Tag: fruits

Summer Lakeside Recipes for Grilled Fruits and Vegetables

Posted on Jeanne Delathouder
Photo courtesy of Everyday Health

Now that summer is in full swing at the lake, the bins at the grocery stores and farmers’ markets are swelling with fresh produce that’s ripe for the picking. So, what to do with all that succulent goodness? Enjoy it while you can—and get grilling. For meal inspiration, we’ve put together a colorful cornucopia of fruits and vegetables you can easily throw on the grill to savor as side dishes or enjoy all on their own.

Magnificent Medley

Photo courtesy of Foodie Crush

When you’re firing up the grill for fish, chicken, or steak, don’t forget to toss on some fresh veggies. Grilling these beauties with a little bit of olive oil and a sprinkling of salt and ground black pepper will bring out a tender, roasted sweetness like no other while adding a delicious smoky char that’s irresistible. Grilling coaxes out the natural sugars in vegetables to create a caramelizing effect that is both savory and sweet. Check out this super-simple recipe for a colorful mix that includes portobello mushrooms, eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, onions, asparagus, and red bell pepper. For a tangy twist, add tomatoes to this eye-catching dish.

Succulent Sweetcorn

Photo courtesy of Spicy Southern Kitchen

Perhaps the most iconic of all summer vegetables, sweetcorn tastes even more delectable when grilled. It’s the perfect complement to almost any barbecue fare, and you can spice it up with anything you like. Put the corn directly on the grill grate for an exceptional smoky char, or wrap it in aluminum foil to seal in all that buttery flavor even better. This creative take on a classic features freshly grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, fresh basil, and red pepper flakes. Enjoy!

Marinated Mushrooms

Photo courtesy of Closet Cooking

Mushrooms take on an amazing smoky flavor when they’re grilled. Skewer them up with lots of seasoning, and you have a fantastic appetizer for your next get-together at the lake. This tempting dish is marinated with balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, chopped garlic cloves, fresh chopped thyme, salt, and pepper. You’ll get a savory char with only 2-3 minutes per side. Visit Closet Cooking for this quick and easy recipe.

Savory Sweet Potatoes

Photo courtesy of Gimme Some Grilling

Why reserve sweet potatoes just for holidays? These yummy orange jewels are delicious when grilled—and with minimal effort on your part. For a flavorful side dish that pairs well with grilled chicken, pork chops, or any style of barbecue, simply slice potatoes into half-inch rounds, toss with olive oil and preferred seasonings, and grill to perfection on both sides. There’s no need to peel them if you like the taste and texture of the skins. This recipe incorporates pepper, garlic, and smoked paprika for a bold burst of summer flavor.

Color Combo

Photo courtesy of Food Network

Bring an unexpected punch of color—and flavor—to a tried-and-true summer fav. Here, ribbons of vibrant red grilled bell pepper take asparagus stalks to the next level. Mouthwatering good and visually appetizing, this power combo bring summer style and flavor to any meal. Top with chopped chives for an unbeatable garden-fresh finish. Visit Food Network for the recipe.

Peaches & Cream

Photo courtesy of Self Proclaimed Foodie

As kids, we all remember peaches and ice cream on a hot July day. There’s nothing quite like that sweet and cool combination that’s oh-so reminiscent of summer. So, here’s an elegant take on that old favorite, which promises to be just as delicious. Grilled peaches? Yes, please. The heat from your grill can enhance and elevate peaches to a crave-worthy dessert—sweet and juicy. This unique recipe calls for a topping of sour cream sweetened with brown sugar but definitely go for the ice cream if you’re a purist. You can also bring plums or nectarines to the party—and the grill—for an extra-juicy burst of summer flavor.

Pineapple Perfection

Photo courtesy of Dinner At The Zoo

For a light summer dessert with a tropical vibe, try grilled pineapple brushed with brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon. Fresh pineapple is preferred for grilling, but you can use canned pineapple as an easy substitute. This recipe works as a tasty side for teriyaki chicken and pork dishes and also makes a luscious dessert topped with ice cream, caramel sauce, or honey. For a splash of summer color, add raspberries and fresh mint sprigs. You can even use any leftovers to create a Hawaiian-style pizza. Visit Dinner at the Zoo for grilling tips and instructions.

Watermelon Magic

Photo courtesy of Caitlin Bensel via Southern Living

It might seem counter-intuitive, but yes—you can absolutely grill watermelon! A complete 180 from the crisp, chilled slices we typically enjoy on the fourth of July, grilled watermelon takes on a subtle smoky flavor as well as a texture change. Sprinkling both sides with a sugar and salt mixture ensures a good char. This rendition is topped with lime zest and Tajin or chili powder for a spicy kick.  

