I first started drafting this post at the beginning of the summer when — after a BBQ-packed summer the year before — I was sure we’d be BBQ-ing all summer long. Turns out we didn’t go to OR host many BBQs this year, but we DID turn on the grill plenty of times for ourselves and these were the things we made and loved. I’m sharing with you in the hopes that it’ll help you (and I!) out NEXT year when we’re faced with that age old question: “WHAT DO I MAKE?!”
Apps/Sides:
Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers // What’s not to like about mini bell peppers stuffed with cream cheese and fresh herbs? For what it’s worth, I’ve also made these in the oven (400° for 25 minutes) and it worked like a charm, but if you have the time and the weather is working in your favor, definitely go for the grill.
Cranberry-Almond Broccoli Salad // Have you had the Broccoli Crunch salad at Whole Foods? Because this tastes EXACTLY like it, except making it yourself is way way cheaper and much more satisfying.
Lemony Millet Salad with Chickpeas, Corn and Spinach // Except we always use orzo instead of millet and arugula for the spinach. Leave the greens out altogether for make-ahead-of-time-without-fear-of-sogginess ease. (Note: Literally just cut and pasted that blurb from last year’s BBQ recipe round-up :P)
Charred Shishito Peppers // It was the summer of the shishito pepper for us. But they’re so easy and all they need is a little oil, salt and maybe a sriracha mayo to make them taste incredible.
Grilled Corn with Sriracha Aioli // I think I already made it clear how good this was.
Super Clean Broccoli Salad with Creamy Almond Dressing // The dressing was A+ but if we’re being honest, and I always am, I liked the Cranberry-Almond Broccoli Salad (above) better.
Mains:
Grilled Chicken with Honey-Chipotle BBQ Sauce // Got rave reviews on this chicken, plus the BBQ sauce is quick and outstanding. It’s fun to brag that it’s homemade. Chicken thighs are where it’s at!
Spinach Goat Cheese Turkey Burgers // These were in one of my “Make This Now” posts but I made them a second time on a Friday night when Bob and Becca were over brewing beer. I loaded my burger up with lettuce, tomato and onion which I almost never do and I was kinda sad that all the fixins covered up the burger and most importantly, the goat cheese. So, in other words, these don’t even need any doctoring up to taste their best.
Grilled Chicken Wings with Shishito Peppers and Herbs // Can’t stop won’t stop with shishitos. This was my first time ever grilling wings — actually Joey did the actual grilling — and though I didn’t LOVE them, I liked them A LOT.
Grilled Lamb // Simply put, this was INCREDIBLE!
Tequila-Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs // Oh the advantages of always having a bottle of tequila on hand! It’s a toss up between these and the honey-chipotle thighs for best chicken I’ve ever grilled.
The BA Burger Deluxe // All summer, I wanted to make a classic cheeseburger and this was the one. The “recipe” is insanely easy and you probably only need to glance over it once to know it by heart.
Green Chili Chicken Burgers // A loooong time favorite. But there’s cheese, a green chili topping and they’re really easy to whip up.
Grilled Steak and Tomatoes with Tofu Ranch Dressing // Tofu and steak together? I know, I know, but hear me out. The dressing is so good and goes wonderfully with the steak. Especially if you cook the steak to that perfect medium-rare like Joey did when we ate this. We used green tomatoes this year and they held up MUCH better, though the taste is different.
Grilled Margherita Pizza // Grilled pizza is so easy that you definitely don’t need an actual recipe, but this one was my inspiration for the couple of times we made one this summer. Kind of loved the addition of pepperoni!
Desserts:
Vegan Chocolate Chunk Cookies // This is my go-to cookie recipe because it’s SO quick and the result is always incredible. I brought these to a BBQ early in the summer and got a weird sense of satisfaction every time someone grabbed a second or third one 🙂 I usually skip the strawberries.
Blueberry-Pecan Galette // I’m all about the crust and this crust was INCREDIBLE! Also, because a galette involves folding the crust over, you get a double layer and I was in crust heaven when I ate it. Not complete without a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Peach Cobbler // ALWAYS AND FOREVER. If this was an alternate universe where I actually committed crimes instead of being a steadfast rule follower, this would be my Death Row dessert.
Rhubarb and Raspberry Crostata // Not gonna lie, this wasn’t my favorite thing I made this summer. Why do raspberries gotta be so seedy?? But it was super quick and easy to make, so I’ll give it that.
Guys, that’s it. That’s the last of my “summer recap” posts. So long, Summer 16. You were good and long and full of good food. Currently, we are en route to Washington, D.C. for a little weekend getaway/visit with Fletcher and the forecast says “feels like 100°” so I guess summer lives on for me! Happy Weekend-ing, friends!
Life as Lauren 