Summertime Food Ideas

Today I would like to share with you some easy ways to use up all that fresh summer produce that is so widely available right now.

To be perfectly honest with you I don't use many recipes ...I do a lot of trial and error. But, since these ideas are rather simple I know all of you out there will have no problem doing these "recipes"!

Corn

I have spent countless hours watching people shuck ear after ear and inform me that they are going to boil all the flavor right out of the corn! I have an easier solution:

Leave the corn in it's husk, soak in water for at least an hour then just put it on the grill, shuck and all, for 20 minutes. Turning ears once every 5 minutes.

Don't be afraid if the outside is all charred the inside kernels will be steamed to perfection! Just peel and eat.....I think it goes without saying that you have to roll it in butter first!  The good thing about this method is that all pesky silt will be burned off while cooking so less muss and fuss!!

Summer Squash and Zucchini

I have often contended with the " I don't like that" phrase ( and I don't have children) when it comes to these summertime treats......until I put them on the grill!

Slice you squashes either lengthwise to in rounds...in rather thick slices.

In a large bowl combine squash, a couple of cap fulls of canola oil ( enough to evenly coat slices) and add your favorite spices. I like to use just salt and pepper or a salt free mix of herbs....if you are growing herbs in your garden this is a perfect time to use them! Then put your prepared slices on the grill. Grill until tender!

Easy Fajitas

Depending on the size of your family you may want to increase or decrease the amounts to suit your needs.

Marinade one package, usually they come in a pack of 3 breasts, of boneless, skinless chicken breast in your favorite fajita seasoning mix. ( following the directions on the package)

Half 2 green peppers removing the stems and seeds

 Peel and slice 2 onions into thick rounds

Grill...until veggies are tender and your chicken is thoroughly cooked and no longer pink in the thickest part of the breast.

Slice your chicken and veggies into bite sizes pieces and place in your favorite tortillas with your favorite toppings! ( I like cheese, sour cream and salsa!)

Eggplant

I tried cooking this yummy little veggie several different ways .... I always got the "it is alright" review until....you guessed it I put it on the grill!!

One family favorite  is Grilled Eggplant Sandwiches:

Peel and slice, into thick rounds, 1 large eggplant and evenly coat slices with oil.

( now depending on what your family likes, all these topping can be used or you can use what ever your family will like....)

Peel and slice one large onion into thick rounds

Grill eggplant and onion until tender.

Now it is time to make your sandwiches.... I like to use those " new buns" that aren't really buns.....kind of the flat sandwich buns you can find in most grocery stores...what ever variety you like!

Layer the eggplant, onions on the bun......and then use your imagination.....maybe some slices of tomato, the grilled squash from above, a slice of your favorite cheese and what ever condiments you like!

This can be a great meal if you are having guests that are vegetarians! 

Skewers:

A great idea when you are having guests is veggie skewers. They can be customized to what ever is on sale and what ever veggies you like!!

If you are using wooden skewers it is a good idea to soak them in water before putting your veggies on them so they don't burn and fall apart on the grill.....trust me I speak from experience!!

For a party I once ( with the help of several people ) skewered whole baby portabella mushrooms, yellow and zucchini squash, onions, green peppers and grape tomatoes. ( the squash and onion were cut into thick triangle shapes by cutting round slices into quarters)

We did individual skewers for each veggie because the cooking time varies. Any spice you like can be sprinkled on after skewering ( is that a word? Well it is now!) and then put them on the grill...until the veggies are tender! Now be aware that the juice inside the tomatoes will be hot so use a little caution before taking a bite!

You can serve the skewers intact or take the veggies off of them before serving.

Please beware.... sometimes parties have those people who will steal the skewers to "make sure they are fit for consumption" before they are served....we like to call these people the party vultures....don't be too hard on these people...they mean well!

I would like to invite all those out there who have read this to share your ideas or recipes in the comment section. I love trying new things and I LOVE TO EAT!!!