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This post is part of a series about eco-friendly entertaining. Read the entire Green Summer Gourmet series here.
Ah, summer grilling. Just saying that evokes carefree afternoons, or long evenings spent with friends. There is something about getting outside to cook over a flame that is so satisfying, and so conducive to entertaining. It doesn't matter whether you are using a little $10 charcoal grill or on the most elaborate gas barbeque. One of the first purchases I made when I moved away from home was one of those miniature charcoal grills. I would wrap whole potatoes in aluminum foil and stick them straight into the coals then invite a couple of friends over, and we'd gorge ourselves. Now I barbeque at the cottage and I usually serve lots more than potatoes.
Grilling allows you a certain freedom when you are cooking. You're in the fresh air, and the focus is on family and friends. You can be more casual, providing great-tasting, simple fare without a fussy presentation. People keep you company while you cook, so you aren't stuck alone in the kitchen. If you are eating outside, even the most beautifully set table sheds any feeling of formality and offers a sense of relaxation and camaraderie. I also love the range of choice for cooking on a grill. You can easily break away from the standard burgers and hot dogs, and make something that is still easy, but fabulous and green. Take advantage of the wonderful produce available in season. Get yourself some organic meat or fish, or go entirely vegetarian and grill some tofu to go with the vegetables. It's a very simple thing to accommodate both meat eaters and vegetarian guests in your crowd at the same time. Remember that you can always use tofu anywhere you would use meat. I just double the recipe and marinate meat and tofu separately. That way, everyone shares the same tastes. Below, I offer my favorite summer recipes for grilling up casual meals that will delight your guests but are simple enough to make that they won't take the host away from the party.
