Grilling Recipes Perfect for Summer

Grilling recipes that are perfect for summer along with food safety tips for entertaining outdoors are featured today. Let me help you plan the perfect and safe outdoor celebration easy grilling recipes along with a few side dishes to round out your meal.

Earlier this month I shared recipes and ideas for you and your family to enjoy special time outdoors this summer. For example, I shared Tips on Planning the Perfect Picnic. as well as 15 Summer Picnic Recipes.

I know you're going to enjoy these grilling recipes perfect for summer as well! Especially since a few of them are not traditional grilling food items. Have you ever had grilled fruit? Make sure you check out the recipe below...I think you're going to love it!

Another summer grilling recipe I'm including is my Oven-Baked Barbecue Ribs. This is the perfect recipe to make if you don't have access to a grill.

But before we get to the recipes, let's talk about a few tips for serving food outdoors when you're entertaining.

Food Safety Tips For Outdoor Entertaining

When entertaining and serving food outdoors during warm weather you want to make sure that you’re taking appropriate precautions to handle and store the food properly.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind this summer when dining outdoors along with easy summer grilling recipes.

Keep Hot Foods Hot

Use food warmers. These can be purchased or rented. Serving pans are situated above sterno fuel which keeps the food warm.
Make sure lids are used on the pans to ensure the food is kept at the proper temperature.
Another option is to use a cooler with heated bricks that are wrapped in tin foil that have been heated in a 350 degree oven for about an hour. Add thick cardboard to the bottom of the cooler and then carefully place the bricks on the cardboard using oven mitts. Cover the bricks with another piece of cardboard before placing the dishes of hot food on top.
You can also use two grills: one for actual grilling and one as the holding or warming grill.

Keep Cold Foods Cold

Use several large coolers with plenty of ice.
Try to position the coolers in the shade or under a covered porch or tent so the ice doesn’t melt too quickly.
You can also purchase an inflatable ice serving buffet bar to set on a table. Again, try to position the serving table in the shade.
Try using smaller serving dishes for the cold food and refill as needed.
Keep the unused food inside in the fridge, if possible, and only refill when necessary.
Foods made with mayonnaise, like my Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe need to be kept on top of ice.
Keep beverages and ice for beverages in a separate cooler.
The cooler with drinks will be opened many more times than one with food. This will help foods stay cold longer.
You can never have too much ice on hand. Even if someone has to make an ice run during your event, it is well worth it to maintain the safety of the food and your guests health.

In conclusion, a great rule to remember is that if you do not have a way to keep certain foods hot or cold, simply choose different dishes to serve. You want your guests to remain healthy and it’s better to serve something else that to take a chances with food safety issues.