You’ve got friends coming over in a matter of hours and no clue what to cook. Not to worry: Follow our lead and dazzle your friends with your flawless party-planning chops. All you need to do is heat up the grill and stock the liquor cabinet.

SIDES

Grilled summer root veggies with parsley coulis and ricotta salata

Easy summer picnic salad

MAIN

3 burger variations:
» Green chile cheeseburger
» Burger with harissa aïoli, fried egg, and brioche bun* (from ViewHouse, page 86)
» Beet burger on a potato bun* (from the Kitchen Next Door, page 57)

DESSERT

Grilled stone fruit with fresh ricotta and salted caramel sauce* (sauce from Helliemae’s, page 117)

DRINK

Trader Vic’s Mai Tai

Note: Dishes marked with an * can be found in 5280: The Cookbook, our collection of recipes from Denver and Boulder’s best restaurants. Pick up the book, or substitute with similar dishes found from other resources.