Filed under: Cooking Tips
June is a very special month for my family. Besides Father’s Day on June 19th, we also celebrate my Dad’s birthday and my parent’s anniversary (their 54th)! Since schedules are hectic among my siblings and their families, this year we will be combining all three celebrations. For the menu plan, I want to make sure to incorporate Dad’s favorite tastes along with a special dessert for their anniversary. Like most families, grilling is the cooking method of choice for our summer celebrations. The TSG Grilled Pork Tenderloin recipe is a perfect entrée since it cooks quickly and is served with a summery mango peach sauce. When cooking pork tenderloin on the grill, make sure to use a meat thermometer at the thickest part of the meat. After it reaches the desired internal temperature, let it rest for 10 – 15 minutes before slicing. The tenderloin can be served hot or at room temperature. If there are any leftovers, the pork slices make a delicious sandwich. Try the menu plan below or visit the TSG recipe box to customize a menu for your Father’s Day/June celebrations.
Menu Ideas
- TSG Pepperoni Pasta Salad — a perfect summer salad (recipe uses vinaigrette instead of mayo) – the addition of pepperoni (Dad’s favorite) and fresh veggies make it unique
- TSG Tropical Pineapple Cream Pie — this will transport my parents back to Hawaii where they celebrated their 25th anniversary. This easy cheesecake pie is a taste of the tropics.
TSG Quickdishing Reader Shares a recent TSG Meal!
I received an email from a TSG Quick Dishing reader who wanted to share their recent TSG dinner. “My boyfriend and I are novice cooks and have started to make dinner at home as part of our date night. We made made the buffalo chicken wings recipe (with the TSG Brazen Buffalo Blue Cheese seasoning and Outrageously Garlic), roasted potatoes (also made with the Outrageously Garlic seasoning), and sauteed veggies – tomatoes and fresh green beans. The meal was easy to prepare and delicious!” .
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June 2, 2011
Shish Kebabs, Skewers, Meal on a Stick…How ever you describe it, this method of cooking and eating is popular all over the world. Not only are kebabs easy to prepare, they can be made in advance and customized to suit different tastes. Marinated cubes of meat are threaded on a skewer and cooked over a flame or under a broiler. Vegetables such as peppers, tomatoes and onions are popular additions to the skewer. Years back I attended a party where we made our own kebabs. Besides the traditional meat and veggies, we could choose from shrimp, cubed fish and tantalizing spices to customize our own ultimate meal on a stick. For a sweet ending we ate dessert kebabs — grilled cubes of pineapple and pound cake that we dipped in a creamy caramel sauce — pure bliss!
Easy Recipes
Kick your kebabs into high gear with these recipes from TSG!
Grilled Beef Skewer
Non meat eaters? Try these versions
Tips for Successful Kebabs
I found these helpful tips from www.homecooking.about.com.
•Wooden bamboo skewers are inexpensive and easy to find, but they must be soaked at least 30 minutes in water (preferably warm to the touch) prior to use. This keeps them from easily catching fire. If you get into the shish kebab habit, then you may wish to invest in stainless steel reusable skewers.
•Meats should optimally be cut in uniformly-sized 1 to 2-inch cubes for quick and even cooking.
•Marinade is not necessary. You can also just season with your favorite herbs and spices.
•If using marinade, be sure to marinate at least 30 minutes before cooking. Overnight is even better if you have time to prepare ahead. Discard marinade. Do not reuse it. Prepare a separate batch if you need a dipping sauce.
•A light spray of cooking oil will help keep the kebabs from sticking. Turn the kebabs often for even cooking.
How do you Kebab?
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May 26, 2011
Where did the month of May go? It seems as if just last week I was planning Easter dinner! With Memorial Day weekend right around the corner, I put together a couple menu ideas to help plan your upcoming grill-outs and get-togethers. Since May is National Burger Month, these menus feature this classic grill out food along with delicious quick and easy sides and dessert. For your non-beef eating family or guests, burgers are also tasty made with ground turkey or salmon. Mix it up by serving your burgers on pretzel rolls, toasted focaccia or for the carb conscious, wrap in lettuce leaves. A key tip for a successful burger? When forming the patty, do not over handle — this will result in a tough, dense burger. Instead, gently form into desired size and make a slight indentation in the middle. While on the grill, do not press down on the burger – this releases the moisture which will result in a dry burger.
Hamburger Helper
Let TSG be your hamburger helper — send boring burgers on their way with these delicious recipes!
I received a request for the shrimp enchilada recipe that I mentioned in last week’s blog.
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 and grease a 13×9 inch glass pan
In a large skillet, sauté 1 small chopped onion and 1 Tbsp Outrageously Garlic in 2 Tbsp olive oil until tender.
Add 1lb uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined, 1 (4 oz) can green chilies, ¼ tsp chili powder,¼ tsp ground cumin, ¼ salt. Cook until shrimp turns pink. Stir in 8oz cubed cream cheese until melted. Take off heat.
