Grillin' Outside of the Box!

Some people enjoy the fresh scent after a rain storm, others enjoy a crisp morning breeze on the beach, me…well I love the overwhelming sensation and rush I get when I fire up the family grill! The art of the grill; my favorite cooking technique. I am the master griller in our family; I absolutely love it! Luckily my husband allows me this simple pleasure. There is just something so refreshing and savory about food cooked on a hot grill. South Texas is the perfect place for me to live because I can utilize our outdoor grill from March – October. November, December and January are very sad months for me…. I usually end up cooking a lot of Chili and Stews. Now it is time to think outside of the box. We know you can grill meats and veggies; but what about something different? Here are a few of my favorite outside of the box grilled treats!

Grilled Avocados:
So simple and easy to make! Very versatile as well, you can fill the avocados with your favorite cheeses, veggies, and meats; the possibilities are endless. Purchase 1 avocado per two servings. You will want to find those mid-ripened avocados. Slightly soft to the touch; not too hard and not too soft. Slice the avocados in half long ways. Remove the pit. Place the avocado inside up on a platter. Squeeze a lime wedge over each half to keep the avocado from browning. Brush the exposed insides with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Allow grill to heat up to approximately 400 degrees. Place your avocados inside face down on the upper rack (or bottom if you don’t have an upper rack). Let grill for approx 5-10 minutes or until you have visible grill marks. Flip the avocados inside face up and fill with your favorite ingredients (note: whatever you choose to fill your avocado with should be fully prepared and cooked). Allow the filler to warm up, cheese to melt, etc. Serve as a side dish or lite dinner entrée. The grilled avocados are absolutely amazing! A warm buttery soft finish. Fillings you might try are sliced cherry tomato and feta crumbles; grilled chicken and Monterrey Jack cheese; or Pico de Gallo and shredded Cheddar. My little disclaimer: Only eat the inside of your avocados. Did you know the outer skins of the avocado are poisonous if eaten?


Grilled Pound Cake with Berries:
Simple, simple. What you will need: pound cake, berries, ice cream. Slice the pound cake into approximately 2 inch slices. Heat slices of pound cake on the hot (clean) grill grates for 2 to 3 minutes per side or until you have visible grill marks. Top each slice with your favorite ice cream and 1/2 cup of fresh berries. Yum, yum. A cool summer treat hot off the grill.


What are some of your favorite grilled treats?