This blog is written by celebrity chef and THOR Kitchen brand advocate Derrick Fox. Each month, Chef Fox will be sharing his favorite recipes with step-by-step directions, pictures and his signature style.

I wanted to make a dish that was easy but packed a lot of flavor, and plated properly to be visually stunning. The key to cooking your pork loin perfectly is using a meat thermometer. No judgment here. This dish is also great year round. Have fun with plating this dish. There are so many ways you can go with it.

Watch how to make the Chipotle Spiced Pork Loin in this video and find the full recipe below!

August 29th is National More Herbs Less Salt Day. This is a day that has been created to remind us to be cognizant of the amount of sodium we are consuming on a daily basis. And, truth be told, it is a lot.

According to the CDC, the average American consumes about 3,400mg of sodium every day. But the Dietary Guidelines for Americans set the maximum consumption level at 2,300mg per day. And most doctors would consider that to still be a little excessive. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 1,500mg of sodium.

It is pretty safe to say that, unless you monitor your sodium intake, there is a good chance you may be consuming too much. It is not that salt is bad. Sodium is actually an electrolyte that the body needs for nerve and muscle function. However, it only becomes an issue when we consume too much.

Today, we are going to talk about all things salt – why too much is harmful to your health, what happens when you reduce consumption, and how you can make your food taste great without it the next time you turn on the range or cooktop. Hold on to your taste buds, here we go!

The Dangers of Too Much Salt

If you pay attention to labels, it seems like there is sodium in nearly all the foods we consume – especially processed, pre-packaged foods. In many cases, salt is used as a means of preserving foods. Without calculating your sodium intake each day, you could be consuming too much. Over time, this can cause both short- and long-term effects, including:

-Increased blood pressure

-Increased thirst

-Water retention

-Increased risk of stomach cancer

-Increased risk of heart disease

There are a few signs you can pay attention to that may indicate you are consuming too much salt, including:

-Feeling bloated in your stomach

-Having high blood pressure

-Swollen or puffy hands, feet, face, and ankles

-Excessive thirst

-Weight gain

-Frequent urination

-Poor sleep quality

-Feeling weak

-Stomach upset

Keep in mind that these signs could indicate other underlying health issues, too, so it is best to speak to your doctor to get to the root cause.

Benefits of Reducing Your Sodium Intake

When you cut sodium from your life, your body will thank you. A low sodium diet is great for:

-Lowering your risk for kidney disease since your kidneys won’t have to work as hard

-Controlling diabetes because you are maintaining healthy blood pressure levels

-Reducing your blood pressure

-Build stronger bones due to no longer lacking depleting calcium from your bones

-Decreasing the risk of stomach cancer thanks to a healthier gut

Don’t worry – the temporary tantrum by your taste buds will soon subside once you begin to discover new ways to entice them.

Herbs to Replace Salt in Your Diet

Nobody is telling you that you have to give up salt entirely. But a little goes a long way. Besides, there are so many other flavor combinations out there for you to try if you just open up and invite new herbs into your kitchen. Once you do, you may find that you don’t even miss the salt.

Below are a few herbs that will give you the burst of flavor you are looking for without overdoing it on the salt.

-Cumin

-Cayenne

-Paprika

-Black pepper

-Garlic powder

-Onion powder

-Sage

-Lemon peel

-Oregano

-Ginger

Experiment with different flavor combinations, bringing some of these spices together with one another to create unique and delicious recipes – and you won’t even miss the salt!

Give These Recipes a Try

As a society, we have grown so accustomed to salt and the flavor it gives our foods. For instance, there are several foods that Americans tend to consume in high numbers that are overflowing with sodium, including fried chicken, tacos/burritos, soups, burgers, pizza, cold cuts, and pasta dishes.

So, what if you replaced the salt with more herbs and created some fantastic low-sodium recipes you and your family will love? To help you give it a try, we’ve included some recipes that are great for more herbs and less salt per day – and without sacrificing flavor.

Take a look!

Crispy Potato Skins

For many, crispy potato skins are an appetizer that can fare well as a dish all on its own. With cheese, bacon, and sour cream all melted on top of a potato skin – it definitely has some sodium, doesn’t it? Ditch the toppings and turn to flavors like rosemary and pepper or consider adding basil, chives, dill, garlic, cayenne pepper, caraway seed, tarragon, or thyme.

You won’t miss the salt.

Balsamic Roast Chicken

When mixed with brown sugar, balsamic vinegar can coat the chicken in a glaze that acts like gravy but is much healthier with much less sodium. It’s sweet and tart and pairs well with savory poultry. With herbs like rosemary, garlic, and black pepper, we know that you will not be reaching for the salt shaker with balsamic roast chicken.

Beef Stew

As we are heading into the fall season, warming soups and stews are always a favorite go-to meal. Unfortunately, finding a beef stew recipe that isn’t loaded with sodium is tough to do, until now. This recipe is made with onions, carrots, garlic, thyme, celery, bay leaf, wine, mustard, and tomato paste. That is where it gets its flavor. And, well, you know what you won’t be missing.