For more grilling ideas and helpful tips, visit Whole Foods Market. Here’s to a delicious summer at the lake!  

Popsicle Recipes for Summer 2021

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Jessica Gavin

During the summer at the lake, there’s nothing like a frozen treat to cool you down. Specifically, popsicles are always a crowd-pleaser. Enjoyed by kids and adults alike, these single-serving handheld desserts are the perfect cure for any overheated person with a sweet tooth. While store bought popsicles like Flavor Ice and Bomb Pops are always a classic, using popsicle recipes to make your own homemade treats is even more fun. Check out these DIY recipes for summer 2021!

Raspberry Popsicles

Photo courtesy of Wanna Come With?

Let’s start out with the simplest recipe. These raspberry popsicles use only two ingredients to get the job done. Icy, fruity, and delicious, the simplicity of these treats is guaranteed to make this dessert a household staple in your lake home. 

Ingredients: 

  • 1 cup of raspberry juice 
  • ½ cup of raspberries 

Directions: In a blender, blend these two ingredients together until the mixture is smooth. Then, pour into the molds and freeze overnight.

Fruit and Yogurt Swirl Pops

Photo courtesy of Country Living Magazine

If you’re looking to stay on the healthier side, these fruit and yogurt swirl pops are perfect. They’re quick, easy to make, and use the same ingredients as you would use in a typical breakfast of yogurt and fruit. More creamy than icy, these swirl pops are are filling — but in a way that’s more refreshing than hearty. 

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound of frozen or fresh fruit 
  • 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar (if you’re using fresh fruit) 
  • 2 cups of vanilla yogurt 
  • Ice pop molds 
  • Ice pop sticks 

Instructions: Puree the fruit and sugar using a food processor until it’s smooth. Pour it into a resealable bag or squeeze bottle. Spoon the yogurt in and squeeze the yogurt and puree mixture into the molds, creating swirls. Insert ice pop sticks and freeze overnight.

Strawberry, Basil, and Honey Paletas

Photo courtesy of Taste of Home

In Mexico, ice cream shops are called paleterias and the frozen treats inside are known as paletas. Similar to a popsicle, Mexican paletas are made from natural fruits such as strawberries and mangoes. Although you can make milk-based paletas, this recipe is on the fruitier side. The additional ingredient of fresh basil makes a fun twist on this classic dessert. 

Ingredients: 

  • 2 pounds of strawberries 
  • ⅔ cup of fresh basil 
  • 1 tablespoon of lime juice 
  • ½ cup of raw honey or sweetener 
  • Ice pop molds or paper cups 
  • Popsicle sticks 
  • Blender 

Instructions: chop all strawberries, removing the green stems. Set aside six strawberries. Place the chopped strawberries, basil, and lime juice into a blender and blend until smooth. Add the sweetener to the mix and blend again. Finally, put the remaining strawberry slices into the mold and add the fruit mixture. Cover mold, insert sticks, and chill overnight.

Rainbow Popsicles

Photo courtesy of The First Year

Even though Pride month is over, that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy rainbow popsicles all year round! This multi-layered popsicle recipe is as vibrant as it is delicious. However, it’s worth noting that this one is particularly involved. You’ll need several different types of fruit, so this one is perfect after a trip to the farmer’s market! 

Ingredients 

  • For all layers: ½ cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla) water for blending 
  • Red layer: 1 frozen banana, ½ cup frozen raspberries, ½ cup frozen strawberries
  • Orange layer: 1 frozen banana, ½ cup frozen peaches, 1 small orange, ¼ cup frozen mango 
  • Yellow layer: 2 frozen bananas, 1 cup frozen pineapple
  • Green layer: 2 frozen bananas, 1 handful of spinach, 1 cup frozen pineapple
  • Blue layer: 2 frozen bananas, 1 cup frozen pineapple, small amount of blue food coloring
  • Purple layer: 1 frozen banana, 1 cup frozen mixed berries
  • Magenta layer: 1 frozen banana, ½ cup sliced canned beets 
  • 1 cup frozen strawberries or raspberries 

Instructions: Blend each smoothie as a layer. Then, scoop the mixtures into the molds in the correct order. Add the sticks once the molds are filled and freeze the popsicles overnight.

Watermelon Popsicles

Photo courtesy of Eat Simple Food

There’s no fruit that screams “summertime” quite like watermelon. While this tasty fruit is delicious in its own right, watermelon in popsicle form is bound to be your new seasonal craving. This popsicle recipe is super easy and only takes about 20 minutes to make. 

Ingredients: 

  • 1 small watermelon (seedless) 

Instructions: Cut off the watermelon rind and toss it. Cut the watermelon into cubes, then place in the blender. Once it’s smooth, pour it into popsicle molds, leaving some space at the top for sticks. Freeze for at least 4 hours!