Tropical Summer Grill Party
By Holly Clegg

Summer months are known as the barbecuing months so we might as well grill. A tropical party is always great for summer entertaining. Even if you don't have the sandy white beaches and the cool ocean breeze, get into the tropical mode with your menu and grill.

Shish kebobs are a great choice for grilling for several reasons. Most importantly, they seem to please the palate of all ages and everyone can have whatever type they want. Offer a selection of chicken, beef, shrimp, and a vegetarian kebob. If you are in the creative mode, purchase all the ingredients and create the skewers yourself. Remember, we want to keep entertaining easy so don't feel bad about buying premade shish kebobs at the grocery. I always think they look so delicious displayed at the store.

For a marinade, you can purchase a bottled marinade as there are many varieties available, or click here for the FabulousFoods.com marinade recipe collection. Shish kebobs are perfect for a party as you marinade them ahead of time in the refrigerator and pull out when you are ready to grill. I like to give the men the job of grilling, after all, I am responsible for everything else.

This time of year I like to serve fabulous salads with the grilled kebobs as they can be prepared ahead of time and it is hot outside. A Black Bean & Corn Salad is always a favorite but if you want to add a little flair, try the Tropical Couscous Salad. Couscous is a granular semolina and a great substitute for pasta or rice. It's found in every grocery store and is as easy to make as boiling water.

Everyone loves pizza so make ahead my Tropical Pizza. It is a dessert pizza that is served cold. This tropical treat can also be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to serve. Next to the pizza, have a pizza cutter so everyone can cut the slice the size they want. No complaints about too big or small a piece of dessert this time.

What a great time to serve the frozen drinks such as Pina Coladas or your favorite tropical punch. Offer non alcoholic versions for the kids as those non alcoholic frozen strawberry daiquiris always are a favorite of my kids. For that special accent, purchase some of those tiny umbrellas for the drinks at your local party store.

Watermelon Vase

For a spectacular but simple flower arrangement, hollow out a watermelon and use it as a vase. You want the watermelon to be able to stand evenly, therefore, cut a slice off the bottom. Next, cut a slice off the top and scoop out the watermelon and you have wonderful watermelon to serve at your party too. After the watermelon is hollow, insert a tall glass or container filled with water and the flowers and greenery of your choice. What a presentation and it really is effortless.

Bright colored plastic glasses, napkins, and plates will carry out your theme and make clean up a breeze. This is easy entertaining!

Healthy Party Recipes from Holly

• Black Bean & Corn Salad
• Tropical Couscous Salad
• Tropical Dessert Pizza
  

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  HollyClegg is author of the best selling Trim & Terrific cookbook series including her latest The New Holly Clegg Trim & Terrific Cookbook. She appears on Fox & Friends, the NBC Weekend Today Show and her recipes have been featured in Cooking Light, USA Today and People Magazine. For more recipes visit, www.hollyclegg.com.