Using Wooden Skewers on the Grill

We are still in the height of "grilling season" and shish kebab cooking is quick and easy. If making kebabs with chicken or meat, you will want to make sure that you cut uniform pieces of 1-2" and refrigerate in your favorite marinade following your favorite recipe directions.

Wooden kebab skewers can be found in any grocery store. Before using on the grill, you MUST soak them in water BEFORE skewering your meats and/or vegetables to prevent the wood from burning on the grill. You can even cover the tips of the wooden skewers with small pieces of aluminum foil.

If you do a lot of grilling this way, consider investing in stainless steel skewers. They may cost a little more initially, but they can be used over and over again.

Pork Loin in the Slow Cooker

Select a pork loin roast, 3 to 4 pounds

The weather has been too hot to use the oven,

so I chose to roast the loin in my slow cooker.

Don't forget the liner for easy clean up.

3/4 cup water

3/4 cup red wine

3 tbsp. soy sauce

Seasoning of your choice, 

such as Kansas City Classic Rub

4 tbsp. minced garlic

Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Onion Soup mix is another seasoning option, 

in place of the KC Rub.

Place the pork loin in your slow cooker.

Pour the liquids over the roast.

Press the seasonings on the top.

Mince the garlic cloves and evenly distribute on the roast.

Season with freshly ground black pepper, to taste.

Cook on high for 4 hours.

Reduce to low, and continue cooking for 2+ hours...

Times may vary, depending on your slow cooker.

The pork is tender and flavorful.

Slice and Serve.

And the "planned-overs" (not left-overs) 

make excellent pulled pork sandwiches.

Chislic ~ Cowboy Candy ~ Beef Kabobs

Chislic, cubed red meat (venison, lamb, or beef) is usually deep-fried or grilled. Chislic is a dish that is unique to the midwest and varies slightly in preparation from region to region.

I purchased a Beef Roast, on sale, 

and decided to cube the meat myself.

 Trim off as much of the exterior fat as possible.

The Marbling (interior fat) will add tenderness, flavor and juiciness to your Chislic.

If using Bamboo Skewers, remember to soak them in water.

I found that my electric knife was very efficient when cutting the cubes of meat.

Try to keep the cubes uniform in size so they will cook evenly.

Seasoning

1 1/2 tsp. Worchester Sauce

3/4 tsp. Chili Powder

1/2 tsp. Salt

1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder

1/2 tsp. Onion Powder

1/4 tsp. Ground Black Pepper

Toss the beef cubes with the seasoning.

Allow to marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

If deep frying:

Heat 2 inches of oil to 375 degrees in your frying pan.

Fry the cubes in small batches to avoid crowding the oil.

Cook to medium rare, about 1 minute, or to your desired degree of doneness.

If Grilling:

Place beef cubes on skewers.

Cook on grill until medium rare.

Serve with toothpicks and

Hot Sauce or Ranch Dressing on the side.

Making a Crumb Crust

There are a couple of ways to make a cracker or cookie crumb crust. You can place your crackers or cookies in a large zipper bag, sealed tight and crush with your rolling pin. Or, you can place your crackers or cookies in your food processor and process until desired consistency.

Finally, finish according to your recipe's directions.

Grilled Potato Wedges

There's nothing better than cooking outdoors during the Dog Days of Summer!

And the perfect side dish...

Grilled Potato Wedges

3 or 4 Red Potatoes, depending on size

1 or 2 Sweet Potatoes

(Sometimes I change this up with Russets or Yukon Gold Potatoes)

Olive Oil

Coarse Salt

Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Fresh Herbs, such as Thyme, Chives, Rosemary, & Parsley

Scrub potatoes and cut into thin wedge slices.

Toss with Olive Oil.

Drizzle a little Olive Oil in your grill pan and layer in the potatoes

with Couse Salt, Freshly Ground Black Pepper and Herbs.

Here, I am using Fresh Thyme.

Place on grill over medium heat. 

Stir frequently to prevent them from burning.

Cook 20 to 30 minues, depending on how many potatoes you are making, 

and the thickness of your wedges.

Cook until fork tender and golden brown.

Melting Butter in the Microwave

Does your recipe call for melted butter? Tired of having it splatter in your microwave?

First, make sure you place your butter in a glass container. Then you will need to cover the top. The butter wrapper will keep the splatter in the container and not make a mess of your microwave!

Now, why didn't I think of that long ago?

Lemonade Dessert

So cool & refreshing for summer.

Ritz Cracker Crust

100 Ritz Crackers

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1 cup butter, melted

My food processor makes the best cracker crumbs...

or you can crush them in a bag with your rolling pin.

Mix in the powdered sugar.

Melt the butter.

Don't forget to cover your glass container 

to prevent spatters inside your microwave.

The butter wrapper is perfect for this task!

With the processor running, pour in the melted butter through the feeder tube.

Mix thoroughly. You can mix this by hand, as well.

Scoop about 1/8 cup crust mixture into your lined muffin tin cups.

Reserve some crumb topping for the garnish.

Using your tart maker, or the backside of a spoon,

form a crust on the bottom and up the sides of your muffin cups.

Now you are ready to make the filling.

Lemonade Filling

12 ounces frozen lemonade

2 cans sweetened condensed milk

16 oz. container whipped topping

Mix lemonade and condensed milk. 

Fold in the whipped topping.

Fill Ritz crusts with Lemonade Filling.

Sprinkle reserved crumbs on top.

So perfect for these hot summer days, 

as you don't need to heat your oven!

And the lemon is a fabulous contrast 

with the rich chocolate cheesecake cups.