New (Old) Ways to Cook Outdoors this Summer

Looking for new inspiration to mix up your outdoor cooking routine? There are so many ways to prepare your favorite meats and veggies while enjoying our beautiful New England summer. All able to create delicious dishes, many of these methods have been around for a while but are enjoying fresh popularity. Whether you’re in the backyard, vacationing by the lake or beach, or out camping, this guide can serve as inspiration for every meal, all summer long.

Amp Up Your Grill

Looking for a new twist on traditional grilling? Consider cooking your meat or fish on a Himalayan salt block or cedar plank for extra flavor or to infuse a smoky quality. Be sure to preheat the salt block to your desired temperature; cedar planks will need to be soaked in water for at least an hour before cooking. Covering the plank while cooking will ensure the smoke does its work.

Need some recipe ideas? Try out this Cedar Plank Steak recipe or Himalayan Salted Flank Steak with Grilled Pineapple Salsa to wow family and friends.

Add a flat top or griddle to your grill to increase the cooking versatility. No more food falling through the grill grates. Make smash burgers, fajitas, stir fries, even pancakes, bacon and eggs right on your grill.

Try these delicious Grilled Smash Burgers or Chicken Fajita Quesadillas on your griddle or flat top.

Smoking

We love our barbecue and smoked meats. It’s no surprise that smoking is rising in popularity.  A low-and-slow method that develops deep flavor, smoking is perfect if you crave traditional barbecue, or like experimenting with infusing that signature smoked flavor into vegetables or other dishes.

Where to start? Try these easy smoker recipes:

• Easy Smoked Chicken Thighs – just a few ingredients and about an hour of slow cooking, and these tender, juicy thighs are sure to please!
• Smoked Strip Steaks with Blue Cheese Wine Sauce or Beef Brisket Benedict – for a luxurious treat from ‘Beef It’s What’s For Dinner’, try these recipes when you’re tired of the same-old meals.
• Smoked Pork Tenderloin – tender and lean, this versatile meat makes an excellent dinner plus packable sandwiches for the next day.
• Smoked Potatoes – bursting with flavor, these creamy smoked potatoes are practically perfect for your summer table.

Campfire Cooking

Forget the protein bars. Fire pits offer a variety of ways to prepare delicious hot meals:

Dutch ovens — A scout camping staple, Dutch ovens offer great versatility. Prepare stews, chili, lasagna, bread, and much more for dinner, then top it off with homemade cookies or a cobbler for dessert.  You’re only limited by your imagination. Try:

• Dutch Oven Chicken and Dumplings
• Dutch Oven Enchiladas
• Campfire Chile Verde

No Equipment? Consider foil packet meals that you can cook directly in embers — just wrap your choice of protein (fish, sausage, etc.) in heavy-duty foil, add potatoes and/or vegetables for a complete meal. These also work great on the grill and are an easy way to feed a crowd. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Bacon Ranch Chicken Foil Packets
• Grilled Nachos
• Kielbasa and Potato Foil Packets

Or bring skewers to cook over the open flame — this method is perfect for kebabs, fruit skewers, or marshmallows, and the (older) kids love cooking their own dinner and dessert over the fire.

Outdoor Pizza Ovens

Portable pizza ovens are relatively inexpensive and give you temperatures far beyond most home ovens (exceeding 1000°). Many use convertible fuel sources, including wood pellets or external gas or electric burners. They’re great not just in the back yard, but for tailgating and camping. You’ll not only get amazing pizza in minutes, you can make focaccia, roasted vegetables, or quick-sear your favorite meat.

Think of the pizza oven as similar in functionality to your home oven, but on steroids temperature-wise. Try varied recipes such as sweet and spicy Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza, Baby Back Ribs with Barbecue Glaze, and Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms.

Want more inspiration? Check out our Summer Favorites Shopping Guide or come check out the latest offerings at our store. There’s always something new to discover. We’ve been featuring the best in meats, prepared foods, produce, grocery items, and spirits since 1955.