a twist on the usual ho-hum cookout

We are hoping to have cookout soon...and as I am making my grocery list today, I thought I would try to roughly plan out this cookout. Hamburgers, chicken, salad, etc. Once I got down to the side dishes, I realized I was just sick of the usual baked beans/chips/potato salad that goes along with cookouts. Not that they aren't great, but I want to try something new and unusual and maybe unexpected.

Maybe it is the fact I have an inordinate amount of free time (that is regulated somewhat by the whims of a 3 year old) that is influencing me or perhaps the cover of the recent Southern Living that features watermelons used to keep drinks cool is inspiring...



...but all I know is I'm on the hunt for a new addition to the ho-hum cookout. (Thanks to Mom for sharing your latest Southern Livings with me!) So, let's see what we can find for an affordable, fun, and different cookout!


{suggestions, recipes, etc. are appreciated...}