Summer is here and it is time for picnic and barbecues. Here are a few of my favorite activities and summer recipes. Enjoy!
Ground Beef Fajitas
1 pound ground beef 1 each - red, yellow, green peppers sliced 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick 2 taco seasoning packets street flour taco shells tortilla chips
Brown the ground beef, drain the fat. add 1/4 cup of water and the seasoning. Cook on medium heat until the water is absorbed. Remove the beef and keep warm in a covered bowl. Add olive oil to the pan and the peppers over medium heat. Add taco seasoning (all or 1/2 of the packet, your preference) to the pan. Once browned and soft they are done( about 10 min). Add the beef and the peppers to the taco shells or tortilla chips. Serve with salsa and sour cream. Serves 4 Enjoy.
Summer BBQ all on the grill!
Dinner all on the grill-
Cheddar Bratwurst
Corn on the Cob
Potato Pack
1. Potato Pack - One medium russet potato per person, onion, salt and pepper, garlic powder, parmesan cheese and butter. Tear a 12/12 piece of heavy aluminum foil for each cut potato. Wash and slice each potato to 1/4 inch. put on the foil. Cut the onion into small pieces. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion, 2 teaspoons of butter to each pack. Fold and seal the foil packet. Place it on the grill over medium heat, I usually put it on the top rack while the meat is cooking.
2. Cheddar Bratwurst come in a package of five or six. Cook them on low on the grill for 20-30 min. Watch and turn them often as the juices will come out and cause flames to erupt. When they are brown and not pink inside they are done!
3. Corn on the cob - Fresh corn is so easy to cook and I put this on with about 10 minutes left on the potatoes and brats. Before cooking, peel the husk off the corn, rinse it under cool water. Place on the grill on low and cook until it is hot! I like mine charred a bit. Butter, salt and pepper to taste after cooking.
Summer Time Gathering Ideas
Getting together with others in the summer is one my favorite things to do. What to make for the gathering? Pot Luck - Ask guests to bring a dish. You can either let them pick anything they want or you can make a themed night such as:
Grill night - what ever they bring has to be grilled. This could be fun and people will add their flair. The possibilities are endless. Pizza, veggies, cake?
Cajun spiced - all items are spicy.
Seafood night - all side must include seafood.
Pick a color night - select a color and all food must match it. Pink night could be - strawberries, cherries, red sauces, red meat, radishes, pink lemonade, food dyed with red coloring, You get the idea.
Course night - each person brings one course. Sue brings and appetizer, Ted brings a side, Bill brings the main course, Jan brings the cocktails, Kelly brings the dessert.
Charcuterie Night - everything comes on a charcuterie board. Dessert board, anti-pasta board, meat board, carb board.
We have gathered now what do we do? You can have fun sitting outside in shade or in the evening and just relax and talk to one another. Or you could amp up your gathering with fun activities. Here are some ideas to bring more life to your event.
Play large yard games - These can be purchased in the store or DIY it! We have friends who made us large dice that we play "Farkle" or "Yatzee" with in the yard. Corn Hole and other games are fun and get guests up and moving.
Sing along - Play your favorite songs and everyone sing along.
Dance the night away - Clear the furniture and make a dance floor. Play your favorite music and dance the night away.
Name that tune - take turns selecting songs and play name that tune.
Volleyball with a beach ball the large ball makes for a fun way to play, it is so slow. You can also use water balloons and a beach towel with a partner to volley the balloon over to the other side of the net. Your opponent has to catch it in their beach towel and send it back over. If it breaks on you, they get the point.