Showing posts with label CoolRecipes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CoolRecipes. Show all posts

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Two Sauces & A Side {for your BBQ}

With the weather being so hot lately the thought of standing over a stove top just makes me exhausted. I don't know about you, but we have been making good use of our BBQ! To help give your different BBQed meats variety I'm sharing with you two of our favorite sauces {and if you are vegetarian scroll down to read about one of my favorite side dishes!}
Now a little side note: I want to remind you that my way of cooking doesn't have exact measurements - I "eye ball" alot of things to make it the right amount that I need. That is the beauty of cooking, it's not a science, it's an art. {Baking is totally different however} So be BRAVE and "eye ball" the ingredients to make the amount you need and taste as you go.

Mr. S. is in charge when it comes to cooking the steak at our house. This steak sauce is always on the table .

Steak Sauce
Ketchup
Worcestershire
Mustard
BBQ Sauce
Hot Sauce {optional}

You want to mix together equal amounts of ketchup, mustard & BBQ Sauce. Use the Worcestershire to get the sauce to the consistency that you want it. I like to add in hot sauce for an extra kick, but you can also do some freshly ground black pepper or try soy sauce for an Asian flair.



This is BY FAR my favorite condiment for steaks, chicken and tacos. I remember eating some portabella fajitas at Chili's once and they served this sauce on the side...I was hooked. You can do this with parsley, but I LOVE it with Cilantro! I love the pungency of the cilantro with the tartness of the vinegar...so good!!

Chimmichuri Sauce
Cilantro (about a cup)
minced garlic {about a Tablespoon}
Red Wine Vinegar {a few healthy splashes}
Salt
Pepper
Olive Oil

In a food processor combine all ingredients EXCEPT the oil. Pulse until everything is combined and it looks like a paste. While the processor is running, stream in the Olive oil until the paste becomes more like a salsa consistency. Be sure to taste test to see if more salt or vinegar needs to be added.



What kind of a meal would be complete without a side dish? What I love most about these grill packets is that you can use any vegetable that you have on hand. I'll list what I have in this packet, but really the sky is the limit to the different veggie combinations! I few rules come with grill packets:
-Use heavy duty tin foil or two sheets of regular tin foil
- Before anything goes into the tin foil it needs to be coated with a cooking spray or oil so the veggies don't burn and stick to it.
- Vegetables like potatoes and carrots should be cut thin. The thicker they are the longer it takes to cook them {unless you like a crunchy potato, yuck!} For the carrots in this packet I used a vegetable peeler.

Grilled Vegetable Packets
Tin Foil
Olive Oil
Potatoes, thinly sliced
Carrots, thinly sliced
Zucchini
Mushrooms
Bell Pepper Strips
Red Onion
Tomatoes
Salt & Pepper
Seasonings & Parmesan Cheese

Oil your tin foil {either with oil or a cooking spray}. Place your sliced veggies in the center. Your veggies need room to cook in this packet. Pull out enough tin foil so the veggies go in the middle of the foil and you can pull up both sides, folding the edges together until it is rolled down into a packet {ends should be rolled up as well}. If you didn't give yourself enough room, get a second sheet of tin foil, oil it and place it on top of the veggies rolling up each of the sides together. Before you start rolling season your veggies with salt & pepper and your choice of seasonings. I've tried many different kinds, you can go Italian and do basil, oregano & rosemary. You can use a premixed BBQ seasoning, we like McCormick's Spicy BBQ. Along with the seasonings you can also add cheeses or even balsamic vinegar {really yummy} or soy sauce.
Place the packet on the grill and let it cook for ten minutes on each side {total cooking time 20 minutes}. If it puffs up during the BBQing that is just fine. When you take your veggie packet off the grill be sure to test the veggies inside. If they are tender they are ready to eat, but if the potatoes or carrots are still hard, roll it back up and put it back on the grill for another 10 minutes, or until done. **If you are cooking a large veggie packet {i.e. feeding 6+} plan on 30-40min cooking time and be sure to rotate every 20 Mins to ensure veggies are cooked on both sides***

Enjoy!


