Yum! Dining alfresco

As the thermometer rises, we all look for ways to beat the heat. This collection of our favourite hot weather foods is sure to help keep the kitchen (and the chef) stay cool during the dog days of summer.

Barbecuing is not just for weekends anymore. Quick and easy dishes can be made entirely on the grill (especially if you have a side burner for boiling pasta water or blanching vegetables).

For meals in 30 minutes or less, choose thinner cuts of meat such as pork chops, scaloppini or medallions of beef or lamb and serve a simple side like rice or couscous with steamed or grilled vegetables. For more ideas see 5 beat-the-heat barbecues.

Everyone's summer standard -- burgers -- are the most versatile summer food. You can spruce them up for company by using veal or lamb or stuffing them with cheese, mushrooms or caramelized onions. But the standard burger with ketchup and mustard can also be a weeknight dinner lifeline. Though burgers take only minutes to assemble, for even more convenience make big batches on weekends to freeze and have ready in a pinch for a quick mid-week meal. For burger ideas, plain or fancy, see our very best burger recipe collection.

If you want to give the barbecue a break, try a satisfying main-course salad. Summer supper salads or chilled Asian cool noodles are fresh but filling suppers that are even suitable for company, either on their own or as part of a larger menu. Likewise, a sandwich loaded with fresh vegetables, meat and cheese can be the perfect weeknight supper solution. For something special, try a panini -- a grilled Italian sandwich often made on foccacia or panini buns then pressed between hot grill plates. You can make our versions of panini recipes in your panini maker. Or, use a grill pan or the barbeque and press down the sandwich with a heavy frying pan.

Desserts for family and friends can only mean one thing: ice cream. Save the cake and pie baking for cooler weather and whip up some cool and refreshing Ice dreams desserts or Chill out ice-cream sandwiches instead. Made with your favourite flavours of ice cream and other store-bought ingredients, only assembly is required for hot-night desserts or anytime treats.

For more outdoor dining, check out some of our other summer-friendly menus:

• Cool cuisine Beat the heat with our summer-perfect dishes.

• Come one, come all! Our block party menu for 12 could start an annual neighbourhood tradition.

• Patio party Invite guests to sit, share and savour a make-ahead menu that celebrates summer.

Page 3 of 4 -- Eager to get grilling? We have 50 mouth-watering hamburger recipes on page 4!