That outdoor grilling is a manly pursuit has long been beyond question. If this wasn't firmly understood, you'd never get grown men to put on those aprons with pictures of dancing wienies and things on the front and messages like 'Come 'n' Get It' -William Geist, New York Times Magazine

Mr. Geist’s observation certainly holds true in our house. Grilling is what the Men Folk do, minus the fanciful aprons. Once everything is set to marinate, all I have to do is sit back and offer words of encouragement - and an occasional glass of wine - as the husband and son debate the finer points of perfect grilling. Don’t tell them, but the night off from cookery is one reason I plan so many grilling meals.

On Memorial weekend many grills will be lit and an abundance of savory and sweet foods will be infused with new layers of deliciousness simply because they are grilled. About a year ago, I gave you a few suggestions for what was at the time was one of my favorite grilled meals. The following recipes are just as wonderful for the nights I want to transfer the title of Cook to the husband. Those of you that do not eat meat, may want to substitute the main dish recipe with this one from Meganr - Grilled Asparagus with Orzo.

Grilled Appetizer:

Banderabarb’s Grilled Avocado will start everything off just right.  

Grilled Main Dish:

Lamb Chops Marinated in Weeds, ok, not weeds – that’s just what we call garden herbs:

Ingredients:

8 lamb chops

4 cups of your favorite fresh herbs. Choose from the following:

Chocolate mint or mix of mint(s), cilantro, parsley (flat curled or both), lemon grass, Greek oregano, marjoram, rosemary, basil (any and all varieties), or any other herb you love. 

1 head of garlic, chopped or pressed

1/2 cup each of the following:

fresh squeezed lemon juice, red wine, olive oil, and either red wine or balsamic vinegar

 Click here for this fantastic complete recipe!

Grilling up some Veggies:

It’s hard to pick just one grilled veggie, so we often dedicate an entire grill to an assortment of beautiful veggies. This weekend, we’re grilling both of these tasty side dishes!

Marinated and Grilled Artichokes are easy to make and fun to eat!

Grilled Eggplant, Portobello, and Summer Squash take no time at all to prep and seriously ramp up you servings of veggies for the day!

A Cool Salad Provides Contrast in the Meal:

Shirazi Salad is a terrific accompaniment to the lamb. It can be prepared in early in the day and kept cool in the refrigerator right up until serving.

Grill Your Dessert:

Grilled Rum Basted Pineapple Kabobs are so simple and cook up just right over the waning heat of the coals.

Your thoughts…

What is your favorite food to grill? Have you ever made an entire meal on the grill? Do you make a great grilled dessert? Please share your favorite grilling recipes with everyone here! Is grilling a Manly Event at your house? What sort of tips can you offer the novice griller? To have your recipe considered for the CC Palate, send it to me via pm. Enjoy the weekend with family and friends!