Photobucket

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Mama Mia! Grilled Pizza


Have you pulled out the BBQ yet? Over here at the S House we have had it out since February! We love to BBQ! One of my favorite things to make on the BBQ is Grilled Pizza. Never had it? Well scroll on down and make it tonight.

You Will Need:
  •  Your favorite Pizza dough {at our house we like to use this dough or this whole wheat version, they're quick with no rising time}
  • Pizza sauce
  • Mozzarella Cheese
  • Favorite pizza toppings all sliced & at the ready.
For our Margarita pizza you will need : Tomatoes {Sliced} & fresh Basil leaves
Pre heat your grill
1. Take your dough and divide it into 4 to 5 palm sized balls. Roll your dough out into 6-8" disks. When grilling pizza the thinner the dough the better. Be sure to oil the grill before you put the dough on.
Place the dough on the grill and let cook until you can easily pull the dough off with tongs about 4-5 minutes.
The bottom of the dough should have those great grill marks. The top of the dough will still look soft, but have bubbles on the top.
2. Once the bottoms are cooked place the disks grilled side up on a cookie sheet.
3. { On the grilled side of the pizza} Spoon & spread on the pizza sauce, sprinkle toppings & cheese
* Please note that the pizza will cook quickly. There will not be alot of time for the cheese to melt. Be light on toppings & cheese.*
4. Place the pizza's, carefully, back onto the grill and put the lid on. Let cook for just a few minutes (2-3). It will cook really fast so have the tongs ready to check it. You don't want it to burn!

Place on plates, cut & enjoy!!
I personally enjoy my pizza with a squirt or two of sriracha sauce {I like it spicy!}

These pizzas are great for a party - everyone gets their own & there are infinite topping combinations. Mr S. & I did this for a family dinner at Bear Lake and they were a hit with the kids & adults.

Try it! You'll love it! Shout out your pizza topping combination...




Photobucket

Friday, June 1, 2012

Raise your glass to Flavored Waters!


Have you noticed all of flavored water pins floating around on Pinterest lately? Well I have and in fact pinned a few myself. I'm pretty bad when it comes to drinking the daily 8 glasses we should consume so I thought that maybe spiking it with some citrus {I already love limes in my water} would help me hydrate a bit more.

I started pinning, I started blog trolling and today I'm going to share some of the recipes I have found & tips that help make the most out of your flavored water.

Tips:
- Always use ice! A good glass of water should always be chilled...who wants to drink warm or room temperature cucumbers?
- To get a stronger flavor out of your citrus or herbs squeeze them and/or crush them before putting them in the pitcher. It brings the flavors out.
- The sky is the limit with the combinations of what you can put in your water!! It has been amazing pouring over all these flavored water recipes...there are so many!! And each one is different or can be tailored for your taste. So get creative and try different combinations.
- Flavored waters do have an expiration date. My first pitcher of flavored water was good for three refills {i.e. just refilling it with water and ice and keeping the ingredients in}. Any longer than three the water starts to become bitter and not as strongly flavored.
- It's a great sugar free drink to serve at parties!! Seriously no sugar added in any of these recipes. Any sweetness comes naturally from fruit!
- You can add some club soda or sparkling water to give your water some pizazz.

Recipes:

Lemon & Cucumber {Michelle's FAVORITE!!!}
I think I'm going to be drinking this water all summer long - who knew cucumbers could taste so good in water?!?

1 Lemon
1/2 Cucumber

Slice them thin and put at the bottom of the pitcher. Cover with ice cubes & water till it fills the pitcher.
I've heard that basil or mint are fun herbal additions to this....definitely going to try it!

Watermelon Basil Water {by Nancycreative.com}
You will be surprised with how refreshing this combination is. The basil is amazing!

