(Feature Impact) Once temperatures climb, summer entertaining tends to look a little different. Heavy comfort foods give way to lighter fare, tables move outdoors and hosts are on the hunt for dishes that feel effortless without sacrificing flavor. It’s a season for skewers, salads and small bites that are easily shared on a patio among friends and loved ones.

Fresh ingredients, simple preparation and naturally hydrating foods can be the staples of your next summer soiree, especially when your goal is to spend less time in the kitchen and more time at the table with guests. Crisp, juicy, colorful Grapes from California are a natural fit as their sweetness can brighten savory dishes while balancing salty, smoky flavors off the grill.

With little preparation, grapes are a perfect snack while waiting for the main course; no peeling, slicing or complicated prep required. A quick rinse is all it takes to serve fresh grapes as an easy addition to snack trays or last-minute appetizers.

Tasty fuels healthy and healthy makes happy, which is why grapes, a natural source of antioxidants and other polyphenols and a good source of vitamin K, make for a delicious accompaniment to usual summer fare. Serve them on their own for a hydrating snack thanks to their high water content, or take advantage of their combination of flavor, convenience and nutrition as a key ingredient that elevates summer recipes.

For example, Italian Sausage and California Grape Skewers can be the main attraction at barbecues and weekend gatherings, offering elegant presentation without spending hours in the kitchen. Paired with a California Grape Fennel and Citrus Salad, it’s a light, easy meal that can both impress and refresh.

While guests wait for the main course, California Grape, Walnut and Endive Bites combine a sweet crunch with savory blue cheese. Top with a drizzle of honey – or hot honey for a bit of heat – to complement lively conversation and the familiar relaxation of summer gatherings.

In many ways, warm-weather entertaining is less about elaborate meals and more about fresh, approachable foods – like grapes – that help set the tone for a relaxing atmosphere, offering both a practical and elevated solution to make hosting a (summer) breeze.

To discover more ways to both elevate and simplify gatherings throughout the season, visit GrapesFromCalifornia.com.

Italian Sausage and California Grape Skewers

Servings: 6

• 1          tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  
• 1          tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  
• 1/2       teaspoon dried Italian herb seasoning
  
• 4          precooked chicken Italian sausages
  
• 6          skewers (10 inches)
  
• 30        green, black and red Grapes from California
  
• 24        squares (1 inch each) red onion
  
• snipped fresh basil (optional)

1. In small bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar and Italian herb seasoning; set aside. Cut each sausage into six slices. Thread on skewers, alternating with grapes and onion.
2. Preheat grill to medium-low heat.
3. Place oiled piece of foil on grill and top with skewers. Grill 5 minutes, or until grapes are softened and sausage and vegetables are lightly browned, turning and basting with balsamic vinegar mixture occasionally.
4. Transfer to platter and garnish with snipped fresh basil, if desired.

Note: If using bamboo skewers, soak at least 1 hour in water to avoid burning.

Nutritional information per serving: 170 calories; 9 g protein; 11 g carbohydrates; 10 g fat (53% calories from fat); 2.5 g saturated fat (13% calories from saturated fat); 55 mg cholesterol; 470 mg sodium; 2 g fiber.

California Grape, Walnut and Endive Bites

Servings: 6

• 12        large red and green Belgian endive leaves
  
• 1/3       cup blue cheese
  
• 12        black, green and red Grapes from California, quartered
  
• 1/4       cup coarsely chopped walnuts, toasted
  
• 1          tablespoon honey or hot honey

1. Place endive leaves on large platter and scatter equal amounts of cheese on each. Place four grape wedges on each and sprinkle with equal amounts of walnuts. Drizzle lightly with honey or hot honey.

Nutritional information per serving: 90 calories; 3 g protein; 8 g carbohydrates; 5 g fat (50% calories from fat); 1.5 g saturated fat (15% calories from saturated fat); 5 mg cholesterol; 105 mg sodium; 3 g fiber.

California Grape Fennel and Citrus Salad

Servings: 4

• 2          tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2    tablespoons lemon juice
• 1          teaspoon honey
• sea salt, to taste
• 3          cups halved Grapes from California
• 3          fresh mandarin oranges, peeled and sectioned
• 1/2       cup very thin slivers fennel (anise)
• 4          cups baby arugula
• 1/3       cup roasted, salted pistachio kernels

1. In large bowl, stir olive oil, lemon juice, honey and salt. Add grapes, oranges and fennel; toss to coat. Place arugula in four bowls and top with fruit. Sprinkle with pistachios and serve.

Nutritional information per serving: 240 calories; 4 g protein; 33 g carbohydrates; 12 g fat (45% calories from fat); 1.5 g saturated fat (6% calories from saturated fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 60 mg sodium; 4 g fiber.

SOURCE:

California Table Grape Commission

At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.

Advertisement

Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/

Last Updated on June 13, 2026 by Rod Washington

(Family Features) As the days get longer and the temperatures rise, it’s time to fire up the grill and elevate your outdoor cooking game. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just starting out, success comes down to three essentials: quality ingredients, the right seasonings and reliable equipment that gives you full control over heat and timing.

Oven-Baked Hash Brown Potatoes — Crispy & Flavorful Every Time

If you’re ready to turn up the heat this season, explore high-performance grilling solutions from Nexgrill – built to match every cooking style and skill level. From backyard barbecues to weeknight dinners under the open sky, its lineup is designed to help you serve up unforgettable flavors all season long. Visit nexgrill.com to learn more and get inspired.