Pork and Mushroom Casserole with Gremolata

The flavor combination of pork and mushroom casserole with gremolata leaves nothing to be desired. It is filling, rich, flavorful, and downright delish. Yet the sodium is still kept to a minimum. Again, the use of onion, garlic, celery, thyme, mushrooms, sage, and rosemary are all that are needed to make a fantastic, healthy dinner.

Try Something New for More Herbs Less Salt Day

These are just a few options for you, but your diet is never limited. You can take any one of your recipes and transform it into a low-sodium option by removing the ingredients that are high in salt and replacing them with lower-sodium options. Add lots of herbs and seasonings, use the powerful flavor of certain veggies, and so on. You may just be surprised by what you create!

If your family is like most, then summertime is a busy time of the year. Keeping the kids occupied with fun activities while still trying to maintain some normalcy at work can be a tough challenge – but it doesn’t mean it’s ok to sacrifice your health, which is why you should invest in some easy healthy summer dinners for the entire family.

You can still have fun, get work done, and eat healthily. You simply need to find recipes that are both delicious and easy. To help you out, we’ve got a few ideas we think you will love.

Balsamic Grilled Steak Salad with Peaches

A little bit of sweet, a little bit of savory. The balsamic grilled steak salad with peaches is simple, filling yet light, and it brings together flavors you may have never otherwise tried. It includes a lightly grilled marinated steak (using vinegar, garlic, and brown sugar), peppery arugula, sliced peaches, and crumbled feta. Top off with a dressing made of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. That’s it!

Basil Avocado Shrimp Salad Wraps & Sweet Potato Chips

For those trying to watch their carbs, lettuce wraps are a great way to indulge in delicious foods without all the extra. Just like your traditional shrimp salad, the basil avocado shrimp salad wrap with sweet potato chips includes flavors of basil and avocado in addition to your grape tomatoes and red onion. Serve in butterhead or romaine lettuce as a wrap.

To make it feel more like a traditional meal, make a side of sweet potato chips by baking thinly-sliced sweet potatoes in the oven until crispy.

Taco Tomatoes

About those carbs… What if we told you that you could have tacos without the tortilla and without sacrificing flavor? Sounds like a great idea? This is where taco tomatoes come in. We’ve got taco meat, cheese, sour cream, lettuce, or anything else you like on your taco – all stuffed in a tomato.

Beefsteak tomatoes work best for this recipe due to their hardiness and stuffable size. Cook up your meat with taco seasoning, and then add it to your wedged tomato with all the toppings. Delish!

Caramelized Tofu Lettuce Wraps

Tofu is one of those things that not everyone understands how to cook. But when you find the right recipe, even carnivores will find pleasure in consuming some tasty tofu. And this right here, the caramelized tofu lettuce wrap, is the go-to summer recipe.

Using a block of firm tofu, you will want to cook it up on a mixture of dark brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and a few more. Once it reaches that caramelized appearance, pile it on some butterhead (or romaine) lettuce and top with chopped roasted peanuts, cilantro, and lime wedges. The flavor is unbelievable.

Pineapple Bun Burger

Think tropical, Hawaiian escape. Think burger on a pineapple bun, or a pineapple bun burger. And really – it’s just like it sounds. It really is a burger with all the fixins’ – a beef patty formed with seasonings and grilled to perfection, topped with pepper jack cheese, crispy bacon, red onion, and lettuce.

Grill two slices of pineapple and use one to stack the burger and toppings on and the other as the top bun. The combination of sweet and tart yet spicy and savory is sure to delight your taste buds. Plus, no bun means no unnecessary carbs!

Honey-Lime Tilapia and Corn Foil Pack

Have you ever cooked fish in a foil packet? Not only is it simple and fast to do, but it makes for easy cleanup, too. All you have to do is wrap up your fish and any seasoning into one foil package and place it on the grill. When it’s done, you’ve got dinner.

For this recipe of honey-lime tilapia with a corn foil pack, you add your tilapia to a foil packet and grill it to perfection. Within the foil, the fish remains juicy and tender. Add some honey, lime, and corn to the finished product for a refreshing summer dish.

Cheeseburger Cabbage Wraps

Ok, if the pineapple wasn’t your cup of tea, perhaps cabbage is. That’s right – cabbage. When used one leaf at a time, it makes a great, sturdy option to wrap your burger and keep it all intact as a cheeseburger cabbage wrap.

There’s just one catch – you need a big head of cabbage, so you know its leaves will be big enough to wrap the burger, plus the lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion, cheese, bacon, and whatever else your heart desires.

Shrimp & Mango Salad

Summertime salads are always a delight. Filling, light, and full of flavor. You won’t find anything less than that with a shrimp and mango salad, either. A combination of raw napa cabbage sliced super thin with or without a little romaine. Add some lightly seasoned grilled shrimp, sweet mango chunks, red onion, and avocado.

For the dressing to top your salad, you will need lime zest, lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, honey, jalapeno for a little kick–and a little avocado if you want.

California Grilled Chicken

If you are looking for something a little more hearty than a salad, this California grilled chicken can help. Fire up the grill and cook up your chicken (after marinating it in Italian seasoning). Top it with fresh mozzarella, a slice of zucchini, and a slice of tomato. Then, follow with a balsamic glaze.

