Three-day weekends and sunshine just scream for firing up the grill, getting together with friends, and enjoying all the world has given you. So in that spirit, I thought it would be fun to give you a little inspiration if your plans this weekend involve barbecuing, or grilling out as we call it down South (because barbecue is reserved for almighty smoked pig event!).

Double Cheeseburgers: If you’re looking for the standard fare, there’s nothing much better than the cheeseburger. Juicy beef, melty American cheese, fresh from the garden lettuce – mmm! Here’s my take on the double cheeseburger, with a great, mild seasoning for the meat.

Lamb sliders: If you’re looking for an amazing twist on the humble cheeseburger, look no further. This recipe starts with fresh ground lamb, adds some heat and Mediterranean spices, and gets topped with feta, haloumi, and cucumbers for a refreshing crunch!

Grilled Chicken Wings: I’m going to go ahead and say you should get at least 3 pounds of chicken wings per person, because these guys are amazing. There will be nothing left on the bones and your guests will be begging for more (or at least for the recipe).
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Cooking outdoors by Courtney

This recipe is one of the gems I discovered this summer in Tennessee. We grilled out at my dad’s one evening (very different from barbecuing in the South), and on the menu was chicken wings. I have to say, I was a skeptic that these were as wonderful as my dad and his wife touted, but they definitely delivered on flavor. Plus, the recipe is pretty darn easy to pull together, and once you’ve made the marinade, you’ve got enough for more than a couple of batches of chicken wings. (more…)

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Cooking outdoors, Dairy free, Dinner, Gluten free, Lunch, Prep for Later Use, Quick and Easy by Courtney

At least that’s what I was feeling yesterday while soaking up a few of the sun’s rays. The clouds finally cleared, and the temperature got up to 80, and while sipping on a bit of pineapple juice, I thought, “I should really make something with some grilled pineapple.”

Lucky for me, I had only used half the pineapple in my juice, so half was left over for grilling. I also had some chicken thighs in the freezer, so I decided a teriyaki chicken bowl with grilled pineapple would be the perfect way to end the sunny day. (more…)

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Cooking outdoors, Dairy free, Dinner, Gluten free, Hawaiian, Lunch by Courtney

This bit of Indian summer we’re experiencing is making me want to have one last hurrah of summery, grilling out sessions (you know, before those fall grilling out sessions that are more like tailgate fair). So I’m going to make some thin burgers, about a 1/4 pound each, perfect for stacking up for a double (or triple) cheese burger. I’m jonesing for a bit of fruit, and a fruit salad is the perfect way to trick myself into thinking this burger meal is healthy! Chips are added for good measure though. Really, who can eat a burger without some form of potato? (more…)

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Cooking outdoors, Lunch by Courtney

Attention Campbellites, this post is for you!

Actually, it’s for anyone that is experiencing those last warm days of summer that are fading into fall. This sandwich was inspired by products I pick up at my local farmer’s market, but if you’re not from these parts, you should easily be able to find most products in your local store (and the one secret ingredient online if not locally).

The veggie pita sandwich starts off with veggies – duh! Personally, I like to start with zucchini, summer squash, and onions. You could also try adding some tomatoes or eggplant to the mix. (more…)

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Cooking outdoors, Lunch, Sandwiches, Vegetarian by Courtney