DOG DAYS OF SUMMER GRILLING!

There’s something magical about those long, sun-drenched days when the clock seems to slow down, and even the breeze feels like it’s on vacation. The kind of day where your biggest decision is sweet tea or lemonade, and dinner practically makes itself over glowing charcoal.

That was our Saturday.

We gathered in the backyard—kids, neighbors, the dog (of course), and a few extra chairs pulled from the garage. A golden retriever trotted around with a tennis ball, and someone connected a Bluetooth speaker to play some mellow summer tunes. The whole vibe was easy, relaxed, and just right.

Our little Better Chef 14” Portable Charcoal Grill was set up in the shade, already warm and waiting. It’s the kind of grill that does its job without a lot of fuss—perfect for casual weekends or spontaneous cookouts. We loaded it up with burgers and hot dogs, and Bob—our unofficial grill master—took the lead with his neighborhood-famous Grilled Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs.*

Janie brought her pasta salad, and Max pulled out a pitcher of fresh peach iced tea brewed in his Brentwood Iced Tea & Coffee Maker. We all agreed it tasted like summer in a glass.

Conversations flowed as easily as the lemonade. The kids played tag between folding chairs while the adults hovered near the grill, exchanging stories, laughing, and passing around paper plates. We even managed to sneak in a little dessert—a warm, bubbling Cast Iron Skillet Peach Cobbler* served straight from the skillet and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

It was simple. Uncomplicated. Just good people, good food, and a sunny patch of time to enjoy both.

By dusk, the grill had cooled, but the conversations hadn’t. No one was in a rush to go. As twilight settled in, we topped off our drinks and made plans to do it all again soon. Because the best summer days don’t need a big event or a fancy menu—they just need a grill, some great company, and maybe a golden retriever or two.

You might also love:

• Gibson Home 8-Piece BBQ Tool Set — Bob swears by these every time he flips a burger or bastes his famous chicken.
• Cast Iron Cookware Set — Ideal for camp-style cooking and desserts made right over the coals, like our Cast Iron Skillet Peach Cobbler
• Iced Tea & Coffee Maker — A summertime lifesaver for cool drinks in minutes.
• Insulated Cooler Bag — Perfect for park picnics or keeping drinks frosty out back.

Recipes from Our Grill Day

Bob’s Neighborhood-Famous Grilled Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:
-  6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
-  3 tbsp butter, melted
-  2 cloves garlic, minced
-  1 tsp paprika
-  1 tsp onion powder
-  1 tsp Mrs. Dash Table Blend®
-  Salt and pepper to taste
-  Fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium heat.
2. Mix melted butter, garlic, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper & Mrs. Dash Table Blend®.
3. Brush chicken with the mixture.
4. Grill for 5–6 minutes per side, or until internal temp reaches 165°F.
5. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.

Cast Iron Skillet Peach Cobbler

Ingredients: -
-  5–6 fresh or canned peaches, sliced
-  ½ cup sugar
-   1 tsp cinnamon
-  1 cup flour
-  1 cup milk
-  1 tsp baking powder
-  ½ cup butter, melted
-  Pinch of salt

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven (or grill dome) to 375°F.
2. Mix peaches, ¼ cup sugar, and cinnamon in a cast iron skillet.
3. In a separate bowl, mix flour, milk, baking powder, salt, and remaining sugar.
4. Pour batter over peaches. Do not stir.
5. Drizzle melted butter on top. 6. Bake 35–40 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly and serve warm.

Here’s to warm days, full plates, and good company.

Let the dog days of summer roll on.