Grilling Favorites for Father's Day

Do you need a new grilling recipe for Father's Day? I have a few tried and true recipes and some grilling tips for guaranteed success. Mix and match menus by using the basic recipe as the entree, the main ingredient in a specialty sandwich (quesadilla, taco, etc), or the foundation of a full meal salad.

Grilling is by far my favorite way to entertain during the summer months. From a grilled flank steak (London broil or skirt steak) it's easy to go to a layered steak salad, sliced beef on grilled flat bread with a complimentary salsa, or a steak quesadilla--several different meals from one basic recipe.

The same holds true for grilled fish. Grilled Fish Taco with Cilantro Slaw and Avocado Salsa could certainly be served more formally by adding cheese polenta or grits to the plate as the base for your fish. Top with avocado salsa, and add a little marinated red cabbage on the side to finish the dish. For a casual get together, have all the ingredients ready along with grilled flour tortillas, and let your guests become creative.

Grilled pork tenderloin is equally versatile. From the more formal presentation to the delicious salad meal incorporating orange slices, avocado, and salad greens, or a cubano sandwich featuring the thinly sliced pork, provolone cheese , and plenty of pickles, you have a variety of meals from one basic recipe.

And then there's the humble chicken. Beer Can Chicken continues to be high on my list of favorite ways to grill chicken. I don't know the history of this grilling technique, but I do have a mental image: friends camping together, enjoying a beverage, with a chicken to cook for dinner, and no clear idea of how to accomplish the task. Coudos to those friends! Propping the chicken on a half filled can of beer resulted in a deliciously moist chicken with wonderful grilled flavor. And the uses for the cooked chicken are limitless.

Don't forget dessert! Grilling fresh fruit caramelizes the fruit giving it a more concentrated sweet flavor. Sliced peaches and pineapple are my favorites. Serve with the ice cream of your choice for a grilled fruit parfait. Or lightly grill flour tortillas, brush top with butter, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and add grilled fruit for a grilled fruit fajita.

Choose your favorite recipes, perfect the techniques, and make this an easy, grilling summer.