With summer in full swing, it's time to fire up the grill.
About 80% of American households own a grill, according to a 2013 study by the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association. The survey also found that those folks love grilling because cooking outdoors feels satisfactory, and the food "tastes so good."
Duh.
But if you think grills are exclusively reserved for chicken wings and baby back ribs, you're wrong. Add some of these foods to your next barbecue's menu and get ready to become a bonafide grill master.
1. Avocado
As if you needed another reason to love avocados. Slice one of these green babies length-wise and remove the pit. Brush the flesh with olive oil and a bit of citrus juice and set it face-down on the grill for just a few minutes, until grill marks are visible. Season with salt and pepper, and consider filling the pit's spot with salsa, crumbled feta cheese or other chopped and crunchy veggies.
2. Pizza
You'll face-palm yourself for not thinking of grilling your next pizza sooner. The trick to not burning the pie, according to the Washington Post is to put it over indirect heat. Turn the crust 180 degrees to evenly cook the other side of the pizza. Then flip it over so the uncooked side is on the grates and add the toppings of your choice.
3. Peaches
Slice a peach in half and remove the pit. Brush the flesh with either balsamic vinegar mixed with maple syrup or honey for a sweet and smoky dessert of your summer dreams. Top with ice cream, obviously.
4. Angel food cake
For a twist on a classic dessert, grill homemade or even store-bought angel food cake. Cut the cake into wedges and toast both sides for a few minutes on the grill. Serve with ice cream and strawberries.
5. Cookies
Transfer your cookie pan to the great outdoors with the help of a temperature gauge and a pie pan. Once the temperature hits 350 degrees (like your oven), put the cookie pan atop the flipped-over pie tin over indirect heat. This way the air circulates evenly, according to Mrs. Fields' Secrets. Remove the cookies in about 20 minutes, or when they are golden brown.
6. French toast
Light up the grill in the morning by grilling some delicious breakfast. Slice up some challah or brioche and soak it in a mixture of eggs, milk, vanilla, honey and salt. Toss the slices over direct heat for a few minutes -- and prepare for them to stick. Once crispy, flip over. Then move to indirect heat for about five to ten minutes.
7. Watermelon
Upgrade your salad with some savory and smoky watermelon. Drizzle watermelon slices with balsamic vinegar and some olive oil before sizzling them on the grill, flipping over and removing once grill marks are visible.
8. Bananas
For a more decadent treat, grill up a banana boat stuffed with meltable goodness. Take an unpeeled banana and slice into it, being sure not to cut all the way through. Then fill it with marshmallows, peanut butter chips or chocolate chips. Wrap in foil and cook for about 10 minutes or until skin is blackened.