Summer is definitely here. This weekend just so happens to be the Summer Solstice – the longest day of the year! What do you do with all that extra daylight? Fire up the grill, of course!

Above anything else, make sure that you’re cooking at the right temperature. Not everything should get cooked full blast! Things like chicken may take longer so a lower flame is needed. Steak, on the other hand, can be cooked hot and FAST! That’s how you get that delish crisp sear on the meat and still keep it juicy pink inside.

Cooking with charcoal? Throw in a few sprigs of rosemary or thyme on the hot coals to give an herby smoke to your grillables.

Having friends over? How about an Assemble-Your-Own-Kebabs station, great as a fun DIY dinner get together theme. Lay out dishes of cherry tomatoes, petite mushrooms, chunks of garden fresh zucchini, bell peppers, sweet onion chunks, chicken breast pieces, shrimp, and slices of steak to thread on your skewers. Put out an array of seasonings and rubs for flavoring up your kebabs.

Out of skewers but have a drawer full of wooden disposable chopsticks? Try those for a quick substitution. Just remember to soak any kind of wooden skewers in hot water for at least an hour before you cook with them. This will keep them from burning.

Almost anything can be skewered to go on the grill and flavor combinations are endless. Try my easy recipe for Sassy Chili Rub – it’s just the thing to spice up your summer grilling. –Kathy

For other seasoning ideas, try my French Seasoning Salt,
Cha Cha Chipotle Lime Seasoning, and Fragrant Star Anise Rub!

Sassy Chili Rub
Makes about 3/4 cup

3 Tbsp medium chili powder
1 Tbsp granulated garlic
1 tsp black pepper
1 Tbsp ground cumin
1 Tbsp dried whole leaf oregano
2 Tbsp sugar
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
3 Tbsp kosher salt

Mix all ingredients together well and store in an airtight container.

Recipe © by Kathy Casey Food Studios