"Thrill of the Grill"

Lemon Caesar Grilled Chicken 
4 Servings

1/3 cup lemon juice
1/3 cup olive or canola oil
¼   cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2   Tbsp. Dijon-Style mustard
2    cloves garlic, finely chopped
½   tsp. salt
¼   tsp. pepper
1    lb. chicken breast, skinned and boneless

 In a small bowl, mix the ingredients except chicken. Reserve ¼ cup marinade, cover and chill. Pour remaining marinade over chicken, cover and chill for two to three hours. Remove chicken from marinade and discard marinade. Grill until tender, basting frequently with reserved marinade.  

Per serving: 334 calories; 23g fat, 3g carbohydrate; 632 mg sodium  

Glazed Salmon Fillet
4 servings

1½ cups packed brown sugar
6 Tbsp. butter or margarine, melted
3 to 6 Tbsp. lemon juice
2- ¼ tsp. dill weed
¾  tsp. cayenne pepper
1 salmon fillet (about 2 pounds)
Lemon-pepper seasoning

In a small bowl, combine the first five ingredients; mix well. Remover ½ cup to a saucepan; simmer until heated through. Set aside remaining mixture for basting. Sprinkle salmon with lemon pepper. Place on grill with skin side down. Grill, covered, over medium heat for 5 minutes. Brush with the reserved brown sugar mixture. Grill 10-15 minutes longer, basting occasionally. Serve with the warmed sauce.

 Per serving: 443 calories, 17gm carbohydrate, 77 mg sodium, 0.5 gm fiber.    

Balsamic Pork with Mixed- Herb brush
6 servings

2 pork tenderloins (about 1-½ lbs)
8 lg. sprigs rosemary
8 lg. sprigs thyme
½ cup balsamic vinegar
¼ cup olive oil or vegetable oil

Cut each pork tenderloin crosswise into 6 pieces. Press each piece, cut side down, to form a round, 1 to 1- ¼ inches thick.

Place rosemary and thyme sprigs in nonmetal dish or re-sealable plastic bag. Stir in vinegar and oil. Add pork; turn to coat. Cover dish or seal bag and refrigerate, turning pork 2 or 3 times, at least one hour but no longer than 24 hours. Brush grill rack with vegetable oil. Heat coals or gas grill.

Remove pork and herb from marinade; reserve marinade. Immediately cover and grill pork 4 to 5 inches from medium heat 7 minutes, turning and brushing frequently, until internal temperature of 160 degrees.

Special Touch: If you’re using a charcoal grill, place the herbs that are removed from the marinade directly on the hot coals for added herb and flavor and aroma.

Per Serving: 350 calories; 17gm fat, 1 gm carbohydrates  

Secret Glazed Ribs
6 Servings

4-5 lbs. pork spare ribs
¾ cup bottled chili sauce
½ cup grape jelly
2 tsp. dry mustard

Boil ribs 45-60 minutes or bake with a little water at 350 for 60 minutes. Cook on grill 15 minutes; turn frequently and glaze.

Per Serving: 1026 calories; 70gm fat; 27gm carbohydrates; 230 mg sodium.

Apricot Glazed Beef Kabobs 
4 servings

1 lb. top loin beef, cut into 1” cubes
10 oz. jar apricot preservers
¼ cup orange juice
¼ cup margarine

In a small sauce pan, stir together preserves, juice and margarine. Simmer until margarine is melted. Place beef cubes in small container and use ¾ cup of apricot mixture to coat the beef. Marinate at least 30 minutes. Reserve the remaining apricot mixture to serve warm along side the kabobs. Place beef cubes onto 4-6 skewers (if you are using bamboo skewers, soak in water for an hour to prevent burning) and alternate with favorite vegetables. I have used all of the following different combinations, all are good. Green pepper squares, onions, mushroom, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and corn on the cob cut into 1-1/2 to 2 inch slices. These may be threaded onto skewers, put into plastic zip bags and transported iced, to picnic for grilling. Grill over hot coal’s for 10-12 minutes. Baste often. If you are going to serve over rice, boil in bag rice packages are handy to take along. Just boil water on the grill and add the rice.

Per Serving: 49 calories; 19gm fat; 47 carbohydrate; 202mg sodium.

Meat Marinade
6 cups

This marinade is also a tenderizer and will make the worst cut meat very tender. This can be used when making shish kabobs, but is also great for marinating any meat.

4 cloves fresh garlic
1 pint of soy sauce
1 quart of pineapple juice

Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl that has a cover. Shake, and refrigerate and let sit over the night. Add desired amount to meat and let marinade overnight (this depends on how much flavor you want in the meat.) Brush on when grilling. Discard leftover marinade that has been in contact with meat.

Per ½ cup: 69 Calories, 15gm carbohydrate; 1422mg sodium.