This is a great dish to serve with a chilled glass of Chardonnay or Blanc de Sauvignon from the wine cooler.

Zucchini Bun Hot Dogs

Hot dogs are famous in the summer. And they shine at every outdoor BBQ throughout the country. And since eating healthy doesn’t mean giving up everything you love, you just find great-tasting alternatives. In this instance, zucchini buns.

Hollow out zucchini, grill it, and sit your hot dog neatly in its hollowed-out space. This way, you don’t feel like you are missing out.

Eggplant Steaks

Vegetables are good for your body, red meat – not so much. Eggplant steaks allow you to have a steak made of eggplant rather than the real thing. But, if we are being honest, as long as it is cooked right – you are going to enjoy this meal so much you won’t care that your steak was replaced with eggplant.

Slice your eggplant into steak-size slices. Grill it up and top with tomato, and fresh mozzarella, then drizzle with a balsamic glaze.

Enjoy Easy Healthy Summer Dinners this Season

Summer will be over before you know it. So as you continue to enjoy all the season brings, enjoy these healthy meals, too!

If you’re looking for the perfect kitchen appliance to cook one of these easy healthy summer dinners, find a THOR dealer near you. We’ve got something for every type of chef, including ranges, cooktops, ovens, and more!

This Shrimp Cocktail recipe was written by celebrity chef and THOR Kitchen brand ambassador Brad Miller. Chef Miller will be firing things up in the kitchen, using his own suite of THOR Kitchen appliances to create exclusive recipes!

Shrimp cocktail is an old familiar friend for me. Growing up, the only time I could get my hands on this delicious dish was Christmas eve. Every year family and friends would gather around the buffet table filled with chips, dips, and casseroles brought in by different family members who had their signature dish. I would always have my eye on that black plastic platter (which seems to be the go-to for every store’s cocktail shrimp platter) adorned with little soldiers all lined up in a circular pattern. While other kids were begging to have cookies before they ate, I was planning on how many shrimp I could grab without being told: “save some for the guests.”. Now it seems to be on every steakhouse menu across the nation – and rightfully so!

I have eaten and tried many shrimp cocktails and restaurant versions of the classic cocktail sauce all over this planet. I’ve only found a few places doing it the justice and attention to detail it deserves. This is why I have shrimp cocktail on the menu at my restaurant. I wanted to showcase how amazing technique-driven and thoughtfully prepared shrimp cocktail could be. I also wanted an excuse to eat it without waiting till the Holidays!

For The Poaching Liquid: First thing we want to do before anything else is getting our poaching liquid rocking and rolling. We want to add a large carrot diced, a celery branch diced, and a medium white onion diced.

Squeezed lemon, and remains of lemon go in.

Then the rice wine vinegar, kosher salt, thyme, bay leaves, water, black peppercorns, mustard seeds, chili flakes, and coriander together in a pot.

Now we need to turn our heat on full blast under our pot. This needs to boil at the very least for 20 mins. This will flavor our liquid and make it nice and tasty for our shrimp. While you’re waiting 20 minutes for the poaching liquid, we can make our dipping sauces.

Cocktail Sauce: Peel off the outer skin of the horseradish and grate it with your microplane until you have about 2 tablespoons. Then add it to your ½ cup ketchup, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and the Juice of a ¼ lemon. Stir it up until everything is incorporated. Put in your ramekin for later.

Yuzu Aioli: Combine ½ cup best foods mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons yuzu juice, 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped chives, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix it up until everything is incorporated. Place a little sauce in a small ramekin and reserve for plating.

Cooking our Shrimp: Our poaching liquid should be nice and flavorful by now, so let’s turn off the heat and cook our shrimp. After turning off your heat, gently place the shrimp in the liquid and stir. It should take about 3-5 minutes to cook. Once cooked through, remove the shrimp and place in an ice water bath for 5 minutes or till cold.

Once the shrimp are cold, remove them from the ice water bath and pat them dry with a towel

Assembling the dish: Fill up a shallow bowl with ice. Place one of each sauce ramekin in the middle of the ice. Pile your shrimp high with lemons all around and inside the bowl with the shrimp. Garnish your cocktail sauce with more fresh horseradish on top. Place seaweed all over your bowl to garnish the shrimp.

Take little pieces of bibb lettuce and tuck them inside the ice, so a little bit is popping out. Enjoy!

So Perfect. Enjoy!

We’ve teamed up with celebrity chef Brad Miller for an epic partnership! Miller will be firing things up as our newest brand ambassador, using his own suite of THOR Kitchen appliances to create exclusive recipes and offer giveaways to fans and foodies alike. Check out what he’s got with this exclusive kitchen sneak peek. Read more about our partnership with Chef Brad Miller here.

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Summertime has been off to a great start, and we are quickly rollin’ up on the 4th of July – so start making those plans. It is time to get your friends and family together, fire up that stainless steel grill, pop open a cold one, and enjoy the holiday with some good old bbq ideas for 4th of July!

But wait – you need food. What are you going to grub on before the sky lights up with fireworks?

You could spend your 4th celebrating with the plain old hot dogs and burgers – but those are for rookies. Anyone who knows anything about throwing a BBQ and playing grill master (that’s you) knows that you have to go above and beyond to make mouths water. So why not choose something a little zestier this fourth of July?

