Hey y’all! The heat of summer has hit the deep South and grilling season is in full swing. One of my favorite things to put on the grill that no one ever really thinks about is okra! Now, I’ll admit that I’ll eat okra just about any way I can get it, but grilled with a little char is one of my favorite ways! Throw out that notion of slimy okra. This isn’t slimy at all because of the way you cook it – hot and fast.

What makes it even better is the super simple, easy, and delicious jalapeño ranch dressing that you can dip these beauties in. The jalapeños add some amazingly flavor without adding much heat. Scraping the seeds and white membranes from the jalapeños remove much of the heat. If you like heat, you can just leave the membranes in there.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Char-Grilled Okra with Jalapeño Ranch Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 35 mins Servings: 3 to 4 Author: Stacey Little | Southern Bite Ingredients For the Jalapeño Ranch: 1 (1-ounce) packet ranch dressing mix

1 cup milk

1 cup mayonnaise

2 jalapeño peppers halved with the seeds and membranes removed For the Okra: 1.5 pounds fresh okra

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Instructions For the Jalapeño Ranch: Combine the dressing mix, milk, mayonnaise, and jalapeños in a blender. Pulse until well blended and the jalapeño peppers have been minced. Refrigerate to thicken. For the Okra: Preheat the grill to medium high heat.

In a large bowl, toss the okra with the oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook the okra in batches directly over the heat for 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until just starting to char.

Serve with the Jalapeño Ranch to dip. Making This Recipe? Tag me on Instagram: @SouthernBite using the hashtag #SouthernBite , so I can see how it turned out!

I was in need of a new charcoal grill, so I visited my local True Value store and the knowledgable associates helped me pick out the perfect grill just for me. I love my gas grill for busy weeknights, but nothing adds flavor to food like charcoal. And while this okra is delicious on gas or charcoal, there just something about cooking in on charcoal that takes it over the top!

My friends at True Value are going to give one lucky Southern Bite reader a 22-inch Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill in the copper color just like mine! This thing is amazing! It has a push button gas igniter, a bin for your charcoal, and a super easy ash catcher – it’s amazing! (US Residents only, 18+, winner will pick up prize at local True Value store)

Here’s another favorite thing to slap on the grill while it’s still hot… dessert! And by dessert, I mean this Grilled S’mores Skillet! Three ingredients and a cast iron skillet and you’ve got a fun twist on s’mores that I just know your family will love! Mine sure does! And this is great to just pop into the oven too, if you don’t have the grill fired up. Just bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until the chocolate is melted and the marshmallows are golden brown.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Grilled S'mores Skillet Prep Time 5 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 20 mins Servings: 6 to 8 Author: Stacey Little | Southern Bite Ingredients 1 pound milk chocolate chips

1 (10-ounce) bag large marshmallows

graham crackers for serving Instructions Warm the skillet on the grill over indirect heat. Add the chocolate chips to the skillet and top with the marshmallows. Cover the grill and cook for about 15 minutes or until the chocolate has melted and the marshmallows have been toasted. Serve with graham crackers for dipping. Notes This works perfectly in the oven as well. Bake at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes once assembled. Making This Recipe? Tag me on Instagram: @SouthernBite using the hashtag #SouthernBite , so I can see how it turned out!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of True Value. The opinions and text are all mine.