There’s More Than One Way to Grill

charcolgrill

When it comes to summer and backyard parties grilling definitely takes center stage. There is nothing like spending that beautiful summer day outside with friends and family enjoying a nice juicy burger or steak. That is why the grill is a very popular method of food preparation. It gives you the opportunity to get out of the house as well as bringing a fun positive outlook to cooking. Pull up a chair, get your friends together and let’s talk about grilling!

If you like being outdoors then cooking on the grill will be an enjoyment. Have you ever heard anyone say that grilling food takes away the flavor and juices? That statement couldn’t be more wrong! Grilling is how many professional cooks prepare their meals. It helps to release the natural juices the food holds making what you eat a mouth watering delight. There are many ways to grill those mouthwatering foods.

The Charcoal Grill

This is the most common type of grill. It’s the sliced bread of the grilling world. The old school, always affective method of grilling’ those jaw dropping dishes. It’s quick and is always sure to bring fun and laughter to any backyard event. A few negatives about charcoal are the actual coals take a little while to get to the right temperature. This type of grill can sometimes get messy. If you’re not a fan of the charcoal taste then a gas grill may be more up your alley.

The Gas Grill

This is another effective method of food preparation. The best part about gas grilling is its simplicity. Instead of fiddling around with charcoal just turn a knob, preheat and throw on the food. There are no more cleaning ashes up or buying heavy giant bags of charcoal. Replacing the need for coal with propane is also a little bit cheaper. How can it be cheaper you might ask? It’s because charcoal will run out before a propane tank will. With gas you get to keep your money and keep those friends coming back for more tasty treats.

If you like that charcoal taste then the gas grill may not be your preferred grilling partner. For a gas grill lover just turn that knob and be on your way to a for sure talked about meal.


The Fire Pit Grill

What an exciting way to grill up those hot dogs! Grab the family head out to the back yard and enjoy that time with each other because when you use a fire pit everyone is actively involved. It a great bonding experience and can produce some delicious meals including those awesome S’mores everyone loves.

The Smoker

Ah smoked meat is the icing on the cake for some people. With a smoker, like the name says, it lets the smoke cook the meat. It’s not so much the fire that makes the food melt in your mouth, but it’s that brilliant design that enables the grill to hold in smoke well enough to cook foods thoroughly.

The Electric Grill

Are you looking for a way to have that outdoor cooking experience without any of the hassles of charcoal, gas or wood? Are you looking for a way to do that and keep your money in your pocket? Well then an electric grill is going to be your right hand man. You can cook outside, enjoy the weather and save money all at the same time. There is nothing needed but an outlet and a hungry crowd.

What Can Be Cooked

There are so many different foods that can be cooked on the grill, from that thick pork chop to those healthy vegetables. The food options are unlimited and here are just a few ideas:

Meat options include steak, beef, pork, veal and fish. Vegetables taste great from the grill. Squash, zucchini, potatoes, broccoli and carrots can all be grilled with ease. Even cucumbers and apples make a tasty addition to meals cooked on the grill. This is just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many options for things you can cook on the grill. Pretty much everything you cook inside can be grilled.

The Benefits of Grilling

Is grilling for everyone? Now there is always going to be pros and cons with any situation. There are few things to remember when it comes to grilling. First grilling can get messy. It can also take longer to cook foods than it would in a conventional oven. If you don’t like being outside then grilling might not be your thing. If cooking for a large group of people grilling would be ideal but if it’s just a quick dinner for the family then you might want to think twice before lugging out that heavy grill.

One benefit of grilling is the changing of flavor. Grilling can completely change the flavor depending on which type of grill is used. Charcoal gives you that charred taste while a fire pit grill allows a little well done taste. Smokers are great for that smoky enhancement of foods and propane gives a grilled yet juicy flavor. There are so many options and ways to improve your meal on the grill.

Grilling brings people together and creates backyard memories as well as some great tasting foods. So as you can see there are downsides but all in all grilling is a bonding, fun relaxing way to prepare that family meal. Gather up family and friends and head outside to enjoy the day and the grub.

Cheesy Pizza Dog

hotdogs

hotdogsWhat You Need:

8 all beef hot dogs
2 (8 oz.) cans of pizza sauce
8 hot dog buns
1 C of pizza cheese blend, shredded

How to Make It:

The hot dogs are cut into strips and put in a saucepan.
Over the hot dogs pour the pizza sauce and gently stir to coat.
Stir often while cooking over medium heat 5 minutes.
The hot dog buns are opened.
Evenly spoon the hot dog mixture onto each bun.
The cheese is sprinkled evenly over the buns.
The buns are closed and cut into 4 equal size pieces.
Each of the pieces is secured with a toothpick.

