family friendly meals, healthy meals and a new vegetarian meal plan, visit www.menuplanningcentral.com. Visit us today to pick up your free menu planning basics guide.
This article was written by Susanne Meyers. (You may not reprint this article.)
To learn more, check out the Mom’s Talk eBook’s Freezing It & Loving It!
