Make Family Barbecues a Breeze

(Family Features) When it’s time for some fun in the sun, you probably don’t want to waste too much time in the kitchen. This creamy Potato Salad is ideal for making quickly at home before heading off to your next barbecue. Find more easy summer recipes at Culinary.net.

Potato Salad

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”

Servings: 4-6

• 3 pounds potatoes

• 4 boiled eggs, coarsely chopped

• 2 dill pickles

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon onion powder

• 1 package (2 1/2 ounces) real bacon pieces

• 2 cups mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons mustard

• salt, to taste

• pepper, to taste

• smoked paprika, for garnish

1. Coarsely chop potatoes. In Dutch oven, boil until fork tender. Drain then add coarsely chopped eggs and pickles.

2. Add garlic powder, onion powder, bacon pieces, mayonnaise and mustard. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Mix well.

3. Transfer to large bowl and refrigerate 1-2 hours. Garnish with smoked paprika.

Expert Advice to Cook for a Summer Crowd: 7 chef-inspired tips to reduce hosting stress

(Family Features) Don’t let cooking for a crowd add undue stress to summer fun. Barbecues are meant to bring joy, excitement and delicious foods to the table – without leaving hosts frantically flipping meat on the grill.

To help make your next cookout a success without the sweat, chef Trimell Hawkins and Current – on a mission to break down barriers to outdoor cooking with electric technology that’s smarter, cleaner and more sustainable – offer these tips and tricks for hosting (and feeding) large groups.

Think In Themes
Giving your menu a theme, like street food, helps set the tone for the party. Portable, flavorful and easy to prep in bulk, street foods such as tacos are perfect for large gatherings. Hawkins’ signature move is combining mini street foods – think tacos, gyros or bao – with skewers to create “bundle skewers.” These Bundle Skewer Street Tacos are an ideal example of a playful, practical solution for portioning and presentation.

Portion Planning
Assume about two tacos per guest when other dishes are served alongside. This taco recipe yields around 50 tacos at 3 ounces each or closer to 80 if sized down to 2 ounces, making it a practical way to serve buffet-style meals with multiple offerings.

Temperature and Texture
Diversify your table with hot, cold and room-temperature options. Fruit and cheese plates, veggie platters and salads are “set and forget” staples that free up time while satisfying guests.

Master Make-Ahead Dishes
Success starts a day in advance by preparing marinades, salads, grilled veggies and sides. The more you prep early, the more you can enjoy the party.

Trust in Technology
If the thought of grilling for a crowd keeps you up at night, skip the messy charcoal and turn to the Current Model G Dual Zone Electric Grill. It allows hosts to grill promptly and eliminates the need for pauses to refuel or adjust flames. With sensing technology that precisely monitors and controls temperature at the grate level, it ensures accurate cooking – hosts can even monitor progress from afar and enjoy the party thanks to its app and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Plus, its patented cooking system and dual-zone flexibility are crucial for preparing large batches of food or simultaneously accommodating varied cooking preferences – like medium-rare versus medium-well steak – so hosts can confidently grill at different temperatures at the same time. Reduced flareups and no open flames or briquettes improve safety, comfort and cleanliness, all welcome benefits when managing large events. After grilling, simply wipe down surfaces rather than handling ashes or residue.

Offer Inclusive Options
Hawkins recommends including universally friendly dishes like hummus with veggies, fruit salads, grilled vegetables with chimichurri and gluten-free proteins like wings or tacos on corn tortillas to make sure there’s something for everyone.

Be Present
Design your menu with the goal of enjoying your event – not dreading it. One of Trimell’s favorite tricks is hot-holding proteins like chicken in stock and butter, which enhances flavor while reducing stress. The result: A more relaxed host and better opportunities to enjoy time with guests.

To find more summer hosting tips and recipes that can feed a crowd, visit CurrentBackyard.com.

Enjoy a Light Summer Lunch

(Family Features) Watermelon, strawberries, corn and green beans get all the fresh produce love in the summer, but don't forget broccoli as a warm-weather staple. Instead of dunking in dressing or smothering with melted cheese, go for a lighter dish with this Broccoli Salad - an ideal light lunch or simple summer side. Visit Culinary.net to find more veggie-inspired salad ideas.

Broccoli Salad

Recipe courtesy of "Cookin' Savvy"

Servings: 4-6

• 2 medium heads broccoli

• 2 apples

• lemon juice

• 1 carrot

• 1 cup blueberries

• 1 cup dried cranberries

• 1 cup sunflower seeds

• 1 cup pecans

• 1 package (2 1/2 ounces) real bacon pieces

Dressing:

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 1/3 cup milk

• 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar

• 2/3 cup sugar

• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds

Coarsely chop broccoli and place in large bowl. Coarsely chop apples and brush with lemon juice to prevent browning; add to bowl. Shred carrot and add to bowl with blueberries, cranberries, sunflower seeds, pecans and bacon.

To make dressing: Mix mayonnaise, milk, apple cider vinegar, sugar and poppy seeds. Pour over broccoli salad and mix well.