Basic BBQ Sauce
6 servings

1 cup catsup 
¼ cup brown sugar
2 Tbsp. vinegar (white)
1 Tbsp. instant onion or chili powder
2 Tbsp. Worchestershire sauce
1 tsp. dry of 2 Tbsp. prepared mustard

Mix together and enjoy!

Per ½ cup: 85 calories, 21 gm carbohydrate; 629mg sodium.

Cincy-Style Barbeque Sauce
Makes 2½ cup s

1(24 oz) bottle ketchup (1-½ cups)
1 cup sugar (or less to your taste)
2 Tbsp. Worchestershire  sauce
2 tsp. chili powder
1 med, onion, chopped fine (about ½ cup)
¼ to ½ tsp. garlic salt
½ cup tarragon vinegar

Blend all ingredients in a blender or food processor. Warm the sauce, but it is not necessary to boil it. ( Use the microwave, saucepan, or even a crock pot.) Do not brush on grilled meat until about 10 minutes before it is done.

Per ½ cup: 240 calories; 63gn carbohydrate; 873 mg sodium; 1 gm fiber.  

Easy Bake Beans
4 servings

1 (15- ½ oz.) can pork and beans
½ cup ketchup
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tsp. yellow mustard
1 sm. Onion, minced
¼ cup dark molasses
1-5 slices bacon

Mix all ingredients in 2 qt. casserole and top with slices of bacon. Bake uncovered for 1 hour in 350 oven.

This recipe can be easily double.

Per Serving: 362 calories; 11gm fat; 58 gm carbohydrate; 1181 mg sodium; 6 gm fiber.  

Cheesy Potato/Onion Bake

Here’s all you’ll need per person:

¾ cup potatoes
¼ cup onions
½ cup cheese
1 slice bacon and foil

Peel and cut the potatoes and onions into bite size pieces and mix together. Salt and pepper in optional. Get a big enough piece of heavy duty foil to make a pocket. (While foil is flat, place your fist in the middle and bring the sides up—and leave open.) Now put ½ piece bacon in the bottom of the foil and criss-cross the other half to form an “X”. Put about a cup of the potato/ onion mixture on top. Bring all sides of foil together to totally enclose the mixture. Place on grill with medium heat for 45 minute. You’ll want to put these on first before grilling the meat. Open the foil very carefully because of steam. Top with ½ cup of your favorite cheese. Close the foil back immediately and let sit about 5 minutes or until cheese melts.

Per serving: 380 calories; 22gmcarbohydrate; 459mg sodium; 3gm fiber  

Zucchini with Salsa
10 servings

4 med. Zucchini, sliced
Salsa
3 med. Tomatoes, diced
1 med. Onion, diced
3 green onions, sliced
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced*
2 garlic gloves, minced 
1 Tsp. minced fresh cilantro or parsley
salt and pepper to taste (optional)

OR use 3 cups of prepared salsa

Divide zucchini between two pieces of heavy duty foil (about 20x 18). In a bowl, combine the remaining ingredients; spoon over zucchini. Fold foil around vegetables and seal tightly. Grill covered, over indirect heat for 15-20 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

*When cutting and seeding hot peppers, use rubber or plastic gloves to protect your hands. Avoid touching your face.

Per Serving (without salt): 27 calories: 6 gm carbohydrate; 362 mg sodium; 3 gm fiber.  

Broccoli Church Salad
4 servings

1 med. Size head broccoli, cut up
4 slices bacon, fries and crumbled
1 cup Cheddar or American cheese, shredded
1 cup mayonnaise
2 Tbsp. vinegar
2 Tbsp. sugar

Mix together first three ingredients. Mix together the last three ingredients, then combine.

Per Serving:329 calories; 23 gm fat; 20gm carbohydrates; 362 mg sodium; 3gm fiber  

Seven Layer Slaw
8 servings

2 Cups coleslaw mix
2 cups shredded carrots
2 cups broccoli slaw
1 med. Yellow or red bell pepper, chopped (1cup)
1 cup coleslaw dressing
Additional broccoli slaw, if desired

Spread 1 cup of the coleslaw mix evenly in the bottom of 2-½ quart clear glass bowl. Layer with carrots, broccoli slaw, bell pepper, and remaining coleslaw mix.

Pour dressing over coleslaw. Sprinkle with additional broccoli slaw. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours but o longer than 24 hours. Toss before serving.

Per Serving: 161 calories; 12gm fat; 14gm carbohydrate; 428mg sodium  

Carrot/Raisin Salad
6 Servings

Recipe can be doubled or halved as needed.

5 regular size carrots, coarsely grated
1 (20 oz.) can crush pineapple (drain ½ liquid)
½ cup golden raisins
1 (8 oz.) container of vanilla yogurt  

Mix together and refrigerate

Per Serving:117 calories; .7 gm fat; 27gm carbohydrate;48mg sodium;3gm fiber.  

