Summer is a super time to take the heat out of the kitchen and move cooking outdoors!  If you have a gas grill, you know it's simple prep for a delicious meal.  If you're relying on good ol' charcoal, you'll have to plan ahead as it often takes 30 minutes until the coals are ashen and red-hot ready!  Either grill type works well and can't be beat for great fire-roasted flavor.

How about kabobs (kebobs or kebabs) for fast and fabulous food on a stick!  Kabobs use skewers--long pointed spears made of stainless steel or wood (water-soaked to prevent catching fire) to cook small chunks of foods fast.  Combine protein (such as shrimp, scallops, chicken breast or beef chunks) together with cubes of veggies (mushrooms, zucchini, potatoes, peppers, onions, asparagus) and fruits (mango, peach, plum, pineapple) for a simple yet savory meal on a stick.  Experiment with different flavors and food combinations.  Marinate the protein for unique flavors and a global twist.  Not only will kabobs provide plenty of protein for growth and repair of body tissues, but the fruits and veggies can offer vitamins A, C and folic acid, fiber and minerals for a host of benefits.   Salad dressings, soy sauce with ginger and garlic or your favorite marinade all work well.  Give our Grilled Shrimp and Scallop Kabobs a try, or create a tasty Grilled Chicken Kabob Caesar Salad pictured below.

   Grilled Seafood Kabobs        Grilled Chicken Kabob Salad

Don't forget to check out EatBetterAmerica's 4 Tips for Safe Grilling--a must read for all outdoor chefs!  Be sure to use lean cuts of protein that contain little, if any, fat and limit the fat in marinades to prevent flare-ups.  Burning drippings from protein cooking on the grill do pose some concerns but grilling veggies and fruits do not.  Have a great grilling experience?  Write to tell me about it!