BACKYARD GRILLING

As far as we're concerned, we've had a few perfect days this month when the dry desert climate gives us clear blue skies under which backyard grilling makes a fine dining activity.

Today is such a day - a day to sip Vodka Lemonade while grilling some Corn on the Cobs, Blackened Mini Beef Kabobs, Garlic Lime Mini Shrimp Kabobs, and fresh slices of pineapple.  Waiting on the side are some Tomato Watermelon Salad, Broccoli Slaw and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream. Around here we just never tire of exclaiming, "O, what a beautiful day!".

Vodka Lemonade

Tomato Watermelon Salad and Broccoli Slaw

Blackened Mini Beef Kabobs

Garlic Lime Mini Shrimp Kabobs

Salads, Protein and a perfectly Grilled Corn on the Cob brushed with

Herbed Butter on one side and BBQ Butter on the other side

Grilled Pineapple and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Recipes

Vodka Lemonade

1 jug Simply Lemonade

Slices of 1 fresh lemon (discard seeds)

Vodka (any brand)

Ice cubes

1. Place ice cubes in each high ball, then fill 3/4 of glass with Simply Lemonade.

2. Add vodka, fresh lemon slices and stir.

Tomato and Watermelon Salad

Broccoli Slaw

Blackened Mini Beef Kabobs and Garlic Lime Mini Shrimp Kabobs

24 short bamboo skewers, soaked in water before using

2 lbs cheapest cut of beef, cubed 2"

1 jar dark Korean BBQ sauce

Sprigs of fresh rosemary, finely chopped

1 tsp ground ginger

Scallions, julienned

2 lbs medium size shrimp, scaled and deveined

Zest and juice of 2 limes

4 cloves garlic, minced

crushed red pepper flakes

1 tbsp grated parmesan 

salt to taste

1. Add to BBQ sauce chopped rosemary and ground ginger, mix well.

2. Marinate beef cubes in BBQ sauce overnight.

3. Add to lime juice the zest, minced garlic, red pepper flakes and salt.

4. Marinate shrimp in lime juice overnight.

5. String beef cubes into skewers, about 4 to 5 cubes per skewer.

6. String shrimp into skewers, about 4 to 5 shrimp per skewer.

7. Grease grill generously and preheat to medium high.

8. Place beef skewers on middle rack and shrimp skewers on upper rack.

9. Grill beef to medium - the outside will be dark/blackened from the dark marinade but inside should only be medium. Garnish with scallions before serving.

10. Grill shrimp until pink, remove from heat and sprinkle with grated parmesan.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Grilled Pineapple

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream