Memorial Day Eats 2011
May 27th, 2011
It’s a party weekend! I’m sure most of you will at least be attending one cookout if not hosting one yourself. Here are a few ideas on how to make your menu simple, easy and super delicious…
Tuna Kebabs
- 3 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons finely grated peeled fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil
- 2 tablespoons Asian sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 serrano chile, seeded, minced
- Freshly ground white pepper
- 1 1/2 pounds 1 1/4 -inch-thick ahi tuna, cut into 1- to 1 1/4 -inch cubes
- Nonstick vegetable oil spray
- 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares
- 1 large sweet onion (such as Maui or Vidalia), cut into 1-inch squares
- 6 (12-inch-long) metal skewers
- Additional chopped fresh cilantro
Whisk first 8 ingredients in medium bowl to blend; season to taste with ground white pepper. Transfer 3 tablespoons marinade to small bowl and reserve. Add tuna to remaining marinade in medium bowl and toss to coat. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes and up to 45 minutes.
Spray grill rack with nonstick spray. Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Alternate tuna cubes, bell pepper squares, and onion squares on each of 6 metal skewers. Grill to desired doneness, turning frequently, about 4 minutes total for medium-rare. Transfer to platter. Drizzle reserved marinade over; sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
Tomato & Goat Cheese Salad
1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons white-wine vinegar
Coarse salt and ground pepper
3 ounces fresh goat cheese
3 medium tomatoes, cored and sliced crosswise 1 inch thick
In a blender, combine basil, oil, vinegar, and 1 tablespoon water. Blend until smooth, 2 to 3 minutes. Season vinaigrette with salt and pepper.
With dental floss or a warm knife (wiped clean after each slice), thinly slice cheese. Arrange tomatoes and goat cheese on a serving plate; drizzle with dressing to taste. Serve garnished with basil leaves.
Spicy Sweet Potato Fries
The kiddos will love these ‘fries’ that definitely have more nutritional value than your standard potato. Make sure to cut down on the spice though for the younger palettes.
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes (the latter will make them quite spicy, so using according to your preferences)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 pounds medium sweet potatoes
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Preheat oven to 425°F. Coarsely grind coriander, fennel, oregano, and red pepper flakes in an electric coffee/spice grinder or with a mortar and pestle. Stir together spices and salt.
Cut potatoes lengthwise into 1-inch wedges. Toss wedges with oil and spices in a large roasting pan and roast in middle of oven 20 minutes. Turn wedges over with a spatula and roast until tender and slightly golden, 15 to 20 minutes more.
Cupcakes
As previously stated, my goal this holiday weekend is to keep the cooking simple. I will be making red velvet cupcakes with a cream cheese frosting courtesy of Betty Crocker or Duncan Hines (it depends which one is on sale). The key here is presentation. Pick up the little American flags from your local party store and add some berries. No one will care they are boxed cupcakes when they look this cute.
Wild Berry Mojito
I realize I posted this last but please feel free to start drinking your mojitos today through the end of the day on Monday. Hey, it’s a holiday.
1-1/2 oz. Bacardi Light Rum
3-4 each of fresh blackberries, blueberries and red raspberries
8-12 fresh mint leaves
juice of one lime
1 oz. simple syrup
soda water
mint sprig for garnish
In a 12-oz. highball glass, muddle mint, simple syrup, wild berries and lime juice.
Fill glass with crushed ice – it is very important to use crushed ice, not cubed – then add rum.
Stir well until the ice is reduced by 1/3, then top with more crushed ice, stirring until the glass begins to frost on the outside.
Spritz with soda water and stir one last time to incorporate. Enjoy!
*Have a safe and fabulous Memorial Day Weekend!*
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Written by Lea Barlow • Leave a comment
