Dinner on the Grill

I just can't turn on the oven or the stove when the thermometer reads 100+.

In fact, both appliances are unplugged right now and the toaster over is banished to the garage for occasional use out there.

Seriously.

So, we are getting really creative with the BBQ.

Dinner tonight was Dill Spiced Corn, Marinated Chicken, Red and Green Bell Peppers with Onions, and Seasoned Potatoes, all cooked on the grill.

1. Marinate the Chicken. You can use one of the marinades I have already posted, or make it up. Just make sure you use some acid (like citrus) and some salt. I used the juice of one lime, the end of a bottle of teriyaki, a little soy sauce, some garlic, and some lemon pepper.

2. Wash Potatoes and cut into rounds, about 1/2 an inch thick. Put them in a microwave proof bowl (I use a glass pie pan) and toss with oil. Microwave for about 8 minutes. Doing this ensures they cook all the way through without burning.

3. Meanwhile, husk the corn and get all the silk off, rub or brush a little bit of butter on each cob, and sprinkle with dill. Wrap each ear in a square of foil.

4. Cut up the onions and Bell Peppers (bigger pieces = less likely to fall through the grill). Sprinkle with a few drops of oil and salt and pepper.

5. Pre-heat the grill.

6. Potatoes, bell peppers and onions bottom middle of the grill. Turn each piece individually one time, about 5 minutes per side.

Corn rims the bottom grill--just line em up along the outside, and turn em over every once in awhile. Total cooking time about 15 minutes.

Chicken starts on the next rack up, so it can cook thoroughly. When you take the potatoes off after about 10 minutes, put the chicken in their place. Each side should get about 3 minutes to get that grill look and taste.


So good, we all loved dinner tonight, and no extra heat in the house!

Stuffed Zucchini

Short Version:

Twice this summer I have receive GIANT zucchinis from my sister in law's parents in law's garden.

Think larger than a roll of paper towels.

Yep.

I found a stuffed zucchini recipe, but altered it to make it gluten free, and, in my humble opinion, better.

You're Welcome.

Note: Not my picture. Mine have a different topping.

Cut zucchini in half lengthwise and using a spoon or melon baller, scoop out flesh, leaving 1/4" thick. Arrange in a baking dish. Chop the scooped out flesh of the zucchini in small pieces.


In a large saute pan, melt 1 tbsp butter or a combo of half butter and half oil.


Add, 1/2 an oinion, chopped,  and 3 cloves garlic, chopped. 
Cook for 3 minutes.  


Add chopped zucchini and a pinch of salt.
Cook for 3 minutes.


Add 3 tbsp white wine or chicken stock.
Cook for 3 minutes.


Add 1 lb ground turkey, and another pinch of salt plus one of pepper.
Cook for 3 minutes.


--Kidding--


Cook until all the turkey turns light or white. Chop the turkey up while it cooks.
Add 1 tsp each of:
basil
paprika
garlic powder
rosemary

--Or--


whatever spices you want to add. Seriously.


Stir the spices in and set the whole pan aside to cool.


5 minutes later add 1/4 cup parmesean and 1 egg white.


Stir well.


If you are not gluten free, you can add 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs too.


Pack the mixture into the zucchini halves.


I topped mine with frozen grated potatoes (hash brown potatoes), put a few little pats of butter on top, and made a foil boat for each half of the zucchini to bake in.


You can do what you want.


You can bake it in a 9x13 pan, and you can add some chicken broth to the pan to make it extra soft. 


I don't because


a. It's too hot to turn on the oven and I use the toaster oven
b. I like crisp veggies, even when they are cooked.


Bake at 350 for 35-45 minutes. Zucchini should be tender. 


This was so amazingly good I made it twice. Everyone liked it.


I didn't take a picture of mine.

Southwest Turkey Burgers

Recipe Taken from Weight Watchers Cookbook

1 pound ground turkey
1/3 cup crushed tortilla chips
1/3 cup salsa
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 Tablespoons chopped green onion
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Shape into 4 patties.

Cook one of 2 ways:
1. Spray both sides of patties with cooking spray or brush with oil. Heat large skillet over medium heat and cook patties approximately 4 minutes on each side.

2. Brush oil on heated grill and bbq the burgers, approximately 6 minutes on each side over low heat.

Serve on Fresh Whole Wheat buns with lettuce, tomato, avocado, guacamole, salsa, and/or fresh cilantro.