TEN UNEXPECTED THINGS TO GRILL BEFORE SUMMER’S END

Summer is winding down like a slowly setting sun and you’ve probably put some miles on the old grill the past few months. But how about one last blowout? Sure, you can always grill up a final burger or one last steak the size of your head, but why not branch out a bit? Mix it up with something new. Your grill (and stomach) deserve a little bit of something extra this time around. Here are some dynamite recipes for alternative grillin’ items that are perfect for the end of summer.

Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Grilling bacon is never a bad idea, hell, bacon is never a bad idea, but when paired with the sweetness of dates and the saltiness of nuts, you’ll impress anyone you can get to pop one of these in their mouth.

Grilled Bacon Jalapeno Poppers
If you don’t want fruit with your bacon, there are always other ways to spice up your bacon experience, namely jalapenos. Throw in some cheese and you’ve got yourself an appetizer good enough to solve all the world’s problems. Maybe.

Grilled Asparagus
Bout that healthy, Paleo life? Fear not, grill some asparagus. Just because you’re only grilling vegetables, doesn’t mean it has to bore your palate. Topped with olive oil and parmesan or served with a tasty aioli, this is one terrific way to get your veggies.

Grilled Mexican Street Corn
Grilled corn is always a good option, no matter how you do it, but our favorite way is the Mexican street food way. Showered in chili lime butter and cotija cheese, these bad boys will change your corn life.

Grilled Stuffed Bell Peppers
Who says bell peppers have to be boring? Not us. With infinite room for variations, this riff on a jalapeno popper has you covered.

Grilled Lamb With Mint-Yogurt Sauce
A staple all across the Middle East and Midtown Manhattan, lamb takes to the grill exceedingly well. A creamy mint-yogurt sauce drizzled atop will bring it all together.

Grilled Avocados With Crab Meat
Grilled avocados? Hell yes son. Trust us here, t’s like sushi and fajitas had a sweet one-night stand (in a good way).

Grilled Stuffed Apples With Sausage and Sage
Grill and stuff all the things. Sausage, sage, and apple sounds like Thanksgiving at your Aunt Carol’s but we promise this one is a home run. The mix of sweet, savory, smoky and tart works better than you’d ever imagine.

Grilled Pears a la Mode
Sure “a la Mode” is just a fancy way to say “drop a scoop of ice cream on that bad boy”, but grilling the desert? Don't worry, we haven’t one too many beers. Exceedingly simple (it also works with peaches), this is the perfect way to wind down your grilled dinner.

Grilled Chocolate Banana Melts
Yeah, you were probably in once you read the name, but this mind-blowing variation on s’mores will definitely have you wanting, well, s’more.