Try these six delicious BBQ ideas for the 4th of July.

Main Dishes

Let these main dishes steal the show this weekend. They are a little familiar, but with a little flair, too. You and your guests may just be surprised how adding a few different ingredients together can create something so incredible. Beware: you are not likely to have any leftovers.

1. Smoked Brisket

An outdoor-cooking favorite, smoked brisket is a bbq treat. It may be a long process, but it is so worth the wait.

The key to good brisket is the perfect rub mixture – which is a combination of paprika, cumin, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, white sugar, onion powder, chili powder, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper. This mixture is rubbed into the brisket and is refrigerated for 24 hours before being put on the grill and smoked at a temperature between 220 and 230 degrees Fahrenheit.

Be patient – it could take a while. You are looking to reach a temperature of 165 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit inside.

Sit back and wait – you will see the crowd fight each other to delight in this tender meat.

2. Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs

Sure, we said we were leaving the hot dogs to the rookies, but this is not your ordinary hot dog. In fact, it is a delightful spin on a classic BBQ hot dog. Start off by wrapping each hot dog with bacon. Simply add this to a hot fryer or place it on the grill until the bacon is crispy.

In a large bowl, combine all the colorful toppings like avocado, onion, tomato, jalapeno, and lime juice together with a dash of salt. Top and serve immediately. Don’t forget to add some condiments like mayo and cilantro, too.

3. Tequila Lime Chicken

Grilled chicken is always good. Adding some tequila lime flavor to it will keep your guests coming back for more and more.

To make this recipe, combine some tequila, lime juice, orange juice, chili powder, jalapeno pepper, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl and mix it all up.

Then add your chicken breasts to the bowl and refrigerate overnight to get all the good flavors absorbed.

The next step to ensuring your chicken is on point is to make sure the racks on the grill are oiled properly. This is a surefire way to keep your chicken from sticking to the racks. The total cook time on your chicken, until cooked through, is roughly 15 minutes total. Remove from the grill to the plate and serve hot or at room temperature. Oh yeah.

Desserts You Won’t Want to Miss

You can’t grill out on the 4th of July and let all your BBQ guests stop eating after lunch/dinner. You need dessert, or else the meal won’t feel complete. And we’ve got a couple of patriotic sweets everyone will enjoy indulging in.

4. Red, White, and Blue Trifle

This is a cool summer treat with a patriotic look. And there is no baking required.

This trifle is layered with pound cake and fruit that is best served in a glass bowl for its picturesque look to shine through – the red, white, and blue colors.

First, you want to mix and combine the cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Slowly add the heavy cream and vanilla and mix until combined. You want to whisk until soft peaks form, and the mix is easy to dollop.

Now the fun part begins – the layering process. In a large trifle dish or glass dish, place a layer of cake cubes. Top that with the blueberries and blackberries, and one-half of the whipped cream. Next, you want to add the strawberries. Repeat this process with the cake and cream layers and top with the remaining berries. You can serve it immediately, or you can make it in advance and store it for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.

So cool. So refreshing.

5. Homemade Classic Cherries Jubilee Recipe

Another cool and refreshing 4th of July dessert is cherries jubilee. A liquor-filled sauce that tops some ice cream – can you think of a better combination?

To make this treat, you will need some sweet cherries, cherry liquor, brandy, lemon juice, sugar, and vanilla bean ice cream. Liquor-soaked cherries are heated with the other ingredients to create a deliciously flaming sauce.

Top your bowl of vanilla bean ice cream with the concoction. It is a fantastic combination.

6. 4th of July Jell-O-Shots

These patriotic shots will be the talk of the party. And are sure to bring a good time. Simply mix vodka and three different gelatins, red, white, and blue. Though, you will want to prep these ahead of time in order to pull off the triple-layer look. The total time for these is about 6 hours, as each layer must be set before placing the next layer. On the final layer, you can just let the batch chill overnight. Prepare in advance, and you are good to go for the celebrations.

Happy 4th of July from THOR Kitchen

The fourth of July is always a fun time outdoors with friends and family. No matter how you decide to spend your day, make it taste good with some of these BBQ ideas for 4th of July! Lookout – between the brisket, the trifle, and the jello shots – you may end up being the permanent BBQ host for future holidays.

From the team at THOR Kitchen, have a safe and happy fourth of July!

Looking for the perfect stainless steel grill, outdoor kitchen suite, or modern kitchen appliance? Shop THOR Kitchen by searching for your nearest dealer to get started.

“Summer lovin’ happened so fast…” and then it kept going. Well, at least that was the case for Danny and Sandy on Grease. Sometimes all it takes is an unforgettable meal — or some irresistible recipes for date night.

This is the time of year when memories are created to last a lifetime. They are often full of fun, adventure, and a summertime romance that can turn into a lifelong partnership. So, as the sun heats up – and stays up longer – it is the perfect time to plan a date night for someone you’ve got your eye on. And what better way to do that than to delight that special someone with your culinary skills?