2 Cups Seedless watermelon, cubed
10 Basil leaves
1 half-gallon of Water

Pour water over watermelon & basil. Chill for 2 hours & serve over ice with a sprig of basil.

Fruit Water {by Nancycreative.com}
This water sounds delicious & looks gorgeous!!! I think it would be perfect for a party.

1 each of the following fruits: apple, lemon, orange, pear
4 large strawberries
Handful of raspberries
Handful of mint leaves
1 half-gallon of water
Cut large slices or thin wedges of each fruit; place them in a large glass pitcher and add cold water. Refrigerate 2 hours and serve over ice in tall glasses.

Sweet Pineapple Strawberry Spa Water {by myspawaterbook.com}
This water is naturally sweet AND the fruit colors the water pink!

1 Pineapple, skinned, cored & sliced
1 carton of Strawberries, cleaned & sliced

Layer fruit at the bottom of the drink dispenser & cover with water.

Flavored Water {by Shewearsmanyhats.com}
I love citrus in my water. Need ideas for the "optional citrus"? I would suggest oranges and grapefruit.

1 gallon fresh water
3-4 slices of lemon
3-4 slices of lime
3-4 slices of other citrus (optional)
3-4 slices of cucumber

Add all citrus and cucumber slices to water. Refrigerate until ready to serve

Strawberry Blueberry Fizz {by nestofposies-blog.com}
She loves serving - and creating her drinks - in mason jars. She also has a recipe for Orange Cilantro water that I want to try.

Fill a glass:
3/4 full of sparkling water
Strawberries (4) Blueberries (small hand full), blended
Ice

Blend Strawberries & blueberries in a blender & add the sparkling water. Serve over ice.


Do you have a flavored water recipe? Please share!!


Photobucket

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Cool Summer Recipe: Fried Scones

Our She Said reader Candace shares her family recipe for Fried Scones!! Want to keep it cool in the house, plug in your electric skillet outside!! (plus no greasy smell in the house)



My Grandma Macbeth's Fried Scones
Scones:
3 T yeast
1/2 cup warm water
2 cups milk, scalded
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp salt
3 eggs
6 cups flour
Scaled milk and allow to cool. Combine yeast and water and set aside. Cream sugar and shortening. Add remaining ingredients and combine well. Allow to sit in the fridge for at least an hour or over night. Roll out on to a floured surface and cut into strips. Fry till golden brown on each side. Serve warm with honey butter, jelly and powdered sugar.
Remember!!! Voting for your favorite Cool Summer Recipe is on September 5th. Be sure to come back and vote for your favorite!!

Photobucket

Monday, August 22, 2011

Cool Summer Recipe: Grape Summer Salad

Submissions are coming in!! Have you gotten yours in? A no-oven recipe and a picture of it e-mailed to us at: shesaidblog@yahoo.com is all you need to do - be sure to get it in by August 31st. Voting is on September 5th. For more information follow the link for our Cool Summer Recipe Challenge

Our friend Jana Wilde shares:
Best salad . . . . ever!
Grape Summer Salad
Two bricks cream cheese (can use lower fat if desired)
One 16 oz sour cream
1 1/2 Cups Sugar
1 1/2 bags (give or take) of red seedless grapes
2 Butterfinger bars
This is double the original recipe so half it if you must! Let the cream cheese soften and cream together with sour cream and sugar, you"ll want it as smooth as you can get it. Wash grapes and fold into mixture (use desired amount, more or less to taste). Grab a fresh bowl and put half of grape mixture in. Crush 1 butterfinger and sprinkle on top of layer ( if you want to be really sinful, you can add some extra layers with a bit of brown sugar). Put rest of grape mixture on top and crush one more butterfinger to top. There you have it! Great for picnics and barbeques!
She Said Cool Recipes button

Photobucket

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Cool Summer Recipe: Frito Salad

Hey! Long time and no post! Sorry. While Nan is spending a splendid vacation in Las Vegas and I'm busy packing boxes (the big move is this week!) we have been very lazy at posting. Can you believe how fast the summer has gone by?!?