Makes 32

These are a great party appetizer for kids of all ages. If you like your pizza cheese a little gooey put the above on a cookie sheet under the broiler for 2 minutes, watching very carefully so they don’t burn.

Preparation Time: approximately 15 minutes
Cooking Time: approximately 5 minutes
Total Time: approximately 20 minutes

Nutritional Information per 4 bites: (approximate values)
Calories 350; fat 22 g; sodium 1,240 mg; carbohydrates 28 g;
sugar 8 g; protein 13 g

Creepy Crawly Hot Dogs

hotdogs

hotdogsWhat You Need:

1 (16 oz.) pkg. hot dogs
1 T of canola oil
1/2 C of ketchup
2 t Worcestershire sauce
1/2 t spicy brown mustard
1 T brown sugar
6 hamburger buns

How to Make It:

Slice all the hot dogs into 8 strips each.
Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat and stir in the hot dog strips.
Cook the strips 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until nicely browned.
Stir the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce and mustard into the hot dogs.
Dump in the brown sugar and stir until well blended.
Cook the hot dog mixture for 5 minutes or until completely heated through.
Cover the bottom half of the buns with the hot dogs and cover with the top half before serving.

Kids and adults will talk about these creepy sandwiches for a long time as well as enjoying every single bite. If you prefer regular mustard may be used instead of the brown mustard. You may also add a dash of liquid smoke to the sauce.

Makes 6 servings

Preparation Time: approximately 10 minutes
Cooking Time: approximately 13 minutes
Total Time: approximately 23 minutes

Give Meals a Halloween Twist

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pumpkinseedsHalloween is a fun and exciting time for everyone. Kids anticipate dressing up, treats and being scared. It is as much fun for many parents as it is for the kids. Enjoying Halloween all day long can be one way of keeping those ghosts and goblins excited up to the last minute. Here are few ideas that you can incorporate into your Halloween meals, snacks, treats and parties to keep the excitement fresh all day.

Start them out on their Halloween adventure with a spooky morning breakfast. Toast can be transformed into ghosts by toasting the bread then using a gingerbread cookie cutter to cut the bread into ghosts. Smoother the bread with whipped cream cheese or plain yogurt and add raisins for the eyes.

Pumpkin oranges are another great breakfast idea. Use a toothpick or small sharp knife and carve a jack o lantern face into the outside of the orange. Be careful not to go to deep that you pierce the orange meat.

Lunch can also be transformed both at home and in the lunchbox. Goblin tongues can be the perfect tough. Use mini bagels and lightly spread them with mayonnaise. Cut slices of bologna into the shape of tongue and place on the bagel so they hang slightly over the edge of the bagel.

How about a worm sandwich? Slice hotdogs into several thin slices. Place them in the microwave and heat on high for a minute or so or until the hot dogs begin to curl slightly. Place them on a bun with ketchup to make them slimy.

You can also make ghost sandwiches. Add the filing to white bread then use a gingerbread cookie cutter to cut out the sandwich ghost. Remove the crust for the perfect ghost.

Don’t forget dinner? Transform devilled eggs into scary eyeballs by adding red food coloring to your egg yolks. Place a slice of black olive in the center for the pupil and you have some great blood shot eyes.

Having Italian for your Halloween dinner? Why not add Salty Bones to the meal. Use refrigerated breadstick dough and roll each triangle into a long skinny bone shape. Sprinkle with salt and bake as directed on the package.

Let’s not forget those snacks. Spider snacks can be a fun snack. Spread one round cracker with a dollop of peanut butter. Press stick pretzels into the peanut butter for the legs. Add raisins or small candy pieces for the eyes.

Graveyard snacks are also exciting. Use a cup of popped popcorn. Stir in the mini pretzels, marshmallows, chocolate chips and raisins to finish off the treat.

There are numerous ideas out there that will help in transforming any meal into a Halloween adventure. Cook up something spooky and don’t forget the BOO!

Breakfast Burritos-Think Outside the Box

burrito-and-more

burrito-and-moreBreakfast time is always a rush. Getting kids ready for school and yourself off to work can take its toll. Breakfast doesn’t have to be cold cereal or even non-existent. Breakfast burritos are becoming a big hit and they can be quick and easy too. Think outside the box by adding ingredients that you might not think of for breakfast. You probable already have some of these items in the kitchen or better yet just use leftovers from the night before.

