Every year August takes me by surprise. Here in Minnesota it’s usually sunny, hot, and the produce is ready to be pulled out of gardens. Yet, we all want to spend the absolute maximum time playing outside, soaking up the summer sun and cooling ourselves in the shimmering lakes, before it inevitably turns cold again. No one wants to be spending time in the kitchen if they can help it. That’s why I always say “August is for Grilling”…
It’s FOURTH OF JULY WEEK so I thought you may all like this blast from the past that you can very easily throw on your grill and impress your family members. Plus the extra chimichurri is perfect for steak, shrimp, chicken, vegetables, you name it. Enjoy!
*initially published September 25, 2018
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It is a bit hard to believe that the unofficial kickoff to summer is almost here! Since we had nearly two feet of fresh snow here just over a month ago, it still feels a little strange to be sitting in the 90 degree heat on my porch today. Don’t get me wrong, I am loving every minute of this heat wave, but it was definitely odd to go from snow boots to sandals so quickly!
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Summer is here and I just can’t stay away from the grill. Seems like now that the weather is warm, everything needs grill marks, and everything needs to be eaten outside. Am I right? We are lucky enough to partner with Queen Creek Olive Mill, and in my mail a few weeks ago was a bottle of their amazing Fresh Crush Jalapeño Olive Oil. I was having a hard time narrowing down the million ideas I came up with to use this oil, but I finally settled on these Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Jalapeño Chimichurri. Quick, easy and delicious. Try them for yourself! Or better yet, make them for a friend-they will thank you!
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Welcome back to Good Food Reads Sauces Edition where we are going to talk about my absolute favorite thing-SAUCES! I have been accused by my husband of ordering food solely for the sauces I can put on top of it! Want to lure me into ordering something at a restaurant? Describe the sauce. Sauces, condiments, salsas…whatever name you prefer. Buckle up, I’m going to bring you some of my favorites…
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Some of you may know this, but I spent almost 16 years of my life as a vegetarian. From about age 12 until a few months before my 28th birthday, I lived the veggie life. My reasons for going vegetarian (and then staying veggie!) changed over the years, and while I’m now definitely an omnivore, I still try to keep about half of my meals plant based and really don’t miss meat when I’m focusing on such great food! Over the years I’ve built up a pretty great personal collection of vegetarian recipes but I’m always on the hunt for more so for this week’s Good Food Reads, we are going veg! I promise, there is something for everyone and the meat lovers in your life won’t even miss it.
I’m so intrigued by this 5 Minute Macadamia Cheese and Vegan Crudité from Minimalist Baker. I’m not going to lie, I’ll probably stick with non-vegan cheese, but the photos are so gorgeous I could probably be convinced to give it a try! Those roasted carrots are making me so hungry right now.
Grilled Corn, Tomato, and Avocado Salad with Chimichurri. So many of my favorite things in one dish. Can’t wait to give it a try.
Roasted Vegetables with Creamy Romesco & Farro from Vegetarian Heartland. I love all the colorful veggies!
Don’t forget the grill! When I was a full time vegetarian, I always struggled to enjoy those boxed veggie burgers (Boca cheeseburgers usually won out). I can’t wait to give these Wild Rice Veggie Burgers with Herbed Ricotta a try for our next grilling session. Another option? This Sweet Potato and Mushroom Quinoa Burger. I doubt the meat will be missed!
Where there are burgers, there should probably be fries. I’m ready to tackle these Sesame Garlic Grilled Sweet Potato Fries with Yogurt Curry Dip.
A fresh, vegetarian take on the classic summer pasta side dish: Creamy Greek Pasta Salad.
Instant Pot Hummus with Chimichurri. I love hummus and love to make it at home but can never seem to plan ahead enough to soak the beans and end up using canned. Maybe it will be InstantPot to the rescue!
Meal Prep Mediterranean Bowls – for making those busy work days a little less crazy. LOVE the inclusion of marinated feta. So yum! These Almond-Sesame Soba Noodles with Quick Pickled Vegetables would be amazing as well.
Ok, this isn’t a recipe but have you guys seen these DIY Terracotta Wine Chillers? I have exactly zero pinterest type craft skills but maybe I could pull one of these off?
Oh, dear foodie friends. We have such goodness for you in this latest installment of Good Food Reads! As usual, we have scoured the internet and found a collection recipes and articles that are inspiring us currently and can’t wait to share them with you. Ready? I thought so. Here. We. Go….
A Guide To Pairing Wine and Cake. Because we all need a little more cake. And probably a little more wine!
Check out the gorgeous color of these Red Coconut Curry Meatballs with Cauliflower Rice. I’m planning to prep a batch for easy work meals this weekend!
Continuing my love affair with the InstantPot: Life Changing InstantPot Beef Stew from the lovely Lindsay at Pinch of Yum. Since we’re still working our way slowly into spring over here in Minnesota, this
Patio season is going to be here soon and I’m collecting cocktail recipes for entertaining. The latest addition to my list? The Ginger Rogers from Broma Bakery. With fresh ginger, grapefruit, and gin, how could it not be perfect?
Though we are nearing the end of citrus season, I’m still planning on getting in a batch of these Thick and Chewy Lime Bars with a Shortbread Crust. And I’m just aching to get my hands on some fresh rhubarb so that I can make these Roasted Rhubarb Scone Sandwiches with Vanilla Bean Glaze. Gorgeous.
Try this easy appetizer: Marinated Goat Cheese. Elegant and full of flavor. Another great spring option? Buttered Radish Tartines. The key is really good butter and a fresh, crusty bread loaf.
Are you a Trader Joes fan? I love picking up unusual items there and love seeing what others are buying. Here’s a list of 20 Things To Buy at TJ’s to save a little grocery cash.
This one’s for you, Lane: Smashed Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Chimichurri. Sounds like the perfect summer dinner!
And finally, I’m making a batch of these honey roasted strawberry muffins tomorrow morning to get me through my work weekend.
What are you lovelies planning to make this weekend? Let us know via instagram or twitter (@withtwospoons) or join us on Facebook! We can’t wait to see what you’re cooking!
It’s March now and I’m SO ready for spring! And of course, just as I had decided winter was over, Mother Nature goes and dumps a whole bunch of snow all over the Twin Cities. The cold is back. And although I know it will be short lived, it is still a bitter pill to swallow. Since I really needed a bit of spring, I decided it was time to make a great salad. You won’t believe what leftovers you can use to create something entirely new. Chimichurri Panzanella Salad with White Beans is a bit of spring on a plate. …
As Holly has alluded to many times in Good Food Reads, I love chimichurri. Love is probably an understatement. If I could only pick one condiment to eat for the rest of my life it would be chimichurri. I put it on everything. In fact, it is possible that I may or not have eaten it directly from the spoon. So honestly, flank steak with chimichurri is at the top of my list of foods I want to share with you. And going into a beautiful summer weekend, this is perfect for your grill!…
