Doubly Delicious Grilled Chicken

While I realize barbecue season is over, I have yet to throw in the tongs. 
This is one of my favourite recipes because it's fairly versatile. I've made this sauce countless times (occasionally without all of the ingredients) and have never been disappointed. If you don't have a grill, you can make it in the oven instead - I've done this when I run out of propane!

Double-time Barbecued Chicken

Inspired by "Triple Play Barbecued Chicken" from Weber's Way to Grill

Your Shopping list:

SAUCE

2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
½ cup finely chopped white or yellow onion
2 tsp minced garlic
1 cup ketchup
½ cup lemon-lime soda 
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
¼ cup packed golden brown sugar
2 Tbsp dijon mustard

RUB

2 tsp paprika

1 tsp kosher salt

Finely grated zest of 1 lemon

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

8 chicken drumsticks

What to do with it:

1. Prepare your grill for both direct and indirect cooking over medium heat
2. Cook oil, onion and garlic for about 10 minutes, or until golden over medium heat in a medium saucepan
3. Stir in the remaining sauce ingredients and bring to a boil
4. Stirring often, reduce heat to low and simmer until slightly thickened, about 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, mix together the rub ingredients and coat the chicken pieces evenly
6. Place chicken on the grill, skin side down, over direct medium heat
7. Grill for 8-10 minutes, with the lid closed as much as possible, turning occasionally
8. Move to indirect heat for an additional 25 minutes
9. Brush chicken with the sauce and grill over direct heat for approximately 10 minutes. Continue turning and brushing the chicken until juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink at the bone
10. Heat remaining sauce so that it is safe to serve alongside the chicken and your favourite salad!

Summer isn't over yet!

I can't believe that it's already September. It seems like yesterday was the beginning of May, a time when I had the whole summer at my fingertips. Now the weather is changing but my cooking style definitely isn't! Here's a great recipe that you should immediately prepare and throw on the grill! Why? Because frankly, it takes less than 30 minutes from prep to table, AND it is freaking delicious.

I first had this meal as leftovers on a visit to my dad's and was immediately addicted. Get grillin'.

Cajun Chicken Thighs

Adapted from Weber's Big Book of Grilling

prep time: 15 mins
cook time: 10 mins

Your shopping list:

Rub:

1 Tbsp brown sugar

1 Tbsp garlic powder

1 Tbsp onion powder

1 Tbsp paprika

2 tsp dried thyme

2 tsp dried oregano

2 tsp freshly ground pepper

2 tsp kosher salt

Meat:

16 (4 oz) boneless, skinless, chicken thighs

What to do with it:

1. Mix rub ingredients together in a small bowl
2. Rinse and dry chicken thighs
3. Coat thighs with dry rub
4. Spray thighs with olive oil
5. Grill over direct medium heat for about 8-10 minutes, or until juices run clear, turning once halfway through cooking time
6. Serve with roasted veggies and potatoes, or a side of your choice!

The Tastiest Taters

Have I mentioned that I love barbecuing? Pretty much everything I eat tastes better on the grill, and this recipe is no exception. That being said, if you find yourself grill-less, this tasty potato salad can also be made in the oven. The great thing about this recipe is that it tastes delicious hot, warm, or cold. It can be made ahead of time which will save you the effort of timing your meal perfectly (something I fail at).

Pistachio Pesto Potatoes

From Weber's Way To Grill
Serves: 4-6
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes (half boiled, half grilled)

Your Shopping List:

1 garlic clove
1 cup tightly packed fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup shelled unsalted pistachios
1/2 cup mayo
2 tsp white wine vinegar
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

8 medium potatoes (the original recipe calls for yellow potatoes, but I've used various kinds)
kosher salt (if you don't have kosher, regular will do)
2 large red or yellow pepper
2 Tbsp olive oil
freshly ground black pepper
2 Tbsp torn fresh basil, optional

What to do with it:

Pesto

1. In small food processor, mince garlic cloves
2. Add basil and pistachios, and pulse until they are finely chopped
3. Mix these ingredients together with the mayo and white wine vinegar
4. Set aside until your vegetables are cooked 

Veggies

1. Cut washed, unpeeled potatoes in half lengthwise and then in thirds and place in a large pot
2. Cover potatoes with water and bring to a boil
3. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook potatoes for 5-10 minutes, or until barely tender
4. Cut peppers into 3 inch chunks
5. Drain water and toss the potatoes and peppers in olive oil and salt
6. Pre-heat the grill and a grill pan to medium
7. Grill the potatoes and peppers over direct heat for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the potatoes are nicely seared
8. Remove from heat and return to the pot or a new bowl
9. Toss veggies with pesto and garnish (optional)
10. Eat them now or wait until later!

Ribs Worth Rubbing

This one time I made ribs and they were absolutely disgusting. I spent all afternoon making them and they were so gross even Matt wouldn't eat them -so into the garbage they went. That was about three years ago, before I knew how to find a good recipe and alter it to suit my tastes. I've made this rib rub & sauce combo a handful of times and it has been a hit with everyone who has tried it. I must admit I've toned down the heat to suit the tastes of a friend! 

Without further ado, I present:

The World's Best Ribs

Inspired by: My Life as a Mrs cooking instructions and rib rub, and this guy's sauce.

prep time: 10-15 minutes
cook time: 6.5 hours max (includes slow-cooking and making sauce while cooking ribs)

Your Shopping List:

A package of two racks of ribs

Rub:

1/4 cup cumin

1/4 cup packed brown sugar (optional because I've omitted it twice and they were still delicious)

1/2 cup paprika 

1/4 cup chili powder

1 Tbsp cayenne

1 Tbsp garlic powder

1-2 tsp salt (original recipe calls for wayyy too much)

freshly ground pepper

Sauce:

1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup sriracha sauce
1/2 cup white rum
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
2 cloves of garlic, crushed or very finely minced
1 tsp ground dry mustard
ground black pepper to taste

What to do with it:

Rub it on!

Ribs

1. Spray slow cooker insert with olive oil/non-stick spray
2. Rinse ribs and pat dry
3. Coat ribs evenly with approx 1/2 cup of dry rub
4. Place ribs in slow cooker insert bone-side in - You may need to intertwine the racks so that it all fits
5. Cook on low for 5-6 hours

Sauce

1. Heat all sauce ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat
2. Stirring occasionally, simmer for 30 minutes (reduce heat as needed)
3. Set aside to cool, and refrigerate until ready for use

Sauce & Ribs

1. Spray grill with olive oil, or other non-stick spray and preheat to medium high heat
2. Coat ribs with bbq sauce and placeon the grill, meat side down
3. Cook for 2-3 minutes and then flip, rib-side down. Baste the meat again, close the lid and cook for another 2-3 minutes
4. Repeat three or so more times and then remove
5. They will fall apart. They will be delicious!
6. Serve with green beans & potatoes, or whatever you so choose.

Don't judge my photography skills - these are amazing.

Eatsa Pizza

 

Pizza - What's not to love?

Pizza. Who doesn't love it???

I'm fortunate enough to have a breadmaker, so making crust isn't much work at all. The recipe that came with mine is made with white flour and probably more salt than one should consume on a regular basis, but it's cheap. It's not the healthiest crust, but I'm scared to mess with my bread maker. I'm eventually going to venture into whole wheat crust pizza, but that day is not today. 

The best part about making pizza at home is that you can put as many toppings as you want, and it's free! (Minus the cost of your groceries). Top your pizza with any veggies and meat that you so desire!

Matt and I used to make two different pizzas but now we tend to just overload both and eat the same thing. This is a fun way to spend the evening, and requires minimal clean-up.

How many of you have had pizza cooked on the barbecue? Probably not many, and if you have, chances are it was on a pizza stone. Well throw that stone out the window, and throw your crust right on the grill! Follow the first set of instructions if you're planning to grill your pie.

This shopping list will include things I like to put on my pizza - feel free to experiment with your own toppings. If you are using any fresh meat, PLEASE cook it first. I don't like food poisoning and I don't think you will either.

Your Shopping List:

Toppings:

1. Pepperoni/cooked chicken/other cooked meat
2. Spinach
3. Tomatoes
4. Various types of pepper
5. Green & black olives
6. Jalapenos
7. Mushrooms
8. White and/or red onion
9. Cheese - I've used feta, mozzarella and cheddar. ALL ARE DELICIOUS!

Sauce:

1. Tomato paste (smallest can)
2. Tomato sauce, no salt added (small can)
3. 1-2 tsp each Oregano, basil or Italian seasoning
4. Brown sugar or other sweetener to get rid of that "canned" taste
5. Salt & pepper, to taste
6. 1 tsp Red chili flakes (optional)

Crust: 
Store-bought crust, naan bread and pita all work well! I will post my recipe later.

What to do with it:
a) On the grill, with uncooked pizza dough:

1. Turn on your barbecue on high - let it heat up and then reduce to medium heat
2. Roll out the dough in whatever size pizzas you want
3. Brush one side of your prepared dough with olive oil
4. Place dough on grill for approx 1 minute
5. Remove from heat, and brush uncooked side with olive oil
6. Top the cooked side with your sauce, meat, veggies, and cheese
7. Return pizza to grill, and cook for approx 5 minutes with the lid closed
8. Remove from heat and enjoy!

b) In the oven, with home-made dough or store-bought crust:

1. Pre-heat oven to 425 F.
2. Cut up veggies and shred cheese
3. Mix pizza sauce ingredients
4. Top your pizza crust: sauce, toppings, and then cheese
5. Cook for 12-15 minutes, or as long as it takes to look delicious
6. Eat it up!

This wasn't even intentional!

Okay, maybe I went a bit overboard with the cheese....

2 for 1 Recipe!

