Monday, May 20, 2013

Everything Grilled Memorial!

here's what we were working with:

carrots- i followed the pinned recipe exactly. these carrots made the whole family happy. not mushy at all, and a little char and a honey glaze makes everything right.

corn- husk the corn and remove the silks. season each ear with butter, salt & pepper. wrap each ear in aluminum foil and place on a hot grill for 15 minutes, turning ever few minutes. unwrap each ear and put the naked ears back on grill for a few more minutes on each side. everyone in the family, including the dogs, who got the cobs, LOVED this classic pleaser.

salad- i followed the pinned recipe again. the only change i made was subbing sour cream for creme fraiche b/c my store didnt carry it. these were the surprise stars of the show. i was so skeptical about grilling salad, but it really was just smoky perfection, and the simple herbed dressing was a great match. do you trust me? give this a try!

chicken legs- i started with a recipe from cooking light, and adapted it to make it supremely superior (because i watch top chef and am fancy like that).

my cardinal rule for grilling chicken is this: NEVER trust a marinade. every time i have relied upon a marinade for flavor, i have been disappointed. it seems like no matter how long i marinate for, hardly any of the flavor gets into the meat and it just tastes like chicken. and it's a sad moment when i pour out all of those yummy ingredients into the trash after the chicken is pulled out of them. there has to be a better and more lasting way to use them.

the answer is: the glaze.

now whenever i see a recipe for a marinade, i take the same ingredients and make them into a glaze to be brushed onto the chicken as it grilled AND after it comes off. i have yet to be disappointed by this method.

sweet citrus glazed chicken legs (adapted from cooking light):

    1 cup of orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 4 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon dry sherry
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of honey
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons bottled minced garlic
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon basil
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dark sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (siracha or tabasco)
  • 8-12skinless chicken drumsticks
  • Cooking spray
  1. 1. Prepare grill.2. Place chicken on grill coated with cooking spray; grill (with lid closed) 30 minutes at medium heat or until chicken is done, turning occasionally.
  2. 2. Place chicken on grill coated with cooking spray; grill 30 minutes, covered, over medium heat or until chicken is done, turning occasionally
  • 3. Combine the first 13ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. heat until the mixture reduces to a thick, glaze-like consistency (about 15 minutes). DONT overcook or turn the heat up to high to speed things up. (that story has a tragic ending).
  • 4. during the final 5 minutes or so of grilling the chicken brush the finished glaze over the chicken legs, coating all sides. reserve just enough to give them all a final brush after the legs are finished.

Red,White,And Blueberry!

Using Eggo waffles makes this fun and patriotic breakfast come together in a snap.  I covered the bottom waffle with strawberry slices and placed the second waffle on top.  (The boys love anything with a “filling”.)



Now it’s time for the flag.  Use the waffle as a guide to make your lines filling every other line with whipped cream.  Also fill in the top left hand corner.  Next, cut up small pieces of fresh strawberries and create the red stripes of the flag.



Now it’s time for the flag.  Use the waffle as a guide to make your lines filling every other line with whipped cream.  Also fill in the top left hand corner.  Next, cut up small pieces of fresh strawberries and create the red stripes of the flag.

 
Well Memorial Day is appproaching are you ready for an exciting weekend of festivities?I am! Here are some great" DIY" recipes Easy,Delicious and Simple the three words that are magic to our ears.





Jean on Jean