Unlock a New Level of Outdoor Cooking Versatility

Transform your backyard into a chef-inspired kitchen with the Gourmet Pro 6-Burner Stainless Steel Gas Grill featuring the Griddle Max Cooking System. Designed to go beyond traditional grilling, this powerhouse lets you grill, saute, griddle and smoke all at once or on demand. The innovative system makes it easy to achieve restaurant-quality results, delivering unmatched versatility for any meal. Built with stainless steel burners, angled flame tamers and porcelain-coated cast-iron cooking grids, it ensures consistent heat and fewer flare-ups. With 811 square inches of cooking space, six main burners and a high-heat searing side burner, you’ll get 75,000 BTU of total cooking power.

Take on Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

From sizzling fajitas at your backyard bash to early-morning pancakes before your next adventure, the Daytona 4-Burner Propane Gas Griddle delivers the heat, flavor and performance you need. Designed for versatility, this powerhouse features a 792-square-inch cooktop and four stainless steel burners, giving you the space and control to cook multiple dishes at once. Built-in convenience comes standard with dual side shelves, a lower storage rack to keep tools within reach and a removable grease cup for quick and easy cleanup. When it’s time to pack it in, a heavy-duty lid protects your cooking surface.

From Kitchen to Patio, It Goes Where You Go

Grilling isn’t just for the backyard. When weather or space keeps you inside, the Fuse 22-inch Electric Griddle delivers bold, flame-free cooking anywhere there’s an outlet. Ultralightweight and easy to transport, it’s built for seamless indoor-outdoor use. With 308 square inches of edge-to-edge heat, a durable nonstick surface and digital temperature control, this electric flattop offers precision and power. A hinged lid with a built-in viewing window locks in heat and flavor so you can cook efficiently. From weekday breakfasts in the kitchen to weekend feasts on the patio, it can be your all-access pass to delicious, flexible cooking – wherever life takes you.

SOURCE:
Nexgrill

(Feature Impact) Whether you’re grilling in the backyard, at a picnic or simply relaxing poolside to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, this summer is sure to be filled with special celebrations. Throughout those 250 years, food has brought people together – and continues to do so.

Backyard Recipes

From barbecues to patios, fresh foods are at the heart of American celebrations. Healthy, fresh ingredients help elevate classic recipes with sweet corn taking center stage in many iconic summer dishes. As a trusted American grower, Duda Farm Fresh Foods provides equally healthy and flavorful recipes using Dandy Sweet Corn to build the heart of your menu.

While corn on its own is a classic side dish – with Americans consuming approximately 1,400 bushels per year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture – you can put a twist on tradition by serving Elote, also known as Mexican street corn, as a bold and delicious way to enjoy fresh corn at its best. Cooked to perfection then slathered in a creamy, zesty mix of mayonnaise, lime juice, cheese and chili powder, Elote transforms a simple ear of corn into an irresistible snack or side.

You can add its vibrant flavor and fun to your table with a number of easy cooking methods:

• Grill: For the traditional method of cooking Elote, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the corn directly on the grill grates then cook 10-15 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes until nicely charred and cooked through, like these recipes for Easy Elote Corn or Vegan Elote.
• Boil: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add corn and cook 5-7 minutes until tender.
• Roast: Preheat the oven to 400 F. Place corn on a baking sheet and roast 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
• Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400 F. Cook corn for 12-15 minutes, turning once.

Visit DudaFresh.com to find more ways to elevate your patriotic celebrations.

Easy Elote Corn

Recipe courtesy of The Produce Moms on behalf of Duda Farm Fresh Foods
Servings: 4

• 1          Dandy Sweet Corn Tray (4 count)
  
• 1          lime, juice only (about 2 tablespoons)
  
• 1          cup mayonnaise or Mexican crema
  
• 2          tablespoons Elote seasoning
  
• 1          cup cotija cheese, crumbled
  
• fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
  
• hot sauce or chili powder (optional)

1. Heat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Place corn directly on grates and cook 10-15 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until charred and cooked through.
3. While corn is still warm, squeeze lime juice on all sides. Brush or spoon mayonnaise on each ear, ensuring all sides are coated.
4. Evenly sprinkle Elote seasoning over coated corn. Using hands, gently press seasoning into mayo.
5. Arrange Elote on serving platter, sprinkle with cotija cheese and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve with hot sauce or chili powder for extra heat, if desired.

Vegan Elote

Recipe courtesy of Darn Good Veggies on behalf of Duda Farm Fresh Foods
Cook time: 16 minutes
Total time: 28 minutes
Servings: 4

Vegan Parmesan:

• 1/2       cup raw cashews
  
• 2          tablespoons nutritional yeast
  
• 1/2       teaspoon garlic powder
  
• 1/2       teaspoon salt

Elote:

• 1/3       cup vegan mayonnaise
  
• 1/2       teaspoon ancho chili powder
  
• 1          clove garlic, minced
  
• 1          tablespoon lime juice
  
• 1/4       teaspoon chipotle powder (optional)
  
• 1          pinch salt
  
• 4          ears Dandy Corn
  
• 2          tablespoons chopped cilantro

1. To make vegan Parmesan: In small food processor or blender, pulse cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic powder and salt until it resembles grated Parmesan.
2. Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
3. In bowl, stir mayo, ancho chili powder, garlic, lime juice, chipotle powder and salt until smooth.
4. Place corn on grill or grill pan and cook on all sides until corn is cooked and has grill marks, about 4 minutes per side.
5. Spread corn with chili mayo then sprinkle with vegan Parmesan and cilantro.

SOURCE:

Duda Farm Fresh Foods

Visit the Food and Drink section on STM Daily News for the latest food news, beverage trends, restaurant stories, seasonal recipes, culinary events, and community-driven lifestyle coverage.