Beyond Burgers

by Diane Stopford
Labor Day is just around the corner and the long summer days are almost over. So before the weather turns, why not fire up the grill one more time? If you have had your fill of burgers and hotdogs there are plenty of dishes that work great on the grill that you may never have even thought of.

Arugula Pizza

Two of my favorites are grilled pizza and salad. Making pizza on the grill is a quick and easy way to achieve the crispy base that eludes me when I try and make a pizza in a domestic oven. I use a ceramic charcoal grill for the added flavor and the high temperature it reaches, but a gas grill works just as well. Buy or make your own dough and grill on each side to obtain a light crispy crust. Grilled pizzas are great fun for outdoor entertaining as friends and family can get involved in making the meal. Raid the fridge and pantry for topping ideas, this mushroom and sausage combination is a classic but what sets it apart is the quality of the ingredients. Dean and DeLuca Arrabbiata pasta sauce doubles up as a spicy pizza sauce, generous slices of PG Molinari Hot Salame add another layer of heat and Bellwether Farm Carmody Cheese imparts a mellow, buttery flavor. Finish with a handful of peppery arugula dressed in the sweet and tangy Tomato Vinegar and a dash of Dean and DeLuca Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

grilled salad pizza 300x182 Beyond Burgers

Need a quick side? Throw the salad on the grill too! Romaine, radiccho and endive all stand up to the heat of the grill. Brush with olive oil, season with salt and place on the grill for a couple of minutes each side and you have the ultimate warm salad. Roast the last of the season’s heirloom tomatoes and combine with some Dean and DeLuca briny olives. Crumble Redwood Hills California Crottin Cheese on top for a robust flavor and creamy texture and to finish drizzle with a Raw Raspberry Honey and Dean and Deluca mesquite stout mustard Champagne vinaigrette.