The smell of something grilling in the air may just be the unofficially recognized aroma of summer. There’s nothing like firing up the grill or smoker for a day of family, friends, food, and shenanigans.

With summer winding down next month and the kids returning to school soon, make the most of these long golden days by hosting a summer cookout, or at least attending one. Whether you are looking to bring a side dish or dessert to a party or are itching to steal the show with an expertly smoked brisket, we’ve got you covered.

Smoked Brisket

There are few things more enjoyable than a brisket that has been smoked to perfection, falls apart at the slightest pressure, and then melts in your mouth. It is admittedly a hard skill to master, but this basic tutorial can act as a great jumping-off point if you’ve been wanting to learn how to smoke a brisket and get those crispy, coveted burnt ends.

Veggie Mozzarella Salad

This is an absolutely delicious, fresh alternative to traditional pasta or potato salads that are always overdone at grill-out gatherings.

Brown Butter Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies

These cookies are so good. And if you’ve never made anything with brown butter… it’s divine. Brown butter smells like aromatic, nutty caramel sauce and imparts the taste of heaven. (Requires one hour of chill time, so plan accordingly.)