Embrace the Grill

Summer and grilling go hand in hand. Whether you're cooking up burgers, hot dogs, or vegetables, grilling is a great way to add flavor and a smoky char to your dishes. To get the most out of your grill, preheat it for at least 10 minutes before cooking and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Don't forget to let your meat rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Recipe: Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, and parsley)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and toss to coat.
3. Heat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
6. Make the Most of Seasonal Produce

Summer is the season for fresh fruits and vegetables, so be sure to take advantage of what's in season. Berries, peaches, and watermelon are all great options for sweet treats, while corn, zucchini, and tomatoes make for flavorful side dishes.

Recipe: Grilled Corn Salad

Ingredients:

4 ears of corn, husked

1 red bell pepper, diced

1/2 red onion, diced

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

2 tablespoons lime juice

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Heat the grill to medium-high heat.

1. Grill the corn for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly charred on all sides.
2. Cut the kernels off the cobs and place in a large bowl.
3. Add the bell pepper, red onion, jalapeno pepper, and cilantro to the bowl and toss to combine.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the corn salad and toss to coat.
6. Keep it Light and Refreshing

Summer is a time for light and refreshing dishes that won't weigh you down. Salads, chilled soups, and ceviche are all great options for hot days. Don't forget to keep your drinks cool too – a pitcher of iced tea or lemonade is perfect for a summer picnic.

Recipe: Watermelon and Feta Salad

Ingredients:

4 cups cubed watermelon

1 cup crumbled feta cheese

1/4 cup chopped fresh mint

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a large bowl, combine the watermelon, feta cheese, and mint.

In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

1. Drizzle the dressing over the watermelon salad and toss to coat.

Summer is the perfect time to experiment with new