Start Your Grills!

Who doesn’t love a good barbecue? Grilling can turn the work of food preparation into a social event. Just the smell of food cooking on a grill awakens our senses in anticipation of a delicious feast. Get inspired for a great grilling season with these four simple tips, Real Food recipes, and fresh ingredients from McCaffrey’s:

1. Start with the Perfect Protein: Whether you prefer fish, beef, or a plant-based option, be sure to consider portion sizes. When planning your meals, figure 4 to 6 ounces of protein per adult. try:

Beef —Berbere Spiced Grilled Flat Iron with Garlic-Herb Grilled Eggplant (page 41).

Fish —Peruvian Grilled Alaska Pollock Sandwiches with Spicy Green Sauce (page 43).

Plant-based —Beyond Korean BBQ Burger (page 45).

2. Add Lots of Color: Try grilling sliced apples, pears, or pineapple or halved bananas, figs, nectarines, peaches, or plums. The natural sugars in fruits and vegetables caramelize in the high heat, giving them extra sweetness and flavor. Be sure to cut produce into uniform pieces that will cook quickly and evenly. try:

Heart-healthy —Rosemary-Peach Chicken Kebabs with Orange Glaze (page 19).

3. Keep it Simple: Don’t drown your barbecue in salty sauces, sugary condiments, or heavy dressings. Try making your own healthier options, like a corn salad or a cilantro pesto in the following recipes:

Cowboy Marinated Skirt Steak with Corn Salad (page 40). Charred Halibut Tacos with Cilantro Pesto (page 42).

4. Choose Healthier Sides and Go for the Whole Grains: Swap the traditional barbecue fare like baked beans, coleslaw, macaroni, and traditional potato salad for healthier homemade versions. Enjoy a colorful and tasty Summer Rice Salad with Tomatoes, Corn, and Roasted Peppers (page 35) or delicious Scallion Rice Cakes with Dipping Sauce (page 36).

Enjoy this issue of Real Food, and enjoy your grill, friends, and family all summer long.

James J. McCaffrey III president James J. McCffrey IV executive vice president