We are excited to recieve our FIRST Cool Summer Recipe Contest entry!! ( and here we thought that we would have to declare ourselves the winner and keep the prize ourselves) Our good reader Hope shares her recipe for Frito Salad.


Hope says: Hey Girls!

Sorry I'm just getting this to you, but it's a AWESOME recipe. I'm sure people have had it, but it's always a hit at family parties, and it's SO easy.

Frito Salad
6 cups drained corn (or 3 cans)
1 can olives (chopped)
1-2 cans black beans (rinsed and drained)
2 peppers (cut into small pieces)
1 purple onion (thinly diced)
1/4 bunch cilantro
1 container grape tomatoes
1 C mayo

Chill for a few hours, add 1 bag chili cheese fritos.

This recipe is nice because you can basically add more or less of whatever. Make it how you like it. :)

Thanks for sharing Hope!
Want to give Hope some friendly recipe competition? Our contest is still open to any of you who have a Cool Summer Recipe - get 'em in and enjoy some cool cooking!
She Said Cool Recipes button


Photobucket

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Cool Summer Recipe -- Microwaved Corn on the Cob

Thanks for all of the birthday love, everybody!!  I had a great day.

Back when Michelle came to visit, I fixed corn on the cob using my microwave.  Although Michelle had never seen corn cooked that way, it's the only way I do it!  It's fast and keeps your kitchen blessedly cool.  Start out by shucking and cleaning your corn.  Don't worry about drying them off; you want a little bit of moisture left on the ears. 
Hello, cuties.
 You will need one piece of wax paper for each ear of corn.  The paper needs to be a little bit longer than your corn.  Place your corn on one corner of the wax paper...

...and roll it up!  Twist the ends of the paper like a Tootsie Roll.
I put my corn on the side of the paper that feels more papery, with the waxy side on the outside.

Put your corn in the microwave.  I like to use a plate, but you don't have to.  If you are cooking more than two ears of corn, arrange them like the spokes of a wagon wheel.

Microwave on high.  Start with one minute per ear of corn and then check; I like to gently squeeze each ear to find out if it's still really hard and needs more time.  I think two ears for Mr. W and me usually takes about four minutes total.

Carefully unwrap and then season with butter, salt, pepper, whatever you like!


Yum...that's summer goodness right there!


She Said Cool Recipes button

I am linking this post up to

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Cool Summer Recipe Challenge!

It's Summer. It's Hot. You still have to make dinner....but what to make on an extremely hot day?Join us in our First Recipe Contest!!

We've shared some of our favorite No-Oven recipes & we want you to share YOURS!!!
Each week we will share our readers best No-Oven recipes & YOU get to decide who is
"The Queen of Cool".
The winner will recieve bragging rights & her own set of  popscile molds (they are the favorites of Kate & Sara from Our Best Bites)


Contest Rules:
E-mail us at: shesaidblog@yahoo.com with your No-Oven recipe.Your recipe can cover any course from drinks & appetizers to dessert and anything in between and a picture of the finished dish (up to 2 photos). Be specific with measurements, directions and the size of cans, packages and pans so others can successfully make your recipe. Include a few words about the origin of your recipe. Share any compliments it's received, plus any variations you recommend. You may only enter one recipe. We will be accepting recipes from July 14th -August 31st.

We will post all of our readers fabulous recipes and you will have a treasure trove of cool, easy, yummy no-oven recipes to try.  You will will try them out and come back and leave feedback on the recipe (or recipes...who says you have to cook just one?)

On September 5th we will ask all of our readers to come back and vote on their all-time favorite No-Oven recipe. In the event of a tie Michelle & Nan will make the final decision.

Grab a button and let all of your blogging friends know that you are a part of this challenge (and to come vote for your recipe!!) The more the merrier and the more recipes...the Better!!



Any questions? E-mail us at shesaidblog@yahoo.com


Photobucket
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
 

Template by Best Web Hosting