The Fresh Market celebrates National Grilling Month this July

Fire up the grill! July is National Grilling Month, and The Fresh Market is dishing out its grilling guide geared to make everyday backyard barbecues extraordinary. From traditional favorites to unexpected pairings, The Fresh Market’s Grill Master is encouraging shoppers to get out of the grilling rut by introducing unique flavors to the flame. From sweets to greens, break out the BBQ for an unusual take on summer staples!

The Fresh Market asked its official “Grill Master,” (aka Category Manager, Meat) Peter Mayes, about ways to prepare and savor the flavor of each course, and here is what he had to say:

Sizzling Sides
The secret to cooking juicy, flavor-packed sides is to begin with a well-oiled grill, but we also suggest grilling “au natural” with The Fresh Market’s Charcoal for a true smoked hardwood flavor. Surprise your guests with these salad-less sides:

• Avocado
  To pick the best, ready-to-use avocado, make sure it is slightly ripe but not too soft. Split the avocado into two, ditch the seed and brush each side with olive oil. Place the cut sides face down on the grill for 5-7 minutes then top with TFM’s Nom Nom Salsa, a dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro.
   
• Potato Salad
  To grill, slice red skin potatoes in half inch rounds, drizzle with olive oil, place on grill and cover for about five minutes.  Flip potatoes and repeat – easy as that! Roughly chop potatoes and toss with sliced scallions, lemon juice, a spoonful of course grain mustard, salt, pepper and fresh parsley. Serve warm or at room temperature.
   
• Ciabatta Bread
  The Fresh Market recommends its Ciabatta bread for the grill. Slice the loaf in halves horizontally and drizzle each slice with olive oil and freshly chopped garlic. Place on the grill for roughly three minutes on both sides. Before serving, sprinkle salt, parmesan and basil on top for a grilled take on bruschetta!

Main Course
Whether it’s served between buns or on a silver platter, The Fresh Market offers several options in addition traditional beef or chicken for shoppers to incorporate into their main course:

• TFM Grilled Meatballs
  Visit The Fresh Market’s meat department for a selection of ground chicken, pork, turkey or beef. Season the meat with salt and pepper and roll into two-inch balls, and place them on the grill for 3-4 minutes on each side. Continue rolling the meatballs on each side for about 15 minutes. Take off and toss with TFM’s Truly Teriyaki Sauce if using pork, TFM’s Buffalo Blue Sauce if using chicken or turkey, and TFM’s Anything Goes Sauce if using beef.
   
• TFM Grilled Tofu
  For the fullest flavor, cut the tofu into halves and marinate in TFM’s Mango Coconut Sauce in the refrigerator for at least two hours. Place the tofu on the grill for 5-10 minutes or until browned on each side. To really bring out the marinade flavor, continue to brush the sauce on either side while flipping.
   
• TFM Grilled Veggie Quesadillas
  For a fiesta in your backyard and your mouth, try making your quesadillas on the grill! Simply brush your choice of tortilla with olive oil and place it on the grill. Add cheese, diced peppers, black beans, chopped tomatoes and sliced green onions. Once the cheese has melted, fold one side over with a spatula. Take off the grill, top with TFM’s Roasted Corn and Bean Salsa and enjoy!

Fruity Finishes
Keep the flames burning after the main course and serve up a sweet summer dessert. Toss seasonal fruits on the grill and pair them with your favorite ice cream or whipped cream for a healthier after-dinner treat! Try the below recipes using TFM’s fresh selection of peaches and bananas: 

• Peaches & Cream
  Cut TFM’s freshly picked peaches from McLeod and Pearson Family Farms in half, remove the pit and brush with melted butter. Place the buttered sides down on the grill and cook for four minutes on each side. Top the grilled peaches with a dollop of TFM’s Totally Churned vanilla ice cream!
   
• Banana Split
  Cut the banana lengthwise with the peel still on, and grill the cut side down for 2-3 minutes. Remove the banana from the grill and peel the skin. Top the banana with TFM’s All Natural Mocha Almond ice cream, berries, chocolate syrup and anything else your sweet tooth craves!