Grilled corn on the cob and potato salad are easy favorites made even more simple with a few shortcuts. These recipes are light, healthy and easy.
Warm weather entertaining is the time for casual cooking. You don't want to heat up your house or your guests, and it's a great excuse to enjoy the party even when you're the host. Whatever main course dish you choose, let your side dishes be simple to prepare and easy to please. These recipes will get your meal completed in no time with very little effort. For a simple main course addition, try this Beef and Pepper Stirfry recipe. A grilling cookbook is a great resource for more summertime meal ideas.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is easier than ever when you cook it on the grill. Simply take as many ears of corn as there are people, with a couple extra ears just in case, remove the outermost layer of husk, break off the bottom end and toss on the grill. Turn a few times and cook about 15-20 minutes total, keeping away from the flame. The remaining husks will remove easily after cooking, and leaving them on keeps the corn moist and prevents burnt kernels. Serve with melted butter if you wish, though you'll find that prime summer corn is good with just a sprinkling of salt.
Potato Salad
Serves 6
8 medium potatoes, scrubbed and quartered
5 eggs
½ medium jar sliced green olives (including liquid)
1 onion chopped
4 Celery stalks
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup Mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper
Put potatoes and eggs in a large stockpot and cover with cold water. Cooking them together saves time and dishes. Gently boil about 10 minutes. Drain and let cool. Peel and chop eggs, put into large serving bowl. Add potatoes and top with olive liquid and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Add onion, celery and olives. Sprinkle evenly with olive oil, add Mayonnaise and mustard, salt and pepper and combine well. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more Mayo if dry, but the other wet ingredients should keep potatoes moist without swimming in dressing. Keep chilled till ready to serve.
These are two simple but favorite BBQ side dishes, made with shortcuts to keep your life even easier. Summertime is about relaxing, not sweating over a hot stove, but these dishes are equally appreciated in cool weather months when you want a taste of a season gone by. It's an easy way to add surprise to a winter menu. If you happen to have a farm fresh tomato, slice it while room temperature, season with salt and pepper and serve on a plate. That is the epitome of summertime ease while enjoying flavors at their peak.
