What does summer in the Carolinas taste like to you? As the season heats up, we’re in the mood for something smoky with grill marks, something crisp like slaw, something spicy like jazzed-up sweet potatoes and, of course, something fizzy.

Welcome to our Carolina Kitchen, where we’re experimenting with simple, seasonal favorites and Pepsi recipes to brighten up your meals – and your time spent with family.

Cooks, start your grills. It’s your turn to try our latest dishes.

Back Home Burger

Ingredients:

Pepsi Ketchup (recipe below)

Prepared coleslaw

Slices of cheese (your choice!)

1 Thinly-sliced red onion

1 Family-size bag of Lay’s BBQ potato chips

1 Burger patty per person

1 Sesame seed bun per person

Make it:

Grill the burger patty to your liking. Assemble your masterpiece with the remaining ingredients.

Pepsi Ketchup

Ingredients:

12 oz tomato paste

1/4 cup honey

1/2 cup white vinegar

1/4 cup Pepsi

3/4 tsp salt

Make it:

Whisk the ingredients together in a saucepan on medium heat. Combine thoroughly to achieve a smooth texture. Once the mixture starts to boil, turn the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes while stirring frequently. Take the mixture off of the stove and cover it. Let the ketchup cool before chilling it in the refrigerator.

Sweet Cayenne Fries

Ingredients:

2 lbs of peeled sweet potatoes

Olive oil

Cayenne pepper

Garlic salt

Onion powder

Paprika

Make it:

Cut the sweet potatoes into fry shapes, about 1/2-inch thick and 3 inches long. In a bowl, toss the fries in olive oil with the remaining ingredients. Spread them on a baking sheet and place in the oven at 400 degrees. Bake 25-30 minutes until brown and crispy, turning the fries halfway through.

All that’s left is to set the picnic table.