Almost 4th of July! All kids are off school hopefully enjoying the magic of lazy summer days and cooling pool time. Summer helps us fire the grill and take the cooking outside. Grilling (cooking outside) is such a fun activity to bring the family and friends together. It also helps keeping the heat out of the kitchen.

There’s always burgers and hotdogs for a typical grilled meal. Occasionally, salmon makes an appearance on the cedar planks. Have you ever ventured beyond the basics? Try some these to add more variety to your next grill.

• Skewer chunks of pepper, onion and pineapple and top with a cherry tomato. Brush with your favorite vinaigrette and on to the grill.
• Grill sliced pineapple and serve as a delicious side. Grilled pineapple becomes sweeter and takes away the scratchy feeling some have.
• Marinate portobello mushroom caps in some olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Grilled mushroom caps are a great alternative to burger or even a bean burger.
• Brush mini sweet peppers with olive oil and grill whole. Cool the grilled peppers, remove the skin and top (along with the seeds) and fill with creamy goat cheese. Top with some toasted pine nuts and you have a great appetizer.
• Halve fresh apricots to remove the nut. Place the cut side on the grill for 3-4 minutes. 
  Just like the grilled pineapple, grilled apricots taste sweeter. They make a great accompaniment to pork tenderloin or chicken.

Do you have any other ideas? Have you tried something new on the grill? Share it.

Happy Grilling!