Keep the Kitchen Cool

The grill isn't just for cooking ribs and chicken. You can actually cook an entire meal on it and keep the kitchen cool and clean this summer. Here are some ideas for fun things to cook over a flame.

• Lettuces: Grilled lettuces provide an interesting twist to the traditional salad. Quarter a head of lettuce lengthwise, leaving some core attached to each piece, and grill over medium-high heat (350° to 400°) for about 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until lettuces begin to wilt and grill marks are visible. Cut cores from lettuce before serving, and cut lettuces, if desired. Try radicchio, romaine, and red leaf lettuce.
• Vegetables: Enhance the flavor of vegetables by grilling them. Brush cut slices of veggies with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper; grill over medium-high heat (350° to 400°) for about 4 minutes per side, or until tender and grill marks are visible. Try red onions, cherry or grape tomatoes (left whole), zucchini, summer squash, asparagus, and bell peppers.
• Pizzas: Get an extra-crunchy crust by grilling pizzas. Brush each side of prepared crust with olive oil, and grill both sides over medium-high heat (350° to 400°) for about 3 minutes per side, or until grill marks are visible. Remove crust from grill; add cheese and your favorite toppings. (Be sure all toppings are cooked thoroughly.) Return crust to grill, and cook until cheese is melted.
• Fruit: For dessert, throw some pineapple and watermelon slices on the grill. Brush the watermelon with sugar syrup and the pineapple with honey or a mixture of brown sugar and butter before grilling. Cook over medium-high heat (350° to 400°) for about 2 minutes per side, or until grill marks are visible. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.