Fruit and Veg on the fire and Web

The food experts at FruitAndVeggieGuru.com have whipped-up a few delicious recipe ideas, involving fruits and vegetables that diners can pick up at the local grocery store, to heat-up barbecue season and Dad’s appetite.

The recipes might introduce Dad to a few new fruit-and-vegetable concepts for a change of pace at the grill. In addition, the site lists some foods that grilling enthusiasts might not always associate as complementary for their own cooking endeavors. For instance, did you know sweet potatoes brushed with olive oil make a delectable grilled treat?

Here are a few other lesser-known fruit-and-veggie barbecued treats:

· Corn-on-the-cob, cooked in the husk and soaked in water, is perfect to complement burgers and hot dogs. Pulling the husk back and tying with butcher’s string can help bring out the natural flavor.
· Thick-stalked asparagus can be tasty brushed in olive oil and thrown on the grill. But make sure to place them crosswise on the grill; you wouldn’t want to lose any through the grates!
· Grill pineapple with lemon, lime or orange juice and honey for a great teriyaki chicken side dish.
· Brush peaches, apricots, or nectarines with canola oil and sprinkle with sugar for a sweet, crunchy crust.
· Cauliflower is scrumptious marinated with olive or canola oil and crushed red pepper flakes.

When grilling fruits and veggies, make sure to stock up on the right tools. Baskets, skewers, and trays eliminate some hassle because grillers can stir and toss like they normally would on the stove and not have to worry about losing the meal between the grates. Foil is a griller’s best friend; crimp the edges and toss on the grill for a side dish with easy cleanup.

Love grilled mushrooms? Try:

· Grilled Mushroom Quesadillas, a traditional blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses with an added touch of grilled mushrooms and cilantro leaves.

· Grilled Mushroom Medley Pizza, grilled crimini, shiitake, white button, and oyster mushrooms layered with parmesan on Flatout wraps.

· Rosemary Chicken and Mushrooms with Mixed Vegetables, grilled chicken, mushrooms and vegetables coated in olive oil, vegetable broth, rosemary, and pepper.

For other great fruit and veggie grilling ideas, try:

· Grilled Pears with Currants, currants marinated in apple juice and pepper, spooned over delicious grilled pears.
· Shrimp and Summer Fruit Kabobs, peach, plum and nectarine chunks threaded between shrimp and lemon slices, lightly brushed with garlic-herb oil.
· Grilled Eggplant with Pomegranate Sauce, thick eggplant slices grilled and spread with a garlic paste and pomegranate sauce concoction.
· Grilled Vidalia Onion with Orange-Honey Vinaigrette, grilled onions topped with a dressing consisting of orange juice, oil, vinegar, honey, salt and black pepper.