Summer provides the perfect excuse to dust off the grill and add some sparks to a traditional backyard BBQ menu. This year, celebrate the best of the season with friends and family by serving up some classic grillfriendly dishes with a zesty twist.

Summertime Menu Planning

Here are a few dishes that will add a flavorful kick to any table spread:

No BBQ party menu is complete without a summer potato salad dish. Mix up a dish with red potatoes, green beans, olive oil, lemon juice, mustard and cheeses. Spice up this American classic with a few dashes of chipotle pepper sauce.

When it comes to summer fare, baked beans are a must. Add some extra flavor to your regular baked bean dish this year by adding bacon, onion and chipotle pepper sauce. While baked beans may be a standard summertime dish, the combination of sweet and smoky with the added kick of pepper sauce is anything but average.

To add some more flavor to your table, be sure to serve sliders with chipotle ketchup. These bite-sized burgers boast bold flavors of grilled ground beef, chopped scallions and Tabasco brand Chipotle Pepper Sauce. With each serving smothered in Colby Jack cheese and topped with smoky chipotle ketchup sauce, these sliders are a sure-fire way to spice up any grill master's menu.

For dessert, consider grilling some seasonal fruits. Toss some slices of pineapple, peaches, apples or even mangos on the grill, then serve over ice cream for a refreshing finishing touch to the meal.

For more seasonal recipes with a kick, visit www.tabasco. com.

Sliders with Chipotle Ketchup

Makes: 4 servings

Chipotle Ketchup:

• 1/2 cup ketchup

• 1 tablespoon Tabasco brand Chipotle Pepper Sauce Sliders:

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1/4 cup chopped scallions

• 3 tablespoons Tabasco brand Chipotle Pepper Sauce

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 8 small rolls, about 2-inches round

• 2 slices Colby Jack cheese

• Green leaf lettuce

In small bowl, combine ketchup and pepper sauce; set aside.

Preheat grill to high. Meanwhile, combine ground beef, scallions, pepper sauce and salt in bowl; mix well. Shape mixture into eight 2-inch round burgers.

Grill burgers about 5 minutes, or to desired doneness, turning once. Cut each cheese slice into 4 pieces. Top burgers with cheese; cook 1 minute longer or until cheese is melted.

To serve, cut each roll horizontally in half. Place leaf lettuce and cooked burger on roll. Serve with chipotle ketchup.