Warm up a tortilla and add honey and peanut butter. Roll them into an easy and quick breakfast on the run. They are delicious and healthy and who doesn’t want that for their family?

How about a hot tortilla with a couple of hot dogs wrapped in them? Add your favorite hot dog toppings like chili or cheese and yes, you have breakfast to go. It may not seem like a normal breakfast but still it is energy for the day. Who can argue with that?

Try some leftover spaghetti in a tortilla. You could be surprised at how good it tastes. No spaghetti noodles? Try the sauce wrapped with a hot dog in a tortilla and you still have a fairly healthy breakfast.

Try heating up that leftover chili and spreading it on a tortilla. Just roll it up and go. Who would think that this is a great taste sensation and so easy to do? Cook a couple of scrambled eggs and add the chili and you have another great choice for breakfast.

Do you ever have leftover baked potatoes? Slice and dice them, warm them in the microwave. Add some seasonings, onions or chives and sour cream. Wrap in a warm flour tortilla and you can eat on the run.

Take a can of refried beans and spread them on a tortilla, place in the microwave with some cheese and a little sour cream and you have a great Mexican tortilla. Beans have a lot of protein and can make a great morning eye opener.

Have leftover salad mix from the night before? Take the salad mix, place in a tortilla and add your favorite salad dressing, roll and eat. Not necessarily something you would choose for breakfast but it’s healthy and makes a great day starter.

Do you have leftover steak from last night? Slice, dice or cube it and add it to a tortilla for a great source of protein and a very easy breakfast meal.

Fabulous Fourth Finger Foods

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bluefireworksWho needs forks when it comes to the 4th of July? Some of the best things to eat you can eat with your fingers. Grab them on the run to the next throw together softball game with the family or as you are going to push the kids on the swing set. Just grab and go food is some of the best you can find.

Hot dogs are always a favorite on the 4th of July. Wrap a package of hot dogs in a package of crescent rolls and fix like the package says. Serve with a favorite barbecue sauce, ranch dressing or even the reliable standby of ketchup. Great to eat on the run and the kids will love them!

Serve this next treat with some blue cheese or ranch dressing and some celery and you have a hit on your hands. Take some chicken nuggets and fix like the package says. Toss in barbecue sauce or some hot sauce and serve!

If pita bread is a favorite with your family, try these tasty little treats. Combine a package of Italian dressing mix and cream cheese and place on a slice of pita bread. Slice a cucumber and pat dry. Place cucumber slices on top of the cream cheese mixture and top with another slice of prepared pita bread. Cut like a pizza into triangles and serve!

How about Mexican finger foods? There are a couple of great ideas. Mix together some taco meat and place a spoonful inside some Scoops. Add some sour cream, tomatoes, and cheese and these are bite sized delights! Using the same taco meat mixture, place some cheese and a couple of spoonfuls of meat into pre-softened tortilla shells then roll. Spread with oil, place on a cookie sheet in a 350F oven and cook until they are crisp.

Vegetables also make great pick ‘em up and eat ‘em food. Slice a zucchini into thin slices. Add your favorite seasonings like lemon pepper, Parmesan cheese and garlic powder. Fry in oil in a skillet until brown on both sides. After each group, wipe the skillet out so the zucchini doesn’t turn black while cooking.

Olives and cheese are the main ingredients for the next 4th of July treat. You will need a jar of olives, sharp shredded cheese (2 cups), 1/2 pound of margarine or butter, and 1 cup of flour. Using a food processor, combine the butter and cheese and process until smooth. Add flour (about 1 cup) and blend well. Dough should be about 1/4 in. thick after rolling, cut into squares (2 in.). Place olive in the center of square and close. Bake at 350F until crisp on a baking sheet. Remove from oven, cool and eat!

Tortillas aren’t just for Mexican food. Take a flour tortilla and spread with a mixture of 2 tablespoons applesauce, cream cheese (1/2 package) and 1 teaspoon of thyme. Place a slice of turkey on each one and roll. Place in the frig after wrapping with plastic wrap for about 2 hours. Remove, slice and you have a wonderful treat that is cold and refreshing.

As you can see, the 4th of July doesn’t have to be a lot of hard work but can be an enjoyable day that you can spend with family and friends celebrating our independence! Eat and enjoy!