The heat of the summer is back and a University of Illinois Nutrition Educator has some tips on how to add to the diversity of your cooking routines.

Caitlin Mellendorf at the U of I Extension in DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Counties explains grilling is starting to take on new forms with flat iron grills becoming popular. She says this increases the options we have at our disposal.

A standard gas or charcoal grill serves as a great roaster for vegetables. Mellendorf points out frozen pizza manufacturers have promoted preparing their pies on the grill.

Mellendorf says cooking on the grill offers a great alternate flavor but will save the energy used on the oven or stovetop. In addition, it keeps our homes cooler.