Summer is synonymous to fun, if you think about the barbecues, picnics, poolside get-togethers, trips to the beach, or just hanging out by the porch with lemonade or fruit skewers in hand. These activities are best enjoyed during summer, when most are on vacation and have more time to do things more leisurely and enjoyably.

Don’t forget outdoor ball games, curling up with the summer’s best reads, picking a fresh pineapple and grilling it on the barbecue while trying to beat the heat. The heat is a welcome element because you’ll have plenty of things to help cool you down. It’s a holiday best celebrated with family and friends, outdoors or near the water if possible, with plenty of food around.

Outdoor cookouts and barbecues produce the abundance in food, with grilled meats, hotdogs, and vegetables, even the aforementioned pineapple. Whether it’s because of the fantastic taste or the stimulating company, grilling is a popular way to pass the dog days of summer. Fire up the grill and make the summer barbecue recipes on the site. Try the Apple Cider Grilled Baby Back Ribs for a sweet-savory main course, paired with sweet corn on the cob or corn muffins. Pile on the burgers, chicken barbecues, and vegetables like onions, tomatoes, zucchini and bell peppers on the grill and watch the crowd dig in.

Summer means the abundance of the season’s produce, wherever you are in the world. The farmer’s markets, local grocer, supermarket and fruit stalls burst with the most colorful and juiciest fruits. There are the berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries which are high in antioxidants and vitamin C. Make them into smoothies or pop them from the fruit bowl for a burst of flavors. Slice open the kiwis, mangoes, peaches, pineapples, cantaloupes, papaya and watermelons. Make the fruits into pies and cobblers. For a new take on kebabs, try the Fresh Fruit Kebabs or serve up bananas grill-style with our Grilled Bananas recipe.

Salads are a cool and refreshing way to beat the heat. Pick the freshest lettuce, arugula, and other baby greens; make it hearty with chopped grilled chicken, candied walnuts, fresh goat cheese, and cherry tomatoes; then splash the bowl with a bit of vinaigrette. Toss and serve. Salads can also be served in small cups with pasta twists and cubed cheese. Go for the Asian Cole Slaw with Radishes and Miso Dressing recipe for a more exotic salad. Serve the Greek Pasta Salad, a culinary treat featuring a mix of penne pasta, red onion, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, lime juice and seasonings. Whip up some good old Chicken Fruit Salad recipe. A delightful mix of multiple ingredients, many of the key components can be culled from your garden, like leafy greens and raspberries.

For a sweet summer interlude, make your own homemade ice cream, popsicles, puddings, and other frozen delights. Bring in more fun with the Aloha Cake recipe, with a mix of cherry pie filling, pineapple, coconut, walnuts, cake mix and butter.