The 4th of July is the country’s most popular grilling day, according to the Barbecue Association, so it’s likely that you’ll either be throwing a barbecue or going to a friend’s barbecue this weekend. If you’re looking for something beyond burgers and hot dogs, consider putting some of these on the grill:
Pizza - Trader Joe’s has premade pizza dough for just over $1 a bag. Let everyone assemble their own personal-size pizzas and toss them on the grill. They cook up in just a couple of minutes, and you won’t believe how good the dough tastes when it’s grilled.
Vegetables - Use a grilling basket, or thread veggies on skewers. Lightly toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and dried herbs. A few minutes on a hot grill, and these veggies are good to go.
Clams - Simply place cleaned clams on the grill. They’ll open when they’re done (discard any that don’t open). Toss hot clams in a mixture of bread crumbs, parsley, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Similar idea to clams casino, but lighter and oh-so-good.
Shrimp - Marinate shrimp in olive oil, lemon, and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes in a grilling basket or on skewers. Sprinkle on heaps of fresh cilantro and serve. This makes a terrific appetizer or main course.
Fruit - Grilled fruit makes a fabulous dessert for a barbecue. The intense heat caramelizes the natural sugars in the fruit, intensifying their sweetness. Try grilling pineapple slices, halved peaches, or even whole strawberries! Serve on their own, or with vanilla ice cream.
Source: Cooking With Trader Joe’s
Photo: AliTaylor
