Bring On Grillaxin’ Season!
by Christina Meyer-Jax, Tastemaker in Residence - See Christina Grillaxin' on Fox 9
The "official" warm weather start of grilling season is this weekend! As mid-westerners we've waited patiently to get our patios ready and our lakeside lounging in full swing. But who wants to spend these precious days working hard in the kitchen? Not Moi! Here are some easy inspirations and recipes to help us all Grill-ax and enjoy the BBQ season ahead!
Grillaxin’ Gear
My new favorites for outdoor season:
- Cast iron flat grill makes it easy to cook both indoors and outdoors. Lies flat on top of your grill or stovetop and allows you to cook everything from delicate veggies and pancakes, to hearty kabobs and fish fillets.
- Salad Shakers! Having one of these in hand makes it easier to choose healthy salads while longing by the pool.
- Silicone Ice Cube Trays. Perfect way to make simple syrup set-ups in your favorite fruit flavors. See Strawberry Rhubarb Puree recipe below.
- Kabob sticks. Nothing new under the sun here, but certainly makes life easier. Have them on hand to pre-set up fruit kabobs for eating or cocktails. Also handy if you want to grill up a variety of cubed meat and veggies and have people build their own favorites.
Relaxing Recipes
Grillax with some fun recipes below. They can be done ahead of time, and have good storability for impromptu cookouts with friends, family, and neighbors!
Lime & Jicama Bean Salsa - as seen on Fox 9 RECIPE: Lime & Jicama Bean Salsa
Mediterranean Garbanzo Bean Salad - Source: S&W Beans
Strawberry Rhubarb Cocktail Puree
Cocktail/Mocktail Suggestions
Pop Strawberry Rhubarb Cocktail Puree out into a highball glass and add/pour any of the following to purer:
*Sparkling water, mint leaves, vodka
*Sparkling water, cucumber vodka
*Sparkling water, Kentucky Bourbon
*Mocktail: Just add favorite sparkling water (plain, lime, cucumber) garnish with fruit slices or mint.
Making it even easier?
Really short on time? Try this fast and flavorful idea.
My new favorite that I’ve partnered with is Hodgson Mill Sorghum, Quinoa, and Brown Rice sides. They come in 5 amazing flavors (Pesto Herb, Southwestern, Basil Garlic, Parmesan, and Chipotle) that you can customize and whip up in 15 minutes while you are grilling up the proteins.
Done! Now back to Grillaxin’ the summer away!