Grilled Corn & Fresh Pepper Salad

This is a fast and easy side dish to bring to a summer BBQ or potluck.  The fresh corn highlighted by the zesty lime adds a kick to your traditional BBQ menu. Throw the corn on the grill while you are cooking your main dish and the rest comes together quickly. 

Prep time: 15 mins

Cook time: 15-20 mins

Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS:

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

2 tbsp fresh lime juice

2 tbsp minced fresh cilantro

1 tbsp minced lime zest

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp chili powder

2 ears fresh corn, shucked

1 red bell pepper, diced

2 tbsp crumbled queso fresco

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat grill to medium-high and brush grill grate with oil.  Combine olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, lime zest, salt, black pepper and chili powder in a small bowl.  Set aside.

Grill corn, covered, turning often until kernels begin to char, about 10 minutes.  Transfer corn to a cutting board to cool slightly.

Slice kernels off cobs and toss in a large bowl with bell pepper and lime-cilantro vinaigrette.  Sprinkle queso fresco over servings.

Sticky Orange-Glazed Chicken Thighs

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 50-55 minutes

Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS:

8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

 Coarse salt and pepper

1 cup thawed orange juice concentrate

1 cup ketchup

2 tbsp light-brown sugar

4 tsp white-wine vinegar

4 tsp Worcestershire sauce

2 tsp hot sauce

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees, with rack in upper third of the oven.  Season chicken with salt and pepper and arrange, skin side down, on a rimmed baking sheet.  Bake until deep golden brown and cooked through, 45-50 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, combine 1 teaspoon salt, juice concentrate, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce.  Bring to a simmer and cook until mixture has thickened, 18 to 20 minutes.

Heat broiler.  Transfer chicken to a large bowl, add glaze, and toss to coat.  Drain off fat from sheet.  Return chicken to sheet and broil until sauce is bubbling and chicken is dark brown in spots, 1-2 minutes.