Summer is almost officially here and I can smell the succulent aroma of BBQ in the air. Time to get together with friends and family to grill all the goodies: from hot dogs and steak to corn with an array of veggies.
One of my faves is skewers of marinated filet with chunks of green peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes. Instead of filet you can use shrimp or even a firm fish that won't fall apart on the grill such as Halibut or Swordfish. You can use either a wet or dry marinade. Be sure to soak the skewers for about ½ hour and put foil on the exposed tips so they don't burn during grilling.
The classic side dishes are many and here are some of my recipes that I use for both picnics and BBQ's.
TRICIA'S POTATO SALAD
PLENTY FOR A POTLUCK or BBQ
(USE ½ RECIPE FOR FAMILY SIZE!)
Russet Potatoes – 6 – boiled, see below
Eggs – 6-8 Hard-boiled
Mayonnaise about 1 cup
Apple Cider Vinegar about 1/8 cup
Honey about 3 Tb.
Red Onion, ½ – 1, chopped
Celery – 6 stalks, chopped
Sweet Relish – One 10 oz. jar
Green Olives with Pimientos (small) – One 10 oz. Jar drained
Cut potatoes into thirds, boil for 15 minutes, check with fork then continue to boil about 15 more minutes – keep checking with fork. Potatoes should be fork tender but firm. Drain & let cool in a colander. When cool, *peel and then chop into about 1/2” chunks and put into large bowl. ( *It doesn't matter if all the peel comes off and you can leave peel on if you wish.)
Put about 3 Tb. Honey in a bowl and add about 1/8 cup apple cider vinegar. Mix well to dissolve the honey. Add about a Cup of Mayo. Add salt & pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings. Then mix in Relish and set aside.
Cut eggs into quarters, then into chunks and add to potatoes. Add the chopped onion and celery, then add drained olives (whole).
Pour on dressing. Mix very carefully so not to break up potatoes and eggs. Salad should be just a little too moist and will absorb overnight.
Adjust seasonings. Let sit out, covered, about 2 hours for flavors to blend. Refrigerate. Best served the next day.
BASIC DRY MARINADE
Salt, Pepper, Garlic and Onion Salt and your choice of Lemon-Pepper, Red Pepper, Dry Herbs or even some Dry Mustard. Rub onto meat, poultry or seafood before grilling.
WET MARINADE – my favorite for meat, chicken or fish
Fresh chopped garlic (2-3 cloves), Ketchup, Soy Sauce, Lemon Juice, Dry Parsley, Dry Herbs, Orange Juice, Salt & Pepper to taste. Mix, put into zip lock bag and add meat. Marinate for ½ – 2 hours before cooking.
GRILLED VEGGIES
Cut firm vegetables such as yellow squash, zucchini, eggplant, potatoes, corn on the cob, and green onions. Toss with olive oil, dry herbs, salt and pepper and chopped fresh garlic then put on the grill. Be sure to cut large enough pieces so they don't slip through the grill slats.
ENJOY!