Whether your summertime date night consists of a casual date, a summer fling, or a quiet night in the home you created with your spouse of 20 years, good food is an absolute must. And that’s why we’ve put together a list of 7 sizzlin’ summer recipes for date night.

Go on, now – it’s time you create some delicious memories.

Date Night’s Main Courses

Your main course is your time to shine. Impress your date with one of these meals and see where the night takes you.

Linguine with Clams: Remember the Disney movie Lady and the Tramp? The iconic poster has the two sharing a plate of spaghetti and eating the same noodle… bringing them closer together. See where we are going with this?

Even if you have never cooked with clams before, this recipe will show you just how easy it is to do. And the result will be dazzling – assuming that’s what you are going for, right? Just be sure not to skip the step of cleaning the clams before adding them to your sauce. Nothing can kill a mood faster than a mouth full of sand.

This dish is filling yet light for hot summer nights.

Filet Mignon with Garlic Butter: If you are looking to get fancy and create a hearty meal that is sure to throw a party for the taste buds, then this may be it. This recipe will help you create a mouth-watering, tender steak at home. Topping it with garlic and herb butter is like putting the icing on a cake.

Filet mignon is one of the most tender cuts of beef and, when seared in a pan, can be enjoyably juicy, too. So the idea is to sear it and then let it cook in the oven for a few minutes until it reaches your desired level of doneness. This helps it to remain moist and soak up the most flavor from your butter and herbs.

This steak pairs nicely with mashed potatoes and roasted veggies.

Marry Me Chicken: Disclaimer: If you are making this meal on a first date or for someone you aren’t sure you want to spend your life with, you may want to avoid referring to it by name – just in case – so you can avoid any awkward situations. Ok – now, on with the recipe.

Marry Me Chicken has made its way around social media as an easy go-to and highly acclaimed dish. It is a simple skillet dish of chicken in a sundried tomato parmesan cream sauce. Throw together ingredients like seared chicken breasts (to keep in those juices), garlic, red pepper flakes, sun-dried tomatoes, thyme, and freshly grated parmesan cheese. But, lookout – you may end up with a marriage proposal.

This dish, too, pairs well with mashed potatoes and roasted veggies. Or whatever else you have in mind.

Don’t Forget Dessert

Every good meal needs to be followed by a sweet dessert. And these are sure to make the mark – with an aim as good as cupid.

Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: Now, hold on just a minute. You may think that this is such a simple dessert that doesn’t require a real recipe. And, you’d be right. However, these are worth mentioning here. They are easy to make and easy to eat, but they are so delicious. They are juicy and sweet and can be made in a ton of different ways. You have varying types of chocolate that can even be drizzled together. Top with nuts, coconut flakes, crushed pretzels, coarse sugar, crushed cookies or candies, sprinkles, and more. Whatever you do, just be sure you wash your strawberries very well and let them dry before you begin.

Philadelphia No-Bake Cheesecake: Another delicious – and versatile – dessert is cheesecake. And with so much attention on the main course, the drinks, the ambiance, and, of course, your date, it is nice to have something delicious and simple (without looking simple) for dessert. That’s what you get with this no-bake cheesecake. The cheesecake itself takes just a few minutes to throw together, and then you can transform it into your own vision using fruits, chocolates, and other toppings. However you decide to serve it, it’s sure to be a hit.

Why not serve both of these desserts? They will definitely pair well.

Some Adults-Only Sippin’

There is nothing quite like alcohol to settle those butterflies and get the conversation going. And these two cocktails are definitely as tasty as they look.

Besame (Kiss me) Cocktail: Let’s just say if there was ever a drink that screamed summer romance, it’s this one. And its name says it all. Of course, the best part is that it tastes amazing. This cocktail uses the smooth tequila-based liqueur, Agavero, which is infused with the essence of the Damiana flower. Why is this so significant? Well, in Mexico, this flower is a well-known potent aphrodisiac. Oh yeah. Mixed with passion fruit, shaken with fresh lime and raspberries, and topped with Chambord, it is sure to enhance the sparks.

Love Potion #9 Martini: This is a triple berry pomegranate martini that you will be coming back for more. And hopefully lead to more date nights, too. It is, after all, love potion #9. The flavor of this cocktail comes from strawberry vodka, Chambord black raspberry liqueur, and pomegranate juice. Add a small piece of dry ice, and you have a drink that looks sultry and sexy.

Get in the Mood this Summer with Recipes for Date Night

Well, there you have it. 7 sizzlin’ recipes for date night this summer, great for cooking on a cooktop or range. If you’re feeling extra sweet, use the wall oven to whip up dessert. And don’t forget to break out the wine cooler and crack the ice from the icemaker to wash everything down.

All that is left? Find a date.

Cheers!

It is June. School is out, and so is the sun. Summertime is here. And it doesn’t matter whether your summer is a little Otis Redding’s ‘(Sittin’ on the) Dock of the Bay,’ Will Smith’s ‘Summertime,’ or a Megan Thee Stallion’s ‘Hot Girl Summer,’ it is going to require some good eats for sure. With that said, one question remains: What to cook in June?!

Time to Bust Out the Old Grill

So what if it is hotter than a fire hydrant looking for a dog – it is time to drag that grill out, make your shopping list, and send an invite out to your group chat. Kick off the summer the right way!

