Grilled Sirloin Salad

Love summer. Love BBQ. Love salad. Yep, its time for Grilled Sirloin Salad.

This one is for those of us that have healthy appetites, but don't want to load up on empty carbohydrates and calories. However, if you have a husband that still craves that stuff, then serve some crusty french bread and beer on the side.

At less than 300 calories per serving, you CAN have your steak and your waistline too!

Ingredients:

1 pound lean boneless sirloin steak (or substitute flank steak)
1 T. chili powder
2 t. oregano
1 t. thyme
1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. freshly ground black pepper
1/2 t. onion powder
1/2 t. garlic powder
8 c. salad greens (pick up pre-mixed greens, or make your own)
1 c. sliced red bell pepper
1 c. sliced red onion
1 T. chopped fresh parsley
1 T. red wine vinegar
1 1/2 t. olive oil
1 t. fresh lemon juice
1 can (1 1/2 c.) whole kernel corn (or substitute with fresh corn kernels)

Directions:

Rub steak with the next 7 ingredients above, coating both sides. Grill over medium heat approximately 5 minutes on each side, or until desired temperature. If you don't want to fire up the grill, then bake at 400 degrees about 10-12 minutes, turning once.

Slice the steak across the grain, into 1/2" thickness.

Combine salad greens and all remaining ingredients in a large salad/serving bowl. Add steak.

Serves 4 people (about 3 c. salad with 3 oz. steak).

Grilled Fruit Kebobs

For a delicious twist on fruit salad, you should try Grilled Fruit Kebabs (aka shisk-kabobs). Trust me, this isn't just any fruit on a stick! As with most of our recipes, feel free to experiment yourself, trying different fruits as they are in season.

We enjoy this recipe as an appetizer, or with other summer offerings, from burgers to grilled salmon.

Ingredients:

2 c. fresh strawberries (and/or other firm fruit - try pineapple, cantaloupe, peeled apple chunks)
4 fresh apricots (cut into wedges)
2 T. unsalted butter
1 T. brown sugar
1 T. dark rum or whiskey
1/2 T. fresh mint (optional)

Directions:

With wood or metal skewers, thread strawberries, alternating with apricots (again, you can use any kind of fruit you like instead).

In a food processor or blender, combine the butter and brown sugar. Pour in the alcohol and mint (if desired) and pulse a few times.

Use a pastry brush to "paint" the flavored butter on the fruit. Grill over medium-high heat for 1 minute on each side.

** Tip: I read in a book that when washing the strawberries, use white or red wine instead of water. This will help the berries stay firm, and will boost their flavor.

Bourbon Glazed Pork Chops

Nothing says summer like grilling season! Trust me, your neighbors will certainly drop by when the smell the aroma of Bourbon Glazed Pork Chops coming from your backyard. The sweetness of bourbon and honey has never met a chop it didn't like! First, it serves as a marinade, and then after bringing to a boil, its a luscious sauce.

Add some fresh peaches, and you're that much closer to heaven.

Ingredients:

4 boneless pork chops, trimmed
1/3 c. bourbon
1/4 c. honey
3 T. soy sauce
1 T. vegetable oil
1 t. ground ginger
1/4 t. crushed red pepper
1/4 freshly ground black pepper
2 fresh peaches, pitted and cut in half

Directions:

Combine bourbon, honey, soy sauce, oil, ginger, red and black pepper. Wash and pat dry pork chops. Add to a large freezer Ziploc bag and pour marinade in, add peaches. Combine well, lock bag and set aside.

Pre-heat your grill to medium high heat (or you can use a nonstick grill pan indoors), spray with cooking spray. Grill the pork about 4 minutes each side. Grill the peaches about 4 minutes total.

Meanwhile, place the marinade in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Spoon marinade over the grilled pork and peaches.

Did I already say "heaven?" Unbelievably delicious!