Bundle Skewer Street Tacos

Recipe courtesy of chef Trimell Hawkins on behalf of Current

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 onion, diced

• 1 tablespoon cumin

• 1 tablespoon onion powder

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

• 2 tablespoons salt

• 1 tablespoon pepper

• 1 teaspoon coriander

• 1/4 cup lime juice

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

• 10 pounds chicken or beef shoulder steak, sliced thin

• taco shells or tortillas

• salsa (optional)

• shredded lettuce (optional)

• diced tomatoes (optional)

1. Combine garlic, onion, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, coriander, lime juice and vegetable oil. Coat meat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours.

2. Preheat grill to 400 F. Thread small bundles (about 3 ounces each) onto skewers. Aim for three per skewer to streamline portioning.

3. Grill chicken until it reaches internal temperature of 165 F. For steak, grill to desired doneness.

4. Transfer bundles to small taco shells and serve with salsa, lettuce and tomatoes, as desired.

A Perfect Lemon and Raspberry Pairing

(Family Features) Enjoy the richness of summer with this Ooey Gooey Lemon Cake, which pairs a soft lemony cake with a sweet-tart raspberry drizzle that’s perfect for sharing with your nearest and dearest. Find more summer dessert ideas at Culinary.net.

Ooey Gooey Lemon Cake

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”

• 1 stick butter, melted

• 1 box lemon cake mix

• 2 eggs

Topping:

• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened

• 2 eggs

• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Raspberry Drizzle:

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1/2 cup water

• 1/4 cup orange juice

• 1 cup fresh raspberries

1. Heat oven to 350 F.

2. To make cake: In bowl, mix butter, cake mix and eggs until blended well but thick. Spread into buttered 9-by-13-inch pan.

3. To make topping: In another bowl, using mixer, mix softened cream cheese, eggs and powdered sugar until blended well. Pour over cake mixture but do not mix. Bake 30-35 minutes until edges of cake are golden brown but center is not. Wait until completely cooled to cut, 1-2 hours.

4. To make drizzle: In saucepan over medium heat, add cornstarch and sugar. Mix in water and orange juice. Stir in raspberries and bring to boil. Remove from heat when it starts to thicken.

5. Drizzle raspberry drizzle over each piece.

Upgrade Summer Lunches with Nutritious Twists on Grilled Cheese

(Family Features) When the kids are home for summer break, meal-prep becomes a must for busy families to ensure nutritious foods are on the menu. This summer, give your kiddos the fuel they need for all their warm-weather activities and adventures with a healthy twist on a childhood classic.

One bite into a grilled cheese sandwich and you’re back in your childhood kitchen, bringing all the nostalgic vibes you can pass down to your little ones. Plus, with nearly endless combinations, there’s a solution for everyone from classics to creative versions.

Fruit in a grilled cheese may not be the first idea that comes to mind, but these Blackberry Grilled Cheese Sandwiches offer a juicy, slightly tart burst of flavor tucked between crunchy slices of bread. It’s a sweet, savory lunch that’s just funky enough to impress while putting fresh produce on your kids’ plates.

“We love juicy blackberries – not just because they’re delicious, but because they’re packed with fiber,” registered dietitian Tony Castillo said. “That fiber helps keep you full, supports gut health and keeps your energy steady. Plus, blackberries are loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C, making them a true superfood. They’re perfect for baking, savory dishes or just as a snack on the go.”

Picky eaters have met their match with Chicken and Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwiches. Tender shredded chicken meets tart apple slices, ooey gooey cheese and whole-grain bread for an unexpected twist that will have taste buds tingling. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, they’re ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekend lunches.

If you’re aiming to upgrade your cheesy sandwich arsenal, consider these tips from Healthy Family Project:

• Cook low and slow over medium-low heat so the bread reaches a crisp golden while cheese melts to perfection.

• Real butter or olive oil adds a level of crispiness and flavor.

• Experimenting with cheese can give sandwiches an extra boost. Cheddar is the classic option, but mozzarella, gouda and brie bring newfound flavor profiles.

• Look for the Produce for Kids or Healthy Family Project logo in your local grocery store to find brands dedicated to creating a healthier generation.

Serve up more delicious, kid-friendly lunches this summer by visiting HealthyFamilyProject.com.

Blackberry Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Recipe courtesy of Healthy Family Project
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2

• 1          tablespoon mayonnaise

• 1          tablespoon stone-ground mustard

• 4          slices whole-grain bread

• 2          slices provolone cheese

• 10-12   blackberries, cut in half

1. Heat medium skillet over low heat.

2. In small bowl, mix mayonnaise and mustard; spread on one side of each slice of bread.

3. Place bread mayo-side-down in skillet. Top with cheese and blackberries. Add second slice of bread mayo-side-up.

4. Cook 3-4 minutes per side, or until bread is toasted and cheese is melted. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Chicken and Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Recipe courtesy of Healthy Family Project
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4

• 1          tablespoon unsalted butter

• 8          slices whole-grain bread

• 8          ounces sliced rotisserie-style chicken breast

• 4          slices sharp cheddar cheese

• 1          apple, thinly sliced

• prepared salad, for serving

1. Heat large skillet over medium-low heat.

2. Lightly butter one side of each slice of bread. Place bread butter-side-down in skillet. Top with chicken, cheese and apple slices. Top with slice of bread butter-side-up.

3. Cook 2-3 minutes, flip and cook 2-3 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

4. Remove from heat and cut in half. Repeat with remaining sandwiches.

5. Serve with prepared salad.