Animal-Style Burgers

COMMENTS:
I'm not sure why these burgers are called this, but that's what Food Network called them. They were absolutely wonderful! My husband questioned the step with the mustard but it did something magical to the burgers! Oh, and the extra time for the onions is so worth it!

INGREDIENTS:
2 Tablespoons oil
1 cup chopped onions
kosher salt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 Tablespoons ketchup
1 Tablespoon chopped pickle
1/2 teaspoon vinegar
2 pounds ground beef
1/4 cup yellow mustard
8 slices of cheese

DIRECTIONS:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet. Add onions and salt. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Uncover and increase the heat to medium-high, stirring often, until caramelized (8-10 more minutes). Add 1/2 cup water to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer, stirring, until the water evaporates, about 2 more minutes. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.

Mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, chopped pickle, and vinegar in a bowl; set aside. Shape the beef into 8 patties, about 4 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick.

Season both sides of the patties with salt and pepper. Put the patties on the grill and cook 3 minutes. Spread about 1 1/2 teaspoons mustard on the uncooked side of each patty, then flip and top each with 1 slice cheese; continue cooking about 2 more minutes for medium doneness. 

Serve with mayonnaise mixture and grilled onions. (Toasted buns, lettuce, tomato slices, etc. would be amazing here too!)

SPECIAL NOTE:
If I have labeled a recipe as GlutenFree or Dairy Free but it appears to have those ingredients in it... that means the recipe is still delicious with substitutes/replacements. Ex: soy milk, lactose-free cheese, Bragg's liquid aminos (for soy sauce), all-purpose gluten free flour (Better Batter is my favorite), etc. Please check your individual ingredients to be sure they are GF or DF, if that is what you need.

Hawaiian Sliders

COMMENTS:
Here is a different take on burgers on the grill. And very yummy too! These can be made ahead of time and frozen between pieces of wax paper.

INGREDIENTS:
1 pound ground pork
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 Tablespoons Bragg's
pineapple slices

DIRECTIONS:
Mix together pork, onions, ginger, pepper, and Braggs; form into burgers.
Cook over the grill.
The last couple minutes, grill the pineapple slices and serve together.

SPECIAL NOTE:
If I have labeled a recipe as GlutenFree or Dairy Free but it appears to have those ingredients in it... that means the recipe is still delicious with substitutes/replacements. Ex: soy milk, lactose-free cheese, Bragg's liquid aminos (for soy sauce), all-purpose gluten free flour (Better Batter is my favorite), etc. Please check your individual ingredients to be sure they are GF or DF, if that is what you need.

Honey Lime Chicken

COMMENTS:
I found this recipe in my quest for more freezer meals. Onceamonthmeals.com is a great resource.

INGREDIENTS:
1/4 cup olive oil
2 limes juiced and zested
2 Tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (double check that it is Gluten Free)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 pounds chicken boneless skinless breasts
DIRECTIONS:
Combine all ingredients and place in a gallon size freezer bag. Shake to mix well. Refrigerate overnight. Heat grill to medium heat. (You could also use a skillet on the stove top). Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes, then turn and cook the other side for 6-7 minutes. Time will vary depending on size/ thickness of chicken.
Freezing Directions:
Combine all ingredients in freezer bag. Shake to mix well. Affix label and freeze. TO SERVE: Thaw. Heat grill to medium heat. (You could also use a skillet on the stove top). Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes, then turn and cook the other side for 6-7 minutes. Time will vary depending on size/ thickness of chicken.

SPECIAL NOTE:
If I have labeled a recipe as GlutenFree or Dairy Free but it appears to have those ingredients in it... that means the recipe is still delicious with substitutes/replacements. Ex: soy milk, lactose-free cheese, Bragg's liquid aminos (for soy sauce), all-purpose gluten free flour (Better Batter is my favorite), etc. Please check your individual ingredients to be sure they are GF or DF, if that is what you need.

Secret Sauce Burger

COMMENTS:
Another "secret" recipe from Pinterest (www.littlemissmomma.com). A nice variation to the traditional plain burger when grilling out!

INGREDIENTS:
2 lbs ground beef 85/15
1/2 cup grated Monterrey jack cheese
1/4 cup BBQ sauce
season salt to taste
cracked black pepper
onion powder
3/4 cup mayo
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup relish
2 tablespoons Worcestershire
seasoned salt

DIRECTIONS:

Combine the ground beef, grated cheese, bbq sauce, and seasonings. Shape patties that are about 1 inch thick.
Then it is very important to push a ½ inch indent into the center of the patty–this is what prevents the patty from becoming a dome. These burgers stay extra moist because the bbq sauce and cheese are mixed in with the meat.
Wait for the skillet to get super hot and then apply a very thin layer of butter to the pan. Place the patties on the pan, indent side up.
Reduce heat to medium and allow this side of the patty to cook for about 4-6 minutes, but make sure it doesn’t burn. Then flip the burger over and cook until done.
For the sauce: Combine all ingredients and whisk until well mixed. Taste and adjust ingredients to your liking.
Assemble the burgers and serve with avocado, lettuce or your choice of toppings!

SPECIAL NOTE:
If I have labeled a recipe as GlutenFree or Dairy Free but it appears to have those ingredients in it... that means the recipe is still delicious with substitutes/replacements. Ex: soy milk, lactose-free cheese, Bragg's liquid aminos (for soy sauce), all-purpose gluten free flour (Better Batter is my favorite), etc. Please check your individual ingredients to be sure they are GF or DF, if that is what you need.

Garlic Honey Chicken Kabobs

COMMENTS:
I found the recipe for this marinade through Pinterest (original recipe here). It was quick to prepare when doing other freezer cooking and was a hit on the grill weeks later!

INGREDIENTS:
1/4 cup oil
1/3 cup soy sauce (I used Bragg's to be GF)
1/3 cup honey
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons minced garlic
chicken, cubed
red onion and other veggies, chunked

DIRECTIONS:
Mix all ingredients (except onion) together and allow to marinade several hours or overnight. Or freeze chicken in marinade and grill later.
Prepare kabobs for grilling by draining marinade and skewering the chicken and veggies. Grill for about 15 minutes on medium-high heat, making sure chicken is completely cooked.

SPECIAL NOTE:
If I have labeled a recipe as GlutenFree or Dairy Free but it appears to have those ingredients in it... that means the recipe is still delicious with substitutes/replacements. Ex: soy milk, lactose-free cheese, Bragg's liquid aminos (for soy sauce), all-purpose gluten free flour (Better Batter is my favorite), etc. Please check your individual ingredients to be sure they are GF or DF, if that is what you need.

updated 10/2014

Basil Garlic Grilled Pork Chops

COMMENTS:
A delicious grilled dinner!

INGREDIENTS:
4 bone-in pork chops
1-2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 Tablespoons dried basil
2 Tablespoons lemon juice
2 Tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS:
Prepare pork chops by mixing together other ingredients into a rub. Spread both sides of pork chops with this wet rub. Allow to stand 15-30 minutes, while the fire on the grill is warming up to medium-hot.
Grill chops over direct heat, turning once, 5-6 minutes per side.

Allow to rest a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to settle.

SPECIAL NOTE:
If I have labeled a recipe as GlutenFree or Dairy Free but it appears to have those ingredients in it... that means the recipe is still delicious with substitutes/replacements. Ex: soy milk, lactose-free cheese, Bragg's liquid aminos (for soy sauce), all-purpose gluten free flour (Better Batter is my favorite), etc. Please check your individual ingredients to be sure they are GF or DF, if that is what you need.

updated 10/2014

Lemon Chicken

COMMENTS:
I found this recipe on allrecipes.com. So simple and delicious for a quick grill out dinner (no marinating required)!

INGREDIENTS:
4 chicken breast halves
1/2 cup lemon juice
pepper
seasoning salt
onion powder
oregano

DIRECTIONS:
Dip chicken in lemon juice and sprinkle with seasonings on both sides.
Grill for 10-15 minutes per side on medium high heat.

SPECIAL NOTE:
If I have labeled a recipe as GlutenFree or Dairy Free but it appears to have those ingredients in it... that means the recipe is still delicious with substitutes/replacements. Ex: soy milk, lactose-free cheese, Bragg's liquid aminos (for soy sauce), all-purpose gluten free flour (Better Batter is my favorite), etc. Please check your individual ingredients to be sure they are GF or DF, if that is what you need.

updated 10/2014

Asian Beef Kabobs

COMMENTS:
Simple, delicious, and from my nutritionist!

INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 pounds sirloin steak, cubed
2 teaspoons ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 Tablespoons Bragg Liquid Aminos
1/4 cup sesame oil
1 lime, juice and zest
freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup dry sherry
2 green bell peppers, cut into 1 1/2 inch squares
1 red onion, cut into 1 1/2 inch squares

DIRECTIONS:
Combine all ingredients except green pepper and red onion. Marinate for several hours in the refrigerator. Alternate threading beef, green peppers, and red onion on skewers. Grill or broil until meat is tender.

Balsamic Sirloin with Asparagus

COMMENTS:
Despite the inconvenience that this meal was to be grilled and we had our first snow storm today, it was a "keeper!"

INGREDIENTS:
1.25 pounds tip sirloin steak
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard
1 clove garlic, crushed
asparagus

DIRECTIONS:
Combine all ingredients, except steak. Using 1/3 cup of the mixture, marinate the steak for 30 minutes. Place over medium heat grill for about 20 minutes, turning as needed. Use remaining marinade to baste asparagus (or vegetable of your choice).

Lemony Chicken Kabobs

COMMENTS:
This recipe was part of the Grilled Feta Squash recipe in Woman's Day. DELICIOUS! My chicken-despising son even enjoyed the mild flavor and tenderness!

INGREDIENTS:
chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 teaspoon oregano
kosher salt
pepper
lemon

DIRECTIONS:
Thread chicken onto skewers.
Squeeze juice of half of the lemon over chicken.
Season with oregano, salt, and pepper.
Grill until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes, squeezing remaining lemon juice near the end of cooking.

Grilled Feta Squash

COMMENTS:
A new twist on my favorite vegetable taken from Woman's Day magazine along with a Lemony Chicken Kabob recipe.
INGREDIENTS:
about a pound of zucchini or yellow squash
olive oil
oregano
salt
pepper
feta cheese, crumbled
chives

DIRECTIONS:
Slice squash lengthwise. Depending on the size of your squash, you may only need to cut in half. (I had a HUGE squash which required me slice in sixths so it wasn't so thick.)
Brush with olive oil.
Sprinkle with oregano, salt, and pepper.
Grill just until tender, 3-5 minutes per side.
Cut zucchini into 1/2-inch pieces. Sprinkle with feta and chives.

Smoky Pork Chops

COMMENTS:
I bought some beautiful pork chops on sale the other day. As much as we LOVE Super Delicious Pork Chops, I wanted to try something different. Allrecipes.com to the rescue for another pork chop favorite!

INGREDIENTS:
1 Tablespoon Lawry's seasoned salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 Tablespoon onion powder
1 Tablespoon ground paprika
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon liquid smoke
4 pork chops (the recipe calls for bone-in but I used boneless)

DIRECTIONS:
Mix together dry ingredients, then add the Worcestershire sauce and liquid smoke. Stir until thoroughly combined. Use this mixture to rub onto both sides of all pork chops. Allow to stand for ten minutes.
Grill the chops over indirect heat until no longer pink inside, about 12 minutes per side.

Black Bean Burger

COMMENTS:
A tasty alternative to meat! If you don't want to grill these, you can bake them at 375 degrees for about ten minutes on each side.

INGREDIENTS:
1 (16 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 egg
1 Tablespoon chili powder
1 Tablespoon cumin
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1/2 cup bread crumbs

DIRECTIONS:
For the grill, lightly oil a sheet of aluminum foil to place on the grill.
In a medium bowl, mash black beans with a fork until thick and pasty. Add onion and garlic; mix well.
In a small bowl, stir together egg, chili powder, cumin, and chili sauce.
Stir egg mixture into the mashed beans. Mix in bread crumbs until the mixture is sticky and holds together. Divide mixture into four patties.
Grill about eight minutes on each side.

Greek Turkey Burger

COMMENTS:
Delicious! (I found this original recipe at www.delish.com)

INGREDIENTS:
1 package (0.7 oz) Italian dressing mix
1 finely chopped tomato
1/2 finely chopped cucumber
2 Tablespoons Italian dressing
1 1/4 pounds ground turkey
1/3 cup dry Italian bread crumbs
1 egg white
1 Tablespoon milk
4 Kaiser buns
1/4 cup crumbled Feta cheese
4 lettuce leaves for garnish

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat grill to medium-high. In a small bowl, combine liquid salad dressing, tomato, and cucumber. Chill while preparing burgers.
In another bowl, combine dressing mix, turkey, bread crumbs, egg white, and milk. Gently mix ingredients and form into four patties.
Grill until meat reaches internal temperature of 165*.
Place each burger in a bun topped with lettuce leaf, vegetable mixture, and Feta cheese.

Grilled Asian Chicken

COMMENTS:
This recipe from allrecipes.com was great! I loved that it only had to marinate for a short while and then we were ready to grill our dinner. YUM!

INGREDIENTS:
1/4 cup soy sauce
4 teaspoons sesame oil
2 Tablespoons honey
3 slices ginger root
1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

DIRECTIONS:
In small microwave-safe bowl, combine soy sauce, oil, honey, ginger root, and garlic. Heat on medium for one minute, then stir. Heat again for 30 seconds.
Place chicken breasts in shallow dish. Pour soy sauce mixture over, and set aside to marinate for 15 minutes.
Drain marinade from chicken and then boil marinade to prevent contamination.
Cook chicken on grill for six to eight minutes per side, or until juices run clear, basting frequently with boiled marinade.

Chicken Peanut Kabobs

COMMENTS:
This use to be called "Baked Chicken Peanut Kabobs" because I first made this in a 450 degree oven in the winter when grilling was not an option. They were delicious that way but there is just something extra about the grill flavor!

INGREDIENTS:
chicken breast halves, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 red onion, cut into chunks
1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
1 tablespoon oil
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce

DIRECTIONS:
Alternately thread chicken and red onions on skewers.
In small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of the teriyaki sauce and oil; mix well. Brush on kabobs.
Grill/Bake until chicken is no longer pink, turning once and brushing with teriyaki and oil mixture. Discard any remaining mixture.
Now prepare the sauce. Combine remaining teriyaki sauce, peanut butter, and hot pepper sauce; mix well. (Allowing the peanut butter to soak in the teriyaki sauce while baking/grilling, will help it mix easier.) Brush sauce on kabobs (with clean brush) immediately before serving and use the rest for dipping.

Chicken Teriyaki

COMMENTS:
A simple and delicious grilled chicken!

INGREDIENTS:
8 oz. crushed pineapple
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
4 chicken breasts

DIRECTIONS:
Combine pineapple, brown sugar, honey, and soy sauce and spread over chicken breasts. Refrigerate overnight.
Drain chicken and cook on grill.

Grilled Vegetables Parmesan

COMMENTS:
What a fun way to get your vegetables!

INGREDIENTS:
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 tablespoons spread margarine
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 zucchini or yellow squashes

DIRECTIONS:
Blend cheese, margarine, and seasonings. Set aside.
Cut vegetables in half lengthwise and score along cut edges.
Grill vegetables cut side down on grill for about 5 minutes. Turn over vegetables and spread with butter mixture. Continue grilling 10 minutes or until tender.

Grilled Garlic Bread

COMMENTS:
This was wonderful! Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside!

INGREDIENTS:
1 loaf of French bread, unsliced
1/2 cup soft margarine spread
1 tablespoon Garlic Garlic from Tastefully Simple (or something similar)

DIRECTIONS:
Slice bread in one inch slices without cutting through bottom of loaf. Mix margarine and Garlic Garlic and spread on both sides of bread slices. Wrap in aluminum foil. Cover and grill bread 5 to 6 inches from medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes.

Grilled Italian Chicken

COMMENTS:
This is so easy and so delicious!

INGREDIENTS:
Italian dressing
boneless, skinless chicken breasts

DIRECTIONS:
Place chicken in a ziploc bag. Cover with Italian dressing to marinate for at least 8 hours. Grill until done.