But wait! First, you need the recipes – drinks and dessert included.

What to Cook in June this Season

Digging into something delicious and trying to decide what to cook in June during the summer season means using only the freshest ingredients. This is why it is so important to know what is in season during the month of June and throughout the summer. So, look for ingredients that include:

-Berries

-Bell peppers

-Cherries

-Cantaloupe

-Summer squash

-Corn

-Cucumbers

-Green beans

-Tomatoes

-Watermelon

-Peaches

-Plums

-Apricots

-Nectarines

-Mangoes

Summertime Small Plates

Summer is about being social and spending time with friends. And sometimes, you just want to munch on something while you visit. These small plates don’t lack anything when it comes to deliciousness.

Garlic Ginger Chicken Potstickers: Sure, you can buy them frozen, but why would you want to when you can easily make them homemade – and they taste better, too. Fill wonton wrappers with a delicious combination of ground chicken, shiitake mushrooms, green onions, and cilantro. With flavors from grated ginger, soy sauce rice wine vinegar, and more – these are sure to be a hit!

Avocado Strawberry Mango Salsa: Stop right now and make this. Just know that you are going to have to stop yourself from eating it all. It is that good. It is cool and creamy, sweet and juicy. And then there is a surprise kick from some jalapeno. You can scoop this up with some pita chips or place it on top of your grilled chicken or a hearty grilled fish like wahoo or swordfish.

Summertime Main Dishes

Looking to dig into something filling yet cool and light for the summer heat? Check out these main dishes for brunch, lunch, or dinner.

Balsamic Watermelon Chicken Salad: When you are out in the summer heat, you want a main dish that is not going to weigh you down – but you don’t want to remain famished, either. This simple salad includes grilled chicken layered with spinach, watermelon, blue cheese, almonds, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction. What a delight!

Spicy Corn and Peaches with Burrata: If you are looking for a delicious lunch that incorporates all the fresh fruits and veggies of the season, this is a great place to start. You will combine grilled corn (slightly charred) with zesty lime juice, lemon, peppers, olive oil, and more – and then mix peaches. Top it off with a piece of creamy burrata cheese. You can absolutely just eat this out of the bowl, but it also pairs beautifully with grilled bread. Scoop it up and enjoy!

Grilled Salmon Salad with Avocado Cucumber Salsa: Fire up that grill and grill up a perfect piece of salmon. Top it with an avocado cucumber salsa – and serve it over a bed of lettuce with a zesty, creamy cilantro yogurt lime dressing. It’s a great combination of the season grilled salmon sandwiched between the cool salsa and the salad. There is not much more you can ask for on a summer evening.

Summertime Desserts

Crush your sweet tooth with these summertime desserts:

Fresh Strawberry Pie: Every now and then, less is more. And that is so the case here with this strawberry pie. It is so simplistic but so delicious. It is perfect. Keep it chilled to make it even more refreshing. You can buy a premade pie crust or make your own. Otherwise, the combination of some sugar, cornstarch, water, and strawberry gelatin mixed with fresh summer strawberries is all you need to fill the pie. Top off with some cool whip or vanilla ice cream!

Peach-Plum Galette: This French pastry is rustic looking and full of summer stone fruits. The recipe calls for peaches and plums, but you can use any combination.

You would first create the flat pastry using a simple mix of sugar, salt, flour, and butter. Then, you fill it with sweetened fruits, lime juice, vanilla, sprinkled sugar, and more. This, too, pairs well with ice cream.

Summertime Cocktails, Mocktails, and More

Strawberries and Cream Frozen Cocktail: There are few things more enjoyable than a frozen cocktail on a hot summer day. This strawberries and cream frozen cocktail with cardamom and pistachios just hit the spot. So many fruity and creamy flavors with a little sweetness from honey and some vodka to boot – your summer needs this adult beverage.

Mango Meyer Lemon Margarita Mocktail: If you are looking for something fresh and refreshing for a pool day or game night under the stars this summer, you won’t want to miss this one. Using fresh mango juice (no store-bought stuff), you are mango puree, simple syrup, fresh Meyer lemon juice, Peregrino sparkling water, and ice. Serve with a sugary rim and a lemon wedge. Kids will even love this one.

Summertime Smoothie: Smoothies are a great way to cool down on a hot day. Except, unlike the frozen cocktail above, you get all sorts of goodness. Raspberries, bananas, orange juice, almond milk, and pomegranate juice all blend together to create a summer explosion sucked through a straw! Make a big batch for the fam to sip on the way to the beach or while relaxing by the pool. It’s also a great and nutritious treat to whip up after a day of exploring outside.

Bangin’ Recipes for a Hot Summer

If you are trying to decide what to cook in June to kick off summer, you will want to add these to your list. It is a fresh combination of ingredients that will burst with flavor while keeping you feeling refreshed. Remember, no matter how busy your summer keeps you, always make time to enjoy a good meal and the company of others. Summer is what memories are made of.

So what are you waiting for? Try one, two, three, or all of these amazing recipes — perfect for throwing on the grill, in the wall oven, or even on the cooktop or range.

