Tag Archives: Grill

Two Easy Chicken Marinades

With a handful of simple ingredients, you can create quick and easy chicken marinades for spring baking or summer grilling. You can even prepare these weeks ahead. Just throw the chicken and the marinade into a bag or freezer dish together and then freeze. Pull them out of the freezer the night before to thaw in the refrigerator, or defrost in the microwave before cooking. Soy Good Chicken This one I am afraid that I eyeball, so I don’t know exact measurements for you, but I think that makes it even easier. You just want to make sure that you … Continue reading →

Grilled Favorites: Patty Melts with a Twist and Zesty Italian Burgers

The Labor Day holiday weekend is right around the corner and there’s nothing like a big BBQ to say so long to summer. However, some cash strapped families feeling the pinch from high food prices and even higher gas prices might be tempted to cancel their picnic plans. Don’t throw in the towel on your holiday grilling plans until you read the following recipes. Not only are they affordable, but they also feature basic ingredients that the entire family will enjoy. (Believe me; I know there’s nothing more frustrating than seeing good meals go to waste because your kids are … Continue reading →

Ways to Liven Up Leftovers

The calendar (and the thermometer) still says it’s summer, but for many families the new school year has already started. This means that family time is more precious than ever and with a house full of kids waiting to be shuttled to school and extra-curricular activities, plus your desire to make the most of the nice weather, who wants to spend any more time in the kitchen than absolutely necessary? I try to minimize the juggling act by making double duty recipes. Meaning I cook more of a certain ingredient (or ingredients) to use two nights in a row. For … Continue reading →

Sizzling Steak Tacos with Mango Salsa

How often do you prepare steak for a weekday dinner? In a previous blog I revealed that making steak in the middle of the week is not a common occurrence in my home. But, during the summer months it’s not uncommon for some home cooks to throw a few steaks on the grill mid-week. If you are one of these lucky folks then you might consider making the following recipe. These Sizzling Steak Tacos are hot and spicy thanks to some ground cumin and garlic. The simple ingredients give the steak a welcome kick. Meanwhile, the fresh mango salsa has … Continue reading →

Preparing Popular Picnic Foods

When planning a summertime picnic there are a few staples that always make the cut. In my family they include potato salad and hot dogs (if my dad is cooking it’s potato salad and Kielbasa sausage). The crowd-pleasing summertime foods are favorites in many families namely because they are simple to prepare and can feed a ton of people without too much effort. The following recipes might be a tad labor intensive, but the time you put into them will win you raves from your guests. The recipe for Kielbasa and Peppers can do double duty as an appetizer or … Continue reading →

Outdoor Dining: Three-Course Simple Summer Meal

There’s no better way to enjoy the dog days of summer than firing up the grill and eating outdoors. Sure, it’s warm outside and in some parts of the country the mosquitoes are the size of lab rats, but in a few months you will be kicking yourself if you don’t take advantage of the opportunity to bond with your family over a meal in the great outdoors. When designing a meal to devour in your backyard, on your deck or in the park, think simple. The following recipes are not labor intensive, yet they pack a powerful punch in … Continue reading →

Healthy Grilling: Super Summer Salmon Salad

According to the American Heart Association, adults should be eating two servings of fish, especially oily fish that are high in omega-3 fatty-acids, such as salmon and trout, at least twice a week to maintain a healthy heart. One of my favorite ways to prepare salmon is on the grill. I especially love wild salmon, but according to my fishmonger, the famous Copper River salmon is in short supply this year. If you already have your grill set up for the summer season you might consider making the following recipe for a grilled salmon salad with an Asian inspired dressing. … Continue reading →

Cultural Smorgasbord—-Mexican Rib Eye Steaks and German Brats with a Twist

I grew up in Hawaii, which is well known for its cultural diversity and equally varied cuisines. In the Aloha State it’s not unusual to have a breakfast of Japanese rice, Portuguese sausage and Hawaiian sweetbread; lunch of Filipino Chicken Adobo and Chinese noodles; and dinner consisting of Italian pasta and kalbi (Korean short ribs). As we countdown to Independence Day I thought it would be appropriate to salute our nation’s wonderfully rich cuisine with the following ethnic dishes that can be easily grilled up for a classic Fourth of July picnic. The first recipe features an All-American rib eye … Continue reading →

Spend Less on Your BBQ

Are you ready for the Fourth of July or summer BBQ? You might be discouraged from having your party this year because of the high food prices, but don’t worry. There are still ways to reduce your spending for your BBQ without making your guest feel as though they are deprived. Know what to grill Fortunately for us, cheaper cuts of meat actually do better on the grill than do more expensive ones. For example, chicken thighs stay nice and juicy and hold up to a lot of rubs and seasoning, more so than do the more expensive chicken breasts … Continue reading →

Glorious Grilled Shrimp with Sweet Summer Corn Relish

Declare your independence from your stove this Fourth of July. Fire up the grill and salute Old Glory with this glorious grilled shrimp dish. It does double duty as a hearty appetizer or as a main course paired with couscous or jasmine rice. The recipe also includes a refreshing relish featuring fresh sweet summer corn and bacon. The bacon adds a smoky flavor to the shrimp and the corn gives the dish a welcome crunch. What’s also nice about this recipe is that it can be made in advance so if you are making it to serve at your Fourth … Continue reading →