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.

(Feature Impact) Bouncing from activity to activity and event to event this summer is bound to lead to bouts of hunger. To help keep your loved ones going amidst the hustle and bustle of pool days, baseball games and road trips, turn to filling snacks that curb appetites.

Fresh, nutritious produce can transform afternoon pick-me-ups into moments of celebration. For example, Dandy Celery from Duda Farm Fresh Foods offers exceptional sweetness, crispiness and consistency in Peanut Butter Toast with Celery and Grapes. A familiar, kid-friendly favorite, this sweet-and-savory combination provides a pleasing crunch from lightly toasted bread, celery and grapes paired with soft, warm peanut butter.
Fit for sharing with family and friends, Dill Pickle Dip is ready with the snap of a finger so you can serve a crowd without the hassle. Serve with crackers and celery for an easy solution whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, tagging along for a tailgate or enjoying a slow afternoon with your nearest and dearest.

These simple snacks and more delicious summer dishes can be at the heart of your menu when made with Dandy fresh-cut vegetables from Duda Farm Fresh Foods, a leading, trusted American grower and processor of fresh vegetables that’s celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026. Marking a century of leadership in celery innovation, family farming, industry leadership and sustainable growth, it’s spent six generations refining its approach to growing, harvesting and delivering high-quality fresh produce.

From its early adoption of advanced farming practices to the development of fresh-cut solutions and waterjet cutting technology, the 100-year-old company has maintained a steady focus on improving flavor, efficiency and satisfaction.

“Reaching 100 years is a milestone we owe to our dedicated team, strong industry partnerships and commitment to innovation,” said Mark Bassetti, president of Duda Farm Fresh Foods. “As we honor our 100-year legacy, we remain focused on growing the future through innovation, sustainability and family values.”

Search for more summer snack ideas by visiting DudaFresh.com.

Peanut Butter Toast with Celery and Grapes

Recipe courtesy of “Floating Kitchen” on behalf of Duda Farm Fresh Foods

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 2 minutes

Servings: 2

• 2-3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
• 2 slices cinnamon-raisin bread, toasted
• 5-6 seedless red grapes, halved
• 1-2 Dandy celery sticks, sliced diagonal
• 1 tablespoon granola
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup
• kale, mustard greens or arugula (optional)

1. Spread peanut butter evenly over surface of toasted bread.
2. Top with grapes and sliced celery.
3. Sprinkle with granola and drizzle with maple syrup. Top with kale, mustard greens or arugula, if desired.

Dill Pickle Dip

Recipe courtesy of “Laughing Spatula” on behalf of Duda Farm Fresh Foods

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 5 minutes

Servings: 6

• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1/2 cup dill pickles, finely chopped, plus additional for garnish
• 1/4 cup Dandy Celery, finely chopped, plus additional for garnish
• 3 tablespoons pickle juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• crackers, for serving
• Dandy Celery Dippers, for serving

Breadcrumb Topping:

• 1 teaspoon butter
• 3 tablespoons panko crumbs

1. Allow cream cheese to soften about 20 minutes outside of refrigerator.
2. While cream cheese is softening, prepare breadcrumb topping. In pan over medium heat, stir butter and breadcrumbs until fully combined. Breadcrumbs will toast in 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat once toasted, as desired.
3. In bowl, mix softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup pickles, 1/4 cup celery, pickle juice, dill, salt and pepper until fully combined. Transfer to serving bowl.
4. Before serving, sprinkle dip with cooled, toasted breadcrumbs and additional pickles and celery. Serve with crackers and celery dippers.

SOURCE:
Duda Farm Fresh Foods

Explore the Food and Drink section on STM Daily News for timely coverage of culinary trends, beverage news, seasonal recipes, and food-focused community stories.

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