You Still Can Grill

Even though it's the Labor Day weekend,  it's still grilling season and still summer. What's even better is that some of the early harvests of raspberries and apples can figure into a lot of recipes. Another aspect of continued barbecuing is like holding onto the hot weather and vacation.Students from Pre-K to college seniors would love to chow down on  an outdoor cooked meal.

September is the season for raspberries and apples. Both can  be used in summery recipes along with giving dishes their flavorful tastes. Raspberries are usually made into jam however you can crush them and mix them into a salad dressing. They add a nice fruity taste especially to a grilled chicken salad. Just blend  the pureed fruit into a simple vinaigrette. Raspberries can also be used in a barbecue sauce to impart sweetness as well.Most recipes call for a raspberry jam but you can use freshly crushed ones in your marinade. Apples are starting to appear too and they're good  grilled  as well. Served them with pork or on their own with vanilla ice cream and a caramel sauce.

Grilling can be extended well into October. There's nothing as comforting  as a hot dog or a cheeseburger to a kid starting school.It's a nice way of prolonging those summery days of just having fun. You can even have a welcome back barbecue by inviting school mates over for for not only  sandwiches but also for an evening filled with  s'mores . Invite parents too and if you're friendly with them, ask them to bring some of their favorite salads or easy desserts. For those parents who now have an empty house thanks to the kids going off to college., think of a romantic barbecue. Try  a salmon or sliced duck along with grilled veggies for a sophisticated meal under the stars. Uncork a chilled bottle of sparkling wine and enjoy good food and blessed quiet.

It may be Labor Day but you still have two more months of grilling . Take advantage of it by  putting the fruits of the season on the fire. Don't put away that grill!It's wayyyyy too early!