When it starts hitting 80 degrees outside, a serious craving for foods like barbecue and grilled veggies sets in; my mouth waters at the faintest smell of burning mesquite lingering in the humid Texas air. The only way to relieve this problem, at least temporarily, is to go on a recipe-search for summery dishes. I especially love those that include pictures so realistic, I can actually get a whiff of that tempting, buttery corn cob displayed before me on a merciless computer screen.

The perfect side dish to a traditional barbecue meal would appear to be something like baked beans, but how about Maple-Glazed Beans? Using simple ingredients, Carla creates savory beans that anyone would be happy to have on their plate, right next to a lonely piece of brisket. Bacon and maple syrup are the key ingredients in this pot of beans!

Though ribs, chicken, and hamburgers are some of the typical meals prepared on a barbecue pit, Bjmj_1622 shows us that an interesting combination of ingredients, like shrimp and pasta, can be used to create a barbecue-inspired recipe that’s prepared indoors. His Barbecue Shrimp and Pasta dish only requires the use of a skillet, and a large pot to cook up the pasta. So if there’s a thunderstorm nearby, but you were planning a barbecue for the weekend, you can still create a meal that has the barbecue taste you’ve been craving.

If the sun is shining down on you, then you’ll want to try LPGerrald’s recipe for Texas-Style Barbecued Chicken. I’m sure this Southern recipe will keep any clouds away, it’s delicious comfort food with a kick.

1SWEDEGIRL’S Grilled Summer Squash with Basil Oil can be prepared indoors or outdoors, depending on where your grill is located (and if that storm’s still around!). It’s a light side dish that will complete your hearty meal!