Great Grilling: Summertime Entertaining Made Simple in Maryland

Cook your family's favorite meals, like shrimp and vegetables, in an outdoor kitchen this summer to deliver incredible flavor without the mess in the kitchen.

The backyard barbecue, now the outdoor kitchen, is one of America's most beloved, iconic traditions. Summertime entertaining season in Maryland is upon us once again, meaning it's time to perfect your grilling game to avoid falling into the same old rut. Boring burgers and ho-hum hot dogs can get old fast, but it's easier than you might think to add a spark to your outdoor cooking.

The following tasty tips and simple tricks from Tastefully Simple, the original home taste-test party company offering high-quality, easy-to-prepare foods, and The Appliance Source- your areas source for outdoor kitchens will help ensure your backyard blowout is the best party on the block.

Keep the heat out of the kitchen. Think twice before cranking up the stove or oven this summer. Is it really necessary to cook indoors, or could you easily prepare your favorite foods on the grill instead? Most summer hosts and hostesses think about cooking meats on the grill, yet rarely realize the potential for grilling snacks, sides and even desserts. Serve this "100 Percent Grilled" menu at your next summer soiree and get ready for your guests' rave reviews:

* For an unexpected appetizer, grill quesadillas stuffed with cheddar cheese and corn and black bean salsa. Top with sour cream and cilantro.
* Sprinkle chicken breasts with Tastefully Simple Everyday Grillin' Seasoning and top with Smoky Bacon Grill Sauce as a finishing touch.
* Brush fresh vegetables like asparagus, zucchini and mushrooms with an infused olive oil before grilling for incredible color and flavor.
* Place buttered slices of your favorite pound cake on the grill until just heated through. Top with grilled peaches, ice cream and caramel sauce for a truly decadent dessert.
Savor seafood. On warm weather days, appetites lean toward lighter fare. Rather than serving a hearty meal of beef or pork, try grilling up your family's favorite seafood. Place shrimp, peppers and onions on a skewer to make a spectacular shish kabob. Salmon is healthy and delicious when grilled on a cedar plank, while adding hickory chips to your coals can add incredible flavor to grilled seafood, meat or veggies. Just remember to soak cedar planks or hickory chips beforehand to prevent them from catching fire on the grill.
Celebrate special occasions. Skip the fancy restaurants this year and celebrate summer birthdays and anniversaries at home instead. When you plan a special menu for that special someone, you'll show them how much you care without the hassle or added expense of dining out. This grilled tenderloin recipe is a guaranteed show-stopper:
"I Love Merlot" Beef Tenderloin
2 thick slices bacon
2 (4-6 ounce) beef tenderloin fillets
Tastefully Simple Merlot Sauce
2-3 tablespoons blue cheese crumbles
Wrap one slice of bacon around each fillet; secure with a toothpick. Brush Merlot Sauce on both sides of each fillet. Grill over medium heat to desired temperature, about four minutes per side for medium-rare. Top each steak with another small drizzle of Merlot Sauce; sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles. Serves two.

Put safety first. No matter what you decide to grill up this summer, remember your food safety basics. Always wash your hands before and after handling raw poultry or meat. Use a meat thermometer to ensure all meats, poultry and seafood are thoroughly cooked to the recommended safe temperature. Don't let buffet items languish in the hot sun; instead, keep meats warm until you're ready to serve, and promptly refrigerate any leftovers. Each of these precautions will help protect you, your family and your guests from the dangers of food-borne illnesses.
With these simple tips and tricks up your sleeve, expect to effortlessly entertain outdoors this summer. For even more delicious recipes and grilling ideas, visit www.tastefullysimple.com.

To complete your outdoor cooking experience contact The Appliance Source for amazing outdoor kitchen ideas. OL107659

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