Summer Grilling Fun

The intoxicating aroma, the mouthwatering flavors and the dancing flames of an outdoor cookout; is there anything more fun than firing up the grill on a summer weekend? I know. Having Bobby Flay do the grilling for you. Okay, maybe’s that just my idea of fun. Whether you are grilling and chilling for Pops on Father’s Day or you’re celebrating graduation day with family and friends, the following simple recipes are sure to bring a smile to your face: CITRUS SHRIMP SKEWERS Ingredients: 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro … Continue reading

Grilling Gone Wrong

My once picky preschooler is now a bonafide foodie with an insatiable taste for all things grilled. And I’m not talking about cheese sandwiches. My mini gourmet is especially fond of filet mignon, Kalbi, marinated chicken and brisket grilled just to the point where each meaty morsel melts in her mouth. Talking to my kindergartner you’d think that I was a pretty darn good cook given her passion for perfectly grilled meat. Unfortunately, it wasn’t my wizardry with open flames that got her hooked on seared sirloin. That honor is split equally among the chefs at our favorite Japanese, Korean … Continue reading

Easy and Affordable Picnic Recipes

What would Independence Day be without friends, family and great food? If you are planning to celebrate our nation’s birthday with an outdoor meal and fireworks, then don’t forget to pack the following easy and affordable picnic dishes: BABY RED POTATO SALAD Ingredients: 4 pounds baby red potatoes, washed well and cut into quarters 2 teaspoons salt 1 (16-ounce) container sour cream 1 1/2 to 2 cups mayonnaise 1 teaspoon garlic salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 4 stalks celery, diced 4 hard boiled eggs, chopped 4 green onions, chopped 1/4 cup fresh chopped dill 6 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled … Continue reading

Simple Summer Picnic Recipes

Picnics are an essential part of summer. After all, there’s nothing quite like sharing a great meal in the great outdoors. Picnics can range from extravagant affairs with tents and gourmet selections to simple sandwiches shared in your own backyard. Personally, I prefer the latter, especially if I am the one creating the outdoor feast. If you are looking for some quick and easy items to make for your next summer picnic, consider the following: EASY VEGGIE WRAP Ingredients: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 2 tablespoons chopped chives 2 tablespoons fresh dill 1 teaspoon garlic salt Spinach tortilla wrap Fresh … Continue reading

Recipes for Special Occasions

I don’t know about you, but it’s a rare night that I get to dine on steak. Most people shy away from preparing the mouth-watering meat on a nightly basis because it cost more than chicken or hamburger. However, when it comes to celebrating special occasions, studies show that steak is the number one choice for diners. With that said, you don’t have to go into debt or spend hours in the kitchen to create a succulent steak dinner. Whether you are celebrating a graduation, birthday or anniversary, the following easy, yet delicious steak recipe can’t be beat. I’ve also … Continue reading

Finger Lickin’ Good Summer Recipes

Corn on the cob, watermelon, hamburgers, and hot dogs are some of summer’s tastiest no-utensils-needed foods. The hands-on favorites are simple to eat and make clean up even easier. The following recipes are some of my family’s finger lickin’ favorites. All that’s required to eat them are clean hands and a healthy appetite. EGG IN THE MIDDLE PIZZA Ingredients: 1 (12-inch) unbaked pizza crust 4 ounces shredded Gouda cheese 4 ounces shredded Havarti cheese 4 ounces goat cheese 8 slices of prosciutto 8 fresh morel mushrooms 12 spears fresh asparagus, blanched and grilled 1/2 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved … Continue reading

Patriotic Recipes

Happy Memorial Day! We’ve got one more day of grillin’ and chillin’ before most of us head back to work and school. However, it’s important to remember the reason why we are afforded this break from our daily grind. The Memorial Day holiday is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by our service men and women, in the pursuit to keep our freedoms secure. So why not commemorate the day by making dishes that feature the colors of our country—-red, white and blue. Here are a few recipes to get you started: FLAG DESSERT Ingredients: 1 tube refrigerated … Continue reading

Great Grilling Recipes

This weekend marks the unofficial start of the summer season, and what better way to celebrate than to get grilling. Grilled dishes can turn an ordinary meal into a gourmet feast. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a top chef to create the following scrumptious recipes. Simply dust off your grills, grab some basic ingredients and get cooking: RED HOT PEPPER BURGERS Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef 1/4 cup your favorite chunky salsa 4 jalapeno peppers 4 hamburger buns, split 1/4 cup chopped fresh tomatoes 2 tablespoons sliced pitted ripe olives Directions: Combine ground beef and 1/4-cup salsa in large … Continue reading

Food Blog Week in Review & Menu: June 22

Welcome to the food blog’s week in review. This is our way at families of catching you up on what you’ve missed over the last week. This week was the week of frozen desserts–just in time for the summer’s hot weather. June 22 Strawberry Crumble Truffle–This is a delicious layered dessert made with a baked crunchy crumble topping and a creamy layer of strawberry filling. Maybe Michele is inviting us all over to her house for the 4th of July? With these tempting recipes I’m ready to go!!! If you plan on grilling for the 4th of July, try something … Continue reading

High Tech Grilling Gadgets

It would seem. . .unethical. . .if I didn’t write about grilling so close to Memorial Day. However, you must know that I am jealous of all of you who will be enjoying your grills this weekend and that I simply consider it cruel irony that I must write about grilling without actually having a grill. I may go borrow one from one of my friends. With that disclaiming blurb out in the open I present you today with a list of latest high tech grilling gadgets. I’m sure someone with more outdoor cooking experience will laugh at my next … Continue reading