(Family Features) The warm sun and longer days means that it's the season for summertime relaxation! And nothing is more relaxing than spending that quality time around the grill, preparing a meal with friends and family. According to the Hearth, Patio and Barbeque Association, more women are heating up the grill, with more than 35 percent becoming the primary user of the grill in their household.

Whether you're coming together to celebrate the season, or just gathering to gossip with girlfriends, nothing is easier to grill than ham. From Ham Steaks with Summer Salsa to Ham Kabobs with Peach Slaw, summer grilling with ham is a sweet way to beat the heat.

"Because Cook's Ham is easy to prepare and affordable, it is a great way to make a tasty meal on the grill, whether you're a beginner or someone who is a little more seasoned," said Judith Fertig of the BBQ Queens, whose new book, "BBQ Bash" (Harvard Common Press, 2008), is available now. "And ham is versatile enough that it can be prepared in many different ways, but in my experience,

"I've found that it is especially good on the grill."

Consistently high-quality and flavorful, Cook's Ham (both boneless and bone-in) offers heat and eat options that are quick and easy to prepare so you can spend more time relaxing and less time prepping food.

Tossed on the grill or incorporated into a classic dish, you can serve ham in a variety of ways -- from summertime salads to kid-friendly kabobs.

Be the happy and un-harried hostess at your next summertime soiree, and check out more recipes online at www.CooksHam.com.

Ham grilling tips

* Estimate to use a 6-ounce serving per person.

* Remove ham from wrapper.

* Apply your favorite glaze or homemade condiment, if desired. Check out www.CooksHam.com for ideas!

* Preheat grill.

* Set grill rack three inches from heat.

* Grill approximately three minutes on each side for ham steaks, or approximately five minutes on each side for thick-cut steaks.

* Heat until product center reaches 160 degrees (use meat thermometer to be sure). Remove immediately.

* Enjoy your juicy, tender ham!

Ham Steak with

Pineapple-Green Onion Salsa

4 Cook's Bone-in Ham Steaks (1 pound each)

1 medium fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, finely chopped (about 3 cups)

2/3 cup finely chopped red bell pepper

1/4 cup finely chopped green onion

1 teaspoon grated lemon peel

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon dry mustard

Pinch of ground cloves

Few drops hot pepper sauce

Combine pineapple, bell peppers and onions in medium bowl. Beat lemon peel and juice, the brown sugar, salt, mustard, cloves and hot pepper sauce in small bowl with wire whisk until well blended. Add to pineapple mixture; toss to coat. Cover.

Refrigerate at least 1 hour to allow flavors to blend. Grill ham according to package directions. Serve with salsa.

Courtesy of Family Features and Cook's Ham.