I love when a recipe includes both the main event and a little something for the side. I have a hard time deciding what sides go well with whatever type of meat I'm cooking. I'm known to just make all of my favourite recipes and pretend they mesh. I rarely plan far enough ahead to properly marinade my chicken, but when I do it's always worth it. This chicken recipe is flavourful and a little more exciting than your average breast.
If you're looking for a great warm quinoa recipe, look no further. Before I found this recipe, I always made cold quinoa salads (like this one). While they are delicious, I hate waiting for them to cool and having to pack my lunch in two containers to avoid heating cucumbers. If you were wondering, sauteed cucumber is revolting.

The list may seem long, but your shopping and prepping will be over before you know it!

Marinated Chicken & Quinoa Salad with Lemon and Mint

from Weber.com by Jamie PurviancePrep time: 25 minutesMarinade time: 2-4 hoursGrilling time: 8-12 minutes

Your Shopping List:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, each about 6 ounces (washed and trimmed of fat)
• 2 Tbsp soy sauce (I suggest low-sodium)
• 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 Tbsp ground cumin
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Quinoa:

• 3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 Tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt
• 1-½ cups quinoa
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• 3 scallions (white and light green parts only), thinly sliced
• 1 medium garlic clove, minced
• ½ cup chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
• ¼ cup chopped fresh mint leaves
• 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest
• ¼ tsp hot pepper sauce (optional)
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper (optional)

What to do with it:

1. Mix marinade ingredients in a measuring cup or bowl. 
2. Place chicken in a large resealable plastic bag and add the marinade. Shake it up! Place bag in a bowl and refrigerate for 2-4 hours (or however long you have). 
3. Once you are too hungry to let the meat marinade any longer, preheat your grill for direct cooking over medium heat and clean it off.
4. Remove the chicken from the bag, discard the marinade, and place the chicken on the grill breast-side down. Keep the lid closed as much as possible and grill for 8-12 minutes (turning once or twice). Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting surface, and cut into 1/2 inch slices - or really, whatever size you want!

Quinoa:

1. In a medium-sized pot over medium-high heat, combine broth, 1 tbsp of oil, and 1 tsp of salt. Bring to a boil.
2. Add quinoa, and lemon juice - stir. 
3. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low. Stir once or twice over the next 15 or so minutes. By this time, or after all of the liquid is absorbed, your quinoa will be ready. 
4. Fluff (not like a pillow - use your fork) and transfer to a bowl suitable for mixing. 
5. Add the remaining oil, salt and the rest of your ingredients listed under "Quinoa". Stir and taste. Alter ingredients accordingly. 

If you're eating the quinoa and chicken together, spread the quinoa on a serving platter and add sliced chicken.

Please ignore the HUGE piece of lettuce.

 I served mine with a pseudo Greek Salad. Enjoy!

The best tomato recipe in the entire universe.

If I could pick one recipe to eat for the rest of my life, I think it would be this one. My dad is a huge fan of cooking on the barbecue and loves to try out new things from his various Weber cookbooks. This recipe is one of those! 
You can tell a lot about what a person likes just by looking at their cookbooks. The best recipes are always the ones that are barely intact, spattered with food, and oil-stained. I just described the page that contains this recipe:

Roasted Tomatoes Stuffed with Grilled Ratatouille

from Weber.com by Jamie PurviancePrep time: 25 minutesMarinade time: 2-4 hoursGrilling time: 8-12 minutes

Steak, spinach, mushrooms, THE BEST TOMATOES & Corona :)

Your shopping list:

4 large ripe (but not too ripe) tomatoes
Ratatouille:
1 medium red onion, cut crosswise into 1/3-inch slices   (It will fall apart on the bbq regardless)
1 red bell pepper, stem and seeds removed and cut into flat pieces
1 medium zucchini, cut lengthwise into 1/3-inch slices
extra virgin olive oil
2/3 cup grated mozzarella cheese or 2/3 cup Fontina cheese (Optional - I've made it without for my momma)
1 tablespoon finely chopped basil (I've used 1tsp of dried and it worked fine!)
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

What to do with it:

1. Cut a 1/2" slice off the top of each tomato and discard tops. With a small knife cut around the inside of the fleshy part of the tomato to within 1/2" of the skin, being careful not to cut through the bottom. With a teaspoon, scoop out the flesh, leaving about 1/2" of the flesh attached to the skin.
2. Discard the juice and seeds to make room for the ratatouille. Lightly salt the inside of the tomatoes and turn them, cut side down, on a plate lined with paper towels while you prepare the ratatouille.
3. Lightly brush the onion, zucchini and pepper with oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. I've forgotten the S&P and it was fine
4.  Grill over Direct Medium heat until tender, turning once, about 8-10 minutes.  Transfer to a cutting board and cut into 1/3 inch pieces. I don't ever pay attention the size of them in the end. I basically dice it all so I can fit more in the tomatoes.
5. Combine the vegetables in a medium bowl with the cheese, basil and vinegar.
6. Spoon ratatouille into the tomatoes and grill over Indirect Medium heat until the cheese is melted and the vegetables are warm, 8 to 10 minutes. 

They tell you to serve it immediately but I've definitely mistimed my meals and had them sit for a few moments. These are delicious reheated leftovers, but there will be liquid everywhere so reheat it in a bowl!