Dirty Martini Steak Kabobs

cooking_0112_dirtymartinisteakkabobs

With spice consumption at an all-time high across America, it’s an exciting time for flavor. According to the McCormick® Flavor Forecast®, different tastes, textures, and colors are mixed and matched to deliver fun and excitement to eating. “We’re seeing a more adventuresome spirit in the kitchen – playful takes on America’s favorites that bring both the comfort of familiarity and the energy of the unexpected,” says Larry Tong, McCormick chef. “For example, a contemporary combination of mustard seed and vermouth sparks a martini-inspired steak kabob, complete with onion and olive garnishes.” Tong sees this lighthearted approach showing up in every …

Cooking: Dining Al Fresco

Dining Al Fresco Warmer weather is often welcome for a variety of reasons, but there’s something nearly irresistible about enjoying a meal outdoors. Dining al fresco is an easy way to turn a meal into a full-fledged event. Begin your meal with chicken sandwiches crafted on the grill and a seasonal pasta salad on the side then finish it with a glass of white wine and a dessert made for al fresco entertaining – cheesecake topped with fresh berries and mint. For more al fresco recipes and entertaining tips, visit Culinary.net. Find more good-for-you recipes at AICR.org. Pasta Salad with …

Blackberry Vinaigrette Salad

2 clementine oranges, peeled, sectioned halved 2 carrots, peeled and shredded 1 apple, sliced   vinaigrette for each serving: 1 tsp. blackberry jam 2 tsp. balsamic vinegar Assemble salad. Pour vinaigrette over salad. Serve immediately. submitted by Sherrie Wicks

Secret of a Basic Salad

from my Grandma Beth Benz   1 clove garlic salt pepper wine vinegar lettuce   Mash 1 clove of garlic to nothingness in a wooden bowl. To make this chore easier, add salt and pepper & continue to mash.   Once garlic is mashed add 3 salad spoons of olive oil to the bowl. Then add 1 salad spoon of wine vinegar to oil and mix well.   Place salad fork & spoon into the bowl over teh top of the dressing. They will hold the salad greens up out of the dressing so all of the greens will remain …