When it’s hot no one relishes the idea of using the oven or the stove. Yet how do we make a delicious home cooked meal without it. It’s easy to do and these meals top the tasty list.

One of the better ways to cook a good meal in the hot summer months is on the grill. Steak, chicken, burgers, hot dogs are just a few ideas for those yummy summer grilled meats. Grilled meats are also healthier. The grease is able to run off the meat when it’s grilled rather than pooling around the meat in the bottom of a skillet. Meats are easy to grill but coming up with side dishes that can be grilled might be a little harder.

One great grilled side dish is grilled potatoes and onions. Use 1 potato per person and cut the potatoes into bite size pieces. You can peel the potatoes first if you prefer. Sprinkle the potatoes with garlic powder and a little pepper. Tear off 6 inch rectangles of foil to grill the potatoes in. Place a little butter or olive oil onto each piece of foil. Add the potatoes to the foil. Chop one onion and place in with the potatoes.

Place 1 C of the potato onion mixture into each of piece of foil. Fold the foil over the make an envelope over the potatoes and onions. Seal the aluminum foil. Place the potatoes on the grill about 15 minutes before adding the meat. This will ensure the potatoes and meat are ready at the same time.

This potato and onion recipe will work with just about any type of summer vegetable. Try zucchini, summer squash, bell peppers or any of your summertime favorites.

Who can get through the summer without that beloved corn on the cob? Corn on the cob can be grilled and there are numerous recipes available on different ways to prepare it. One great recipe is to pull the husks back on the corn and remove the silks. Brush melted butter over the corn and replace the husks. Grill the corn about 7 minutes, turning often. Remove the husks and sprinkle with bacon bits and chives.

Vegetable Kabobs are another great idea for that grilled side dish. Carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini and squash are just a few vegetables that work well in a kabob. Alternate your vegetables on a wooden skewer. Brush the vegetables well with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Grill the vegetables until tender.

Don’t forget about the microwave. Many a meal has been prepared in a microwave and they taste such as good as one cooked on the stove. One meal that will stand out especially with your children is microwave nachos. Use leftover taco or barbecue meat. Spread tortilla chips onto a large microwave safe plate. Top the chips with the meat. Sprinkle with shredded cheese. Microwave 30 to 45 seconds or until the cheese has melted. Add olives, tomatoes, peppers, sour cream and salsa for a fun meal. They are just as good without the meat if you prefer.

Remember salads make a great main course. Add strips of grilled chicken, pork or beef. Top with your favorite topping including that dressing and enjoy. These ideas will help keep you out of the hot kitchen but still enjoying a healthy and tasty meal.