Marinated Vegetable Salad
6 Servings

2 med. Cucumbers
2 med. Onions (can use red onion)
2 med. Tomatoes
1 cup water
1 cup white vinegar
½ cup sugar
½ tsp. black pepper
½ tsp. dried parsley
½ tsp. dried basil*

Combine water, vinegar, and sugar in a small sauce pan. Bring to a boil, then cool. Peel cucumbers, slice once lengthwise, then slice each halve into very thin slices. Peel off outer layers of onion, slice into very thin rings. Chop tomatoes into 1” pieces, discarding juice and seeds. Toss vegetables, pepper, parsley, and basil in a deep glass bowl. When vinegar solution has cooled, pour over vegetable and refrigerate, stirring every half hour or so if the vinegar solution doesn’t completely cover. Shill at least 2 hours before serving.

 *If serving with fish substitute dill for the basil.

 Per Serving:102 calories; .3 gm fat, 26gm carbohydrate, 8mg sodium, 2gm fiber.  

Hurry Up Potato Salad
6 Servings

4 cups (24c  oz. bag) frozen diced hash brown potatoes with onions and peppers
½ cup shredded carrot
½ cup sour cream (try fat free)
¼ cup mayonnaise or salad dressing
½ tsp. curry powder
¼ tsp. salt
¼ tsp ground mustard (dry)  

Simmer potatoes in boiling water 6 to 8 minutes or until tender, drain.

Mix remaining ingredients. Fold in potatoes. Cover and refrigerate at least one hour.      

Variation: add 3 chopped hard- cooked eggs for some good old fashion flavor.

Per Serving: 215 calories; 11gm fat; 29 gm carbohydrate; 190 mg sodium; 3gm fiber.  

Butterscotch Macadamia Nut Bars
Makes 48 Bars

¾ cup margarine or butter
1- ½ cups packed brown sugar
1 Tbsp. vanilla
2 eggs
2 cups all purpose flour
1- ½ tsp. baking powder
1 cup butterscotch-flavored chips
1cup coarsely chopped macadamia nuts*

*Toasted sliced almonds can be substituted

Heat margarine and brown sugar in 3 quart saucepan over low heat about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until margarine is melted; remove from heat.

Beat in vanilla and eggs with electric mixer on medium speed until blended. Add flour and baking powder; beat until well blended. Stir in ½ cup each of the nuts and the baking chips. Pour mixture into greased 9x13 pan. Sprinkle with remaining nuts and backing chips.

Bake 25 to 30 minutes 350 or until top is golden brown and center is set; cool. For bars, cut into 8 rows by 6 rows.

Per Serving: 110 calories; 6gm fat; 13gm carbohydrate; 60 mg sodium.  

S’mores Bars
24 Servings

8-10 whole graham crackers (about 5x2½) 
1 pkg. fudge brownie mix (13x9 pan size)
2 cups miniature marshmallows
1 cup (6 oz.) semisweet chocolate chips
2/3 cup chopped peanuts

Arrange graham crackers in a single layer in a greased 13x9x2 baking pan. Prepare the brownie batter according to the package directions. Spread over crackers. Bake at 350 for 25-30 min or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Sprinkle marshmallows, chocolate chips and peanuts, Broil 1 minute longer or until marshmallow are considered puffed and golden brown. Cool on a wire rack before cutting.

 Per Serving: 168 calories; 7 gm fat,27gm carbohydrate; 53 sodium; 2.gm fiber.  

 Watermelon ice Cream
16 servings

1 half gallon lime sherbet
1 half gallon strawberry sherbet
1 pkg., milk chocolate chips

Soften lime Sherbet. Line a large bowl with plastic wrap and place lime sherbet, about an inch to an inch and a half thick to mold then inside of the bowl. Put bowl in freezer and refreeze. Soften strawberry sherbet and add chocolate chips. Fill lime lined bowl with star berry sherbet and refreeze.

 Variation: Use vanilla ice cream and add enough red food dye or mint chocolate chip ice cream.

 Per serving: 383 calories; 10gm fat; 73 carbohydrates; 108 mg. sodium, 1gm fiber.    

Banana Toffee Picnic Cupcakes
Makes 36

1 Pkg. supermoist golden vanilla cake mixed. 
1/3 cup water
½ cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
1tsp. almond extract
3 med. bananas, mashed (1- ¼ cups)
1pkg. (6oz.) toffee chips (1cup)

Beat first 5 ingredients on medium speed 2 minutes. Beat in bananas until smooth. Stir in toffee chips. Divide batter evenly among 36 paper lined muffin cups.

Bake at 350 about 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Per Cupcake: 125 calories; 6 gm fat; 17 gm carbohydrate.


Sources and Special Thanks to:

Sandra Bastin, UK Food & Nutrition Specialist
Jennifer Benham, Meade County FCS Agent
Joan Bowling, former Boone County FCS Agent
Cheryl Case, Harrison County FCS Agent
Laura Wilson, Lyon County FCS Agent
Betty Crocker Magazine
Mr. Food
Quick Cooking Magazine
The Chef at World Wide Recipes (www.wwrecipes.com)


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