August 5, 2010

Fun Summer Recipes

by Kari

I really wanted to share this super yummy meal idea with you because it’s another one of my hubby’s favorites. Well, let’s be honest, my husband is a big fan of my cooking and therefore almost everything that I make is his favorite. But the recipes that you’ll be seeing from me on here have been Hubby tested and approved.

Maui Chicken and Veggie Skewers

3 Chicken Breasts (cleaned and cubed)

1 Green Bell Pepper

1 Red Bell Pepper

3 Roma Tomatoes (thickly sliced)

1 Onion

BBQ Skewers

Clean and cube your chicken breasts and set them aside. Cut your bell peppers and onion into large cuts (this makes it easier to skewer). Thickly slice your Roma tomatoes. I always start my skewer with one of the bell pepper pieces and then alternate between the chicken pieces and the vegetables. I always put a piece of onion next to a chicken piece because it will give your chicken better flavor.

*This can also be made into a fun way to get your kids interested in cooking. Help them make their own skewer!

Place tin foil down on your grill; place the skewers on top of the foil. Pour the Maui Mountain Teriyaki sauce & Marinade over the top of each skewer. (You can marinade your chicken in the sauce during the day if you want a stronger flavor). Cook and serve!

*Note: I just like to eat these straight off the grill with only fruit on the side. They are quite filling. However, they would be great served over rice if you would like.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The salad that I’m going to show you is a fantastic side dish for any barbecue. No matter what the main entree is, this crab salad goes with everything. It’s delish. For my husband, he also eats this crab salad as his main dish for lunch. Go figure. When I make it, I actually double this recipe because we go through it so quickly. Just a thought for you if you’re planning to feed a lot of people for a group date. {hint, hint }

Crab Salad

2-3 lbs. Crab (Imitation works best)
1 bunch of celery (finely diced)
1 lb. finely grated cheddar cheese
½ bunch green onions (chopped)
2 ¼ Tbsp. lemon juice
2 cups mayonnaise
¾ cup Miracle Whip

[This is the brand of Imitation Crab that I use. I have tried several different brands but, this is by far my favorite. This is what the crab looks like after you've diced and flaked it apart. My kids actually like to eat it just like this.]

Toss together crab, celery, cheese, and green onions. Mix lemon juice, mayonnaise, and Miracle Whip. Blend and serve.

Strawberry Shortcake
Shortcake (from bakery section of your grocery store)
1 qt Strawberries (rinsed & sliced)
Heavy Whipping Cream
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla

Whipping Cream – I am not a fan of cool whip. It tastes like air to me. Basically because I was raised on the real whipped cream. I love it! I am surprised at how many people I have met that have never tried the real whipped cream, let alone know how to make it. My grandma was raised on a farm and this is how she taught me to make it:

Pour entire contents of heavy whipping cream into a bowl. Set bowl in the sink. Add sugar and vanilla. Use a hand mixer and mix until whipping cream peaks and is fluffy. Voila. That easy.