Put 1/3 cup shrimp mixture down center of 8 (6” flour) tortillas ~ roll up and place seam side down in dish. Top with 1 ½ cup salsa, sprinkle with 8oz shredded Monterey jack (or Mexican blend) cheese – bake in preheated oven for ~20 min. ~ top with cilantro and olives if desired. I served this dish with chips and salsa – a huge hit!
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May 19, 2011
Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Basil
One food item that I make sure to purchase when it goes on sale is bagged frozen shrimp. Found in the freezer aisle next to the fish sticks and other frozen seafood, you have a choice of precooked or raw. I prefer to buy the raw, peeled and deveined tail-on shrimp. If the sale is buy one get one free, I put one of each in my cart. Already cooked frozen shrimp is great to have on hand for impromptu shrimp cocktail when guests stop by (keep a jar of cocktail sauce in your pantry), or for my version of speedy shrimp tacos (recipe below). Since most shrimp sold at the seafood counter has been previously frozen and then thawed, the shrimp from the freezer aisle is a fresher (and less expensive) option since it is flash frozen at the source. Another bonus ~ cooked shrimp lasts up to 2 months in your freezer and raw up to 6 months. Perfect quick cooking protein for last minute meals.
Frozen Shrimp Recipes
For my Mom’s birthday on May 10th (coincidentally also National Shrimp Day), I had planned a meal that included shrimp enchiladas. The temperature had climbed to a sticky 87 degrees and the thought of eating a hot dish lost its appeal. With a few modifications and some items I had on hand, I made speedy shrimp tacos.
- Defrost ¾ pound frozen cooked shrimp under cold running water – remove tails and place on paper towels to remove excess moisture – set aside – warm four 6” flour or corn tortillas according to package directions then wrap to keep warm - heat 2 Tbsp of extra virgin olive oil and 1 Tbsp TSG Outrageously Garlic in a sauté pan over medium-low to medium heat until seasoning has softened and flavor has infused into the oil ~5 min – add shrimp to sauté pan and quickly toss in garlic mixture ~45 seconds – spoon shrimp mixture down center of warmed tortilla – garnish with shredded lettuce, cheese, chopped tomato and cilantro – serve with chips and salsa
toss the shrimp in the olive oil and garlic seasoning just until coated
How good does this look? Easy and delicious!
- Shrimp and pasta are a perfect combination of protein and carbs. Try TSG Lemon Garlic Shrimp and serve over spaghetti or any pasta you have on hand. Feel free to customize this recipe to your family’s tastes. Substitute whole grain pasta for traditional and/or basil for the parsley.
What is your favorite way to use frozen shrimp?
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May 12, 2011
Inspired by watching Kate Middleton’s fairytale wedding to Prince William, I thought it would be royally fun to have a tea party — fancy hats and pearls optional! According to legend, the creator of afternoon tea was the Duchess of Bedford. Back in the mid 1800’s, your meals consisted of a large breakfast, a very light lunch and a late supper (8-9PM). The Duchess became hungry around four o’clock every afternoon and began to suffer from “a sinking feeling.” To make herself feel better, she started snacking on sandwiches and a pot of tea in the late afternoon. This lead the Duchess to invite friends over to join her in the afternoon for tea, simple sandwiches and assorted sweets. This became so popular that other ladies copied her and started inviting their friends over for afternoon tea.
Tea Party Menu
An easy and fun way to entertain — the sandwiches can be made a couple hours ahead of time and kept in the fridge (cover loosely) and the desserts can be made the day before. And since this is a tea party, you are not required to serve a full meal.
- Tea Sandwiches – These dainty sandwiches are traditional afternoon tea fare. Make a vertical and horizontal cut across the sandwich to make four small square tea sandwiches.
- TSG Smoked Salmon Tea Sandwiches – follow the instructions for Over-The-Edge Smoked Salmon Appetizer ~ mix all the ingredients together ~ chill ~ spread on white sandwich bread ~ trim the crusts and cut into pieces
- TSG Cucumber Sandwiches – follow the instructions for Great Caesar’s Ghost Spread ~ spread on white or pumpernickel bread and add cucumber slices ~ trim the crusts and cut into pieces.
- Tea – serve an English Breakfast or Earl Grey tea — offer lemon slices, sugar, and milk (cream is too heavy for tea). Don’t worry if your tea cups are not matching!
- I will be decorating my table with the frog tealight holders from PartyLite — this frog may not turn into a prince, but he sure is cute!
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May 5, 2011
As April comes to an end, my thoughts immediately turn to sun filled days, chilled drinks, and salsa! In addition to the celebration of Cinco De Mayo, May is also National Salsa Month. I can’t think of a better reason to invite friends over for a fabulous fiesta right at home — no passport needed! Our TSG Black Bean and Corn Salsa and Mango Peach Salsa will get the party started in no time. Delicious on their own served with chips or dippers, these salsas are also great recipe starters. Below are a couple menu ideas that will have your guests saying Ole!
Friday Night Fiesta for Friends
Cut the quesadillas into wedges for easy serving.
Saturday Sangria Party
Can’t decide which Sangria to make? Make both and have your friends vote for their favorite.
- Mango Peach Soft Tacos — a tasty twist that can be