Special article brought to you by Kent’s Sports

BY JEFF SPENCER

August means veggies in the garden are ripening, farmer’s markets are happening, and the fruit stands are busy. Some of the best eating of the year is beginning.

While meat is the king of the grill, veggies take backyard grilling to a whole new level. Sweet corn, potatoes, peppers, onions, beans, mushrooms, and any other delectable garden treats you can think of bring a burst of flavor to any grilled meal. Grilled fruits also add an entire next-level profile that will delight everyone around the picnic table.

Grilled and smoked fruit really brings out the flavor and will delight your family and guests. Try grilled pineapple and then add it to your favorite burger for a Hawaiian twist.

The true versatility of a Green Mountain Pellet grill really shines with veggies and fruits because of their precise temperature control and even cooking across the entire grill surface. Of course, any grill can be used for great garden fare with a bit of practice. Indirect heat methods are best with most recipes. Salsas, soups, beans, and many other recipes will get a flavor enhancement that is over the top with grill-roasted peppers, onions, and tomatoes.

Smoked beans are one of my very favorite recipes from the grill. Six hours of Hickory smoke on the beans, bacon, peppers, and onions simply can’t be matched with any other cooking method.

We love to talk recipes and explore new ways to cook. Please stop in or call with any grilling questions and don’t overlook those veggies and fruits when planning your next backyard cook!

Smoked Sweet Onion

1 or more large, sweet onions
foil, shaped into cup
butter
veggie shake (I love HeyGrillHey brand; we stock the 12-oz. bottles)

Slice top and bottom off onion to create flat surface. Peel onion skin. From top, slice down, halfway, into the onion 3 to 4 times, just like pizza slices. (Do not slice beyond halfway.)

Place a pad of butter in bottom of foil cup.

Now, place the onion in the cup and a pad of butter on top. Liberally apply veggie shake. Place in grill at 180 degrees for 45 minutes or until petals separate.
Enjoy!

FALL BBQ TIPS:
• Hornets love grills for nests.
• If you have openings that allow pests inside, steel wool works great to seal a hole until your next use. (Just remember to remove it before use)