As the weather warms up, turning on the oven to roast a pan of vegetables stops being an option, but that doesn't mean you have to spend the next five months eating green salads or steamed broccoli. Instead, look to your grill — or a stovetop grill pan — to quickly transform vegetables into soft, smoky, irresistibly summery versions of themselves. Carrots are one of my favorites on the grill, their charred, sweet flavor needing just a squeeze of lemon and some fresh herbs to become a simple but surprising side dish.

Q: I love grilling pizza and want to host a grilled pizza BBQ in the next few weeks. I have thought about precooking the dough on one side before the party, and then putting it back on olive oiled parchment paper so people can either build their own pizzas, or I can top several and have them ready for the grill. 

Certainly you don't need a panini press to make grilled sandwiches, but if you happen to have one of these appliances, it can do much more than the name implies. A multitasking panini maker can be used to cook all sorts of foods quickly, creatively, and often healthfully. More

Q: I am going to be staying in a small fishing village in Mexico for one week. I will get to purchase fresh fish daily directly from the fishermen and grill them. I want to bring some good spices with me on this trip. What would you recommend, either individual spices or some blends?

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At a recent dinner party, a friend asked me whether it was really necessary to sear meat before cooking it, especially if it was just getting slow-cooked in a braise or a stew anyway. My friend logically pointed out that if it wasn't an important step, then why go to the extra trouble or dirty more dishes? More

Fajitas taste best when the meat and veggies come straight off the grill, no question. But don't let that stop you when it comes to getting your fajita fix. I make this recipe entirely on the stovetop, where the spicy chicken picks up a touch of char from the grill pan and the peppers cook until they are completely tender. Add a dollop of creamy black bean spread and we have dinner. More

If you're planning on grilling this Labor Day weekend, we have a safe and easy way to check the propane level in the tank of your gas grill — all it takes is a cup of water. More

It may look like a simple cheese panini, but braaibroodjie is more than meets the eye both culturally and taste-wise. Traditionally served at the end of a South African barbecue — braai in Afrikaans — these sandwiches are usually cooked over open coals and include and unusual combination of flavors: sharp cheddar cheese, tomato, onion and a layer of fruit chutney. My twist swaps out the raw onion for smoky grilled scallions and can be made on a grill pan or outdoor grill. Crunchy and gooey with a unique savory-sweet balance, they make a great lunch or crowd-pleasing late-night snack.
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Have you jumped on the kale wagon? It seems to be in salads everywhere this summer, and we can't get enough. If you're still a little wary about the dense, leafy greens, why not try grilling kale to soften it up a bit? Take a look at this summer salad — it comes together super fast and is packed with nutrients, and, most importantly, flavor! More