Welcome to Summer Menu

While I think that I do an OK job in the kitchen, one thing that I still haven't tried is the grill. Chuck does a fabulous job at everything on the grill, and I love parties in the warm weather where he handles the outside and I just take care of everything inside (usually salads pulled right from the fridge!). But I decided this weekend that it was time to take the plunge - I wanted Chuck to show me how to grill. Well, at least how to turn it on!

This menu has a few add-ons that work if you are cooking for a bigger crowd. I love that almost everything can be prepped in advance, and the hard work is done by the grillmaster, who can also have an enjoyable time with a glass of beer (Chuck) or lemonade (me, for now!) in his or her hand. Stay tuned for the recipes!

Appetizers

• Hummus with pita chips
• Tomato and garlic bruschetta with crostini
• Option: Chicken poppers with honey mustard sauce

Dinner

• Grilled porterhouse steaks with mustard-peppercorn rub
• Greek orzo salad with grilled shrimp and mustard-dill vinaigrette
• Marinated grilled zucchini and eggplant ribbons
• Option: Tomato and goat cheese stacks with pesto

Dessert

• Strawberry shortcakes with whipped cream
• Option: Cookie dough truffles