Fire it up!

It's that time of year again... when the birds start singing, the sun sets later, you suddenly feel the urge to expose your Casper-white skin to the sun and you're inspired to uncover the grill and stock up on propane (or charcoal if that's what you're into).  Jim and I love grilling.  Well, mostly I love grilling because Jim is the grill master in our house and that means one less thing for me to cook!  Since it's grilling time again, I thought I'd share a few of our favorite homemade marinade recipes to get you in the grilling mood.

Tip:  Our favorite way to marinate meat or veggies is by using a gallon-sized Ziplock bag.  Throw the meat/veggies in a Ziplock, pour the marinade in, squish it around and let it sit in the fridge for a while.  For all of the recipes below, just whisk ingredients together and pour over meat.

Lois's Rosemary Balsamic Marinade

*Can be used for chicken or pork

2 Tbsp dijon mustard

2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

2 Tbsp lemon juice

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 tsp minced garlic

1 tsp dried crushed rosemary (or 4 tsp fresh chopped rosemary)

Salt & pepper

Rachel Ray's Honey Lemon Marinade 

Juice and zest of 1 large lemon (3 tablespoons juice)

3 tablespoons honey

2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic

1-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin (I find that 1/2 tsp is enough)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Salt and freshly ground pepper

Soy Citrus Marinade

*We've used this one for chicken, kielbasa, veggies, and pinapple.  As Andrew would say, 'Deeeeeelicious!'

3/4 c. pineapple juice

1/4 c. cider vinegar

1/4 c. vegetable oil

2 Tbsp. sugar

2 Tbsp. soy sauce

1 tsp. minced garlic

Salt and pepper

Cilantro-Lime Marinade

*This one is great for fajitas!

1/4 c. veg. oil

juice of 1 lime

1 garlic clove, minced

1 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro

1 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. onion powder

Dash hot sauce

Salt and pepper

We're always looking to try new things so if you have a favorite, feel free to share!