It's still technically Spring, but given how April showers have quickly passed into sunny May days, now's the perfect time to head to the outdoors and fire up the grates for a pre-Summer cookout.
You could go for the classic sides — or just grab bags of your favorite chips — but putting in some extra effort won't go unnoticed by all your guests who are looking forward to what you'll be heating up on the grill! Click through to check out eight less-conventional sides that will have everyone impressed.
In America, it's a tradition to eat black-eyed peas for good luck as we ring in the New Year. Just because they're beans — a statement of fact, even though they are called "peas" — doesn't mean they have to be boring. This barbecued baked black-eyed peas recipe is spi-cy (yes, that's two syllables, because this is a Southern recipe and to emphasize that this will open up your sinuses). It tastes smoky and rich, as if it's seasoned with bacon, but the flavors come from the chipotles in adobo sauce. I especially love it with grits, millet, or brown rice. Happy New Year to you and your family! 
