On Grilling

As we welcome summer and all the great barbequing that comes with it, I'd like to offer some grilling alternatives to the tired hamburgers-hot dogs routine. Here are some delicious yet underrated grilled foods:

• Portobello mushrooms: for those who are fur-friendly or watching their cholesterol, instead of the bland store-bought veggie burger, why not grill up a large Portobello mushroom cap? They are actually remarkably juicy and meaty in texture, and like burgers can be served with interesting toppings such as roasted red peppers and mozzarella or goat cheese, or stuffed with spinach and ricotta - the possibilities are endless.
• Seafood: take a break from the red meat and save the steak for another night, and instead grill up some seafood on skewers! Try terayaki salmon skewers with pineapple and green onion, or shrimp (or scallops) in a tequila lime butter, with bell peppers.
• Fruit: this healthy grilled dessert is the perfect alternative to watery popsicles at cook-outs; my personal favorites are grilled pineapples or peaches - served over vanilla ice cream the warm fruit juices mix with the cool to create a delectable yet light treat.

*Grilled peaches served over greens also make an excellent salad, and go nicely with brie and pecans, served with white wine spritzer - a simple and easy dish to entertain with.