(Family Features) - Who says outdoor entertainment needs to break the bank? Not Chris Lilly, official pitmaster of the Keith Urban Summer Lovin' 2010 Tour. He knows grilling is a great, cost-effective cooking option especially when the days are long, the air is warm and friends and family are hungry for something savory and satisfying.

Invite your favorite people over to spend time together outdoors and taste the results of your skills at the grill, without making a huge dent on your pocketbook. As you plan, consider the cost-saving tips below to make the most of your gathering while staying true to the spirit of outdoor entertaining.

1. Save Money with Bite-Sized Barbecue: Grill up bite-sized meat like mini-burger sliders, chicken and steak strips, and let guests mix and match. Use different seasonings and marinades, and lay out a variety of dips and condiments. You'll waste less food and spend less money without purchasing more meat than you need.
   
   
2. Veg Out: Grilling isn't just about the meat anymore. Vegetarians, dieters and picky eaters deserve to enjoy the thrill of the grill as well. Gather your favorite low-cost veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, asparagus and onions. Marinate and then skewer, or skip marinating and just slather with barbecue right before you pull them off the grill. You'll have a delicious alternative or complement to the meat of the meal.
   
   
3. Cut Costs, Not Flavor: Marinating is a key part of any successful cookout that requires little time and money to add serious kick to your entrée, the meat. By marinating your dishes in KC Masterpiece(r) seasoning or marinade, you can be sure your entrées will be juicy and flavorful when the dinner bell rings. Plus, you can enjoy more time with your guests, savoring a drink and good company. 
   
   
4. Sear Sweets to Save: Use the grill to prepare the entire meal for your gathering, even dessert. Avoid expensive frozen cakes and pies and pinch pennies by purchasing in-season fruits for a unique and affordable last course. Seared seasonal fruits make a great topping for ice cream or try this dessert recipe for Smoky Bourbon Peaches a La Mode to really impress your guests.

For more tips and recipes connect at Facebook.com/KCMasterpiece. While there, check out exclusive Keith Urban concert footage and the chance to win backstage passes to Keith's concerts.

Smoky Bourbon Peaches a La Mode Recipe

Ingredients

• 6 Freestone peaches, pitted and cut into 6 slices
• 3/4 cup KC Masterpiece(r) Smoky Bourbon Barbecue Sauce
• 3/4 cup honey
• 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 quart vanilla ice cream

Preparation

1. Preheat the grill and build a charcoal fire for direct grilling.
3. In a saucepan, mix barbecue sauce and honey and cook over a medium heat just until the mixture comes to a boil. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the peach slices until well coated.
4. In a shallow dish, add the sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and stir until well mixed. Coat the peach slices generously with the cinnamon mixture.
5. Grill the peach slices for 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until the peaches have softened and are marked. It is fine for the flames to be kissing the bottom of the grill grates. This will caramelize the sugar rub. The peaches should have a brown crust with grill marks when cooked perfectly.
6. Remove the peaches from the grill and serve the hot slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Serves
Makes 6 servings

Notes, Tips & Suggestions
Recipe created by World Champion Pitmaster, Chris Lilly, on behalf of KC Masterpiece® Barbecue Sauce. KC Masterpiece® is sponsoring the 2010 Keith Urban Summer Lovin' Tour.

Preparation Time:
15-20 minutes

Cook Time:
3-5 minutes

SOURCE:
KC Masterpiece