Summer is here! Time for outdoor barbecues (and white dresses, yay!) For those of you who like to grill, skip the pork ribs and  hot dogs this summer in favor of healthier, more flavorful fare. These are tasty dishes that everyone can enjoy and you won’t even have to suck your stomach in when you put your swimsuit on. Whoo-hoo!

Have you ever tried eggplant? These is one of my favorite vegetables, because there are a plethora of creative ways you can prepare eggplant. We are growing some in our garden this summer, so I’ll have a post with more recipe ideas and photos soon. For now, here is a perfect dish to try for your outdoor gathering.

Sweet and Tangy Eggplant

2 eggplants

1/4 cup olive oil

2 T honey or agave nectar

1 clove garlic, crushed

Cut the eggplant horizontally into 1/4 inch slices. With a vegetable peeler, remove the skin in sections (it should look like zebra stripes).  Place the eggplant slices in a pan and drizzle with 1 teaspoon of salt. Salting the eggplant removes the bitter taste. After 10-15 minutes, rinse the eggplant with cool water, enough to remove the salt.

In a separate bowl, mix the olive oil, honey and garlic together to make a marinade. Brush the marinade onto each side of the eggplant slices, covering completely. If using an outdoor grill, place each slice on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes until brown. Remove from heat and wrap slices into aluminum foil. The steam from the foil makes the eggplant soft.

Alternatively, you can wrap the slices in foil after adding the marinade, and place them in your oven on broil setting. Broil the slices until golden brown, usually 5-10 minutes.

Summer Corn

Corn on the cob is simple to prepare! If grilling, brush the corn with a generous coating of olive oil.  Wrap in aluminum foil and place on grill, turning frequently to avoid burning. You know the corn is ready when the kernels are soft after piercing them with a fork.

For those of you who do not like to stand over a hot grill (we are in the middle of a heatwave!),  you can eat corn on the cob without cooking it. After rinsing, brush the corn on the cob with olive oil. Sprinkle it with freshly ground black or cayenne pepper, or you can add lime and sea salt to the corn for a delightful twist.

To complete your menu, create a scrumptious salad with greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, herbs (dill or oregano) and top with a light vinaigrette dressing. Prepare a summer fruit medley with berries or watermelon, and you have your ideal menu for your outdoor summer gathering. Enjoy!

Have you tried grilled eggplant or corn on the cob? What vegetables do you like to prepare on the grill?