The summer season can present itself with many wonderful opportunities. You can get outdoors and soak up the warmth of the sun, and have great adventures with friends and family. You are sure to work up an appetite. But as enticing as a big meal is after a long day outside, something hot and heavy just isn’t appealing. Instead, keeping it light yet fulfilling with a batch of quick summer recipes is the way to go to remain cool and relaxed.

Quick Summer Recipes to Beat the Heat

Stumped on what to eat? Looking for some meal ideas to make use of your outdoor kitchen suite while chilling out in your backyard? There is a good chance that one of these six quick summer recipes for a hot day will catch your eye!

1. Grilled Salmon Salad with Avocado Cucumber Salsa

When looking for something light yet delicious, salmon is always a good option. But this recipe for a grilled salmon salad with avocado cucumber salsa goes above and beyond with the avocado cucumber salsa. If that doesn’t scream summertime cool down, then what does?

You will rub down your salmon with cumin chili powder and salt before placing it on your bbq grill. Sear it for just a couple of minutes on each side. In the meantime, you will combine your cucumber, scallions, lime zest, and cilantro with some olive oil and lime juice. Salt and pepper to taste.

The salsa goes on top of the salmon that then rests on a bed of romaine covered in a creamy yogurt lime dressing. Maybe it’s the lime. Maybe it is the avocado. Or maybe it is the light crunch of the salad. Whatever it is, it’s a delight on a hot summer day.

2. Stuffed Avocado with Shrimp and Tarragon

If you are looking for a light dish that doesn’t include a lot of time spent in the kitchen, this is it–stuffed avocado with shrimp tarragon. And to make it even more chilled and refreshing – and less hassle – the shrimp can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the kitchen.

Cold, cooked shrimp cut into bite-sized pieces is mixed with things like scallions, radishes, tarragon leaves, celery, olive oil, lemon zest, whole grain mustard, salt, and pepper. Scoop on top of half an avocado and top with a few microgreens. It’s definitely something you can feel good about eating.

Ready for the best part? This dish is easy to take anywhere with you. So wherever your summer adventures take you – even if it is at work – you can have a cool, healthy, and enjoyable meal.

3. Blackberry Basil Salad

The blackberry basil salad is a simple, refreshing salad that looks as amazing as it tastes. You can choose spinach, arugula, or a combination of the two for your greens. Then toss in some juicy sweet (and sometimes tangy) blackberries, basil, red onion, and toasted slivered almonds. If goat cheese is your thing, you can always crumble that in, too. All of this is mixed together with a light maple balsamic vinaigrette.

Seeing the purples and greens all lightly tossed together can elicit feelings of joy you may not have even known you had. So keep your brunch, lunch, or dinner light and chill with this summertime blackberry salad.

And hey, why not top it off with some homemade blackberry ice cream? How is that for a cool down?

4. Tropical Chicken Wraps

It doesn’t matter where you live; in the heat of the summer, just about anywhere can feel like you are on a tropical island. All you need to do is picture the beach and the crash of the waves – and liven up your taste buds with these tropical chicken lettuce wraps. Important note: This is not made with your grandma’s chicken salad.

Jalapenos, lime zest, honey, cubed mango, cilantro, salt, and pepper all bring together the flavor of the tropics. Who knows – maybe the more you eat it, the easier it will be to hear the ocean. Serve this salad on top of butter lettuce leaves with some lightly salted cashews for crunch – and you’ve got a wonderful meal for any time of day.

Make it easy and use a rotisserie chicken.

5. Spring Rolls with Peanut Ginger Sauce

Have you ever tried freshly wrapped spring rolls with peanut ginger sauce? These brightly-colored rolls filled with vibrant veggies are filling yet light – and super easy to eat on the go. And you know what they say about eating a rainbow of vegetables, right? Lots of goodness is to be had when you roll them up in moistened rice paper.

Consider adding carrot, purple cabbage, yellow and red bell pepper, lettuce of your choice, mint, rice vermicelli noodles, roasted tofu, edamame, cucumber, or anything of your choice. Of course, you cannot forget the incredible dipping sauce. This is made of natural peanut butter, ground ginger, maple syrup, soy sauce (or liquid or coconut aminos), sesame seeds, and crushed red pepper flakes.

You dip the rice paper until it becomes transparent, set it on a dry surface, and fill it up. Wrap it like you would a burrito, and it will stick together.

6. Chilled Cucumber Gazpacho

Finally, we couldn’t close out the quick summer recipes for a hot day without including cold, creamy gazpacho. This is a cool, refreshing treat made of some delicious ingredients, like shallot, garlic, English cucumber, cilantro, lime juice, greek yogurt, sour cream, coriander, salt, pepper, and olive oil. For a little bonus kick, throw in some jalapeno, too.

This is all blended up together and chilled in the fridge until you are ready to eat it. And, what is so wonderful about this cool soup on a hot day is that it can be topped any way you’d like. And every time you make it, you can top it differently – giving it a slight new zest. For instance, you can garnish it with:

-Poached shrimp

-Scallions

-Chopped cilantro

-Lime zest

-Microgreens

-Avocado chunks

-Diced cucumber

Make each bowl your own refreshing creation.

Enjoy Quick Summer Recipes this Season

Summertime is the perfect time to enjoy a meal with friends and loved ones. Get creative and make your own versions of these recipes using your cooktop, grill, or range.

Looking for the perfect kitchen appliance? Check out our selection at THOR Kitchen. We’ve got something for every home. Just visit us online and find your nearest dealer.

With that said, stay cool, stay fresh, and indulge your senses in one of these quick summer recipes. Enjoy!

Have any plans for Memorial Day? This day is intended to be a day for remembrance of all the men and women who have fought and died for our country – for our freedom. Many of us know someone who deserves to be remembered and shown respect on this national holiday. Some people spend the day in observance, often visiting the gravesite of loved ones lost to place an American flag or some flowers. Others spend time outdoors with family and friends – and a hot, sizzling grill. If you’re the latter, make the best of it with these memorial day recipes.

Time to Fire up the Grill

Whether you have spent the winter months cooped up in the house where it is cold, or you are just ready to finally let your guard down and have some fun, fire up that grill and cook up some delicious eats.

1. Honey, Lime, and Sriracha Chicken Skewers

Skewers are a great BBQ food because they let you have something untraditional (think, burgers and dogs) while still keeping it clean and easy to eat. when these flavors explode in your mouth, you are going to put your plate down and throw your hands up. Spicy, tangy, sweet, all rolled into one bite. Yes, please! 

Marinate chicken breast overnight (or at least 6 hours), thread it on the skewers, and grill until crispy. These are sure to be a hit.

2. Jalapeño Marinated Grilled Pork Chops

Sticking with a spicy theme, these pork chops are amazing. You’ve probably never had a dish like this, though. Rather than marinating before cooking, you will grill the pork chops first – and then marinate them. The marinade consists of toasted coriander seeds, sugar, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and sliced jalapeños. Keep in mind that the heat will kill some of the spice – so if that kick is what you are after, be sure to save some ‘peños on the side.

The flavors are so incredible, and the meat is so juicy that, when combined, it is phenomenal. Your peeps are going to want seconds – so be prepared.

3. Fish Burgers with Creamy Slaw

Ok, don’t worry – we will get to the best traditional burger for the holiday in a few minutes. In the meantime, why not consider something a little different? You know, think outside the box. If you love seafood, this is where the ocean meets your backyard barbecue.

Unlike recipes that require a long time to marinate, this one is quick and easy – though it doesn’t taste like it. Grill up some wild snapper (or whatever fish floats your boat), seasoned with garlic, pepper and salt.

Serve on a bun with a slice of tomato and the creamy slaw mixture — the juicy, creamy flavors with the flaky crispness of the snapper work beautifully together. Watch out – this one can get a little messy so grab the napkins.

4. Barbecued Picnic Chicken

Did you know that a key to keeping BBQ chicken tender and juicy is to cook it on a covered grill? This chicken will have everyone licking their fingers. The sauce is tangy and delicious – and the chicken is grilled to perfection.

The secret is in the sauce. You cook it from scratch a day or two before you will make the chicken – and the results are untouchable. Melted butter, ketchup, brown sugar, chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, celery seed, prepared mustard, salt and pepper sauce all combined together. Once it cooks on the chicken, it becomes a caramelized glaze that is a must-have at your Memorial Day event.

5. Soy Sauce Marinated Grilled Flank Steak and Scallions

Here’s another recipe where you will grill first and marinate later. There is something about the fresh flavors left on the meat when it’s done this way. Once you try it, you will know exactly what we are talking about.

You will cook this steak on the grill to a medium-rare temperature so that it is not overcooked. Then, marinate it in a sweet and spicy mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, sriracha, rice wine and toasted sesame oil. Each bite is sure to be much juicier than the one before it. 

6. Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad

Although it is not yet summer, the temperatures outside may fool you. Depending on where you live, it can get hot. Sometimes having a light salad can be a great addition to your other barbecue cuisine. Or it can be the main dish. What you are grilling here is a peach. The grill’s heat sweetens the peach just enough. Combined with creamy burrata, some arugula, pine nuts, and balsamic, it’s the perfect meal for a perfect day. Simple and refreshing. 

7. BBQ Havarti Burger

Yes, finally, what you’ve been waiting for – your traditional, unforgettable, all-American backyard burger (with a little extra dash of pizzazz, of course). This burger is ground beef grilled to perfection and then topped with Havarti cheese, barbecue sauce, lettuce, and pickles. It goes great served with sweet potato fries, too. You can even throw some on the burger!

Don’t forget your vegan friends, too. After all, we are moving toward a world of inclusivity. This burger can be made the same way but using a black bean burger instead.

Yes, you could purchase a Beyond burger patty frozen from the grocery store – but don’t do that. Make the extra effort just like you did for the ground beef burger. Besides, there’s something quite divine about a homemade veggie burger that can’t be beaten.

Put those Memorial Day Recipes to the Test

Well, there you have it – all the Memorial Day recipes perfect for grilling. Invite your friends and family over – or don’t. There is no shame in firing up that grill for yourself. However you choose to spend your day, don’t forget those who sacrificed their lives so you can enjoy those honey, lime, & sriracha chicken skewers in peace!