Oh, what a tease!

Summer was here...then gone...then here...then gone...then here...and now gone tomorrow?

Stop the madness!

Or I could just stop being a sissy and enjoy the bipolar weather!

Crock pot one night and grill the other!

First up, Italian Beef Sandwiches!

I've posted the recipe before, but I wanted to try to find a different Italian Dressing Mix--without sugar!  After reading through several recipes and checking the spices I had on hand, this is what we came up with.  It worked perfectly, and I have a large amount left over!

Italian Dressing Mix

1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon dried onion
2 tablespoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon celery salt
2 tablespoons salt



Mix ingredients well.  Store in an airtight container.


For the roast:  use 2-3 heaping tablespoons and 1/4 c. vinegar.

To use as salad dressing: whisk together 1/4 c. white vinegar, 1/2 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons water and 2 tablespoons of the dry mix. 

Next up:  Salt and Pepper Grilled Chicken
courtesy of Martha Stewart

Have you discovered Martha Stewart's food section?  I could spend way too much time scrolling through recipes!  I love how the recipes are grouped together by key ingredient or food type.  Check out their seasonal recipes! 

1 tablespoon sea salt
1 tablespoon fresh ground pepper
2-3 chicken breasts

Rub each chicken breast with the salt and pepper mixture.  Let set for 30 minutes.
Grill on medium heat until cooked through.  (about 5 minutes on each side)

 So simple, but juicy and spicy!

We also used up the rest of the tomatoes and basil from our garden.  Who knows why I haven't tried a Caprese Salad before...it was so good and so simple!

Caprese Salad

4-5 medium tomatoes, quartered and sliced

Medium bunch of fresh basil, leaves washed and torn

Fresh mozzarella, sliced into 1/2 in. strips

Salt and Pepper to taste

Olive oil

Mix tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella.  Salt and pepper to taste.  Lightly drizzle with olive oil.

Lest you think I got by feeding my children just grilled chicken and tomato salad...

They loved the chicken, squawked a little at the tomatoes, but loved this little package of mac and cheese...extra broccoli tucked in and all!  Someday, my poor children will realize that mac and cheese doesn't always have broccoli in it...but not today!