From breakfast to dessert, Down to Earth Chef Karen Gill offers unique grilling ideas

MILWAUKEE -- Summer is a great season to make lots of meals on the grill. But you might not have even cracked the surface of things you can serve up. From breakfast to dessert, Down to Earth Chef Karen Gill joined the Studio A team with some unique grilling ideas.

Unique Items to Grill

Green Beans

Blanched Kale & Swiss Chard Stems

Fruits like Pineapple, Peaches, Watermelon and Apples

Foil Berry packets with a touch of lemon and sugar

Pound Cake Slices

Polenta Cakes

Firm, Marinated Tofu Slabs

Bacon

Avocado Halves (skin on)

Romaine Lettuce, Escarole, Radicchio Heads, cut in half

Oiled or Buttered Bread Slices

Oysters, Clams, Mussels

Grilled Cesar Salad, Serves 4

Dressing:

In a blender, combine the 2 cloves garlic, 3 tablespoons lemon juice and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard. With motor running on low, slowly add in 3/4 cup olive oil to emulsify. Add the Parmesan and blend about 20 more seconds.

4 thick slices of crusty bread, brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with salt & pepper

2-3 Romaine Hearts, cut in half

Brush cut side of romaine with some of the dressing.

Heat grill to medium-high. Place bread onto grill and mark well, about 1-3 minutes per side. Watch carefully. Remove to a plate. Add romaine halves to grill, cut side down and grill until marked and slightly charred, about 1-2 minutes. Remove to a plate.

Cut bread and romaine into pieces. Plate, top with more dressing and shaved parmesan cheese. Anchovies optional. Consider adding grilled chicken slices and grilled red onion to the salad.

Grilled Pound Cake with Grilled Stone Fruits, Serves 4

4, thicker cut, pound cake slices, well buttered on each side

2 each small peaches, apricots and plums, cut into quarters, tossed in melted butter and brown sugar

topping as desired (optional) toasted coconut, slivered almonds, minced fresh mint, whipped cream, thick balsamic drizzle

Place fruits onto a hot grill and cook about 3-4 minutes per side. Watch carefully so they do not burn. At the same time, grill pound cake slices until well marked, about 2-3 minutes per side. Plate cake slices, top with fruit and top dessert as desired.

CLICK HERE to learn more about local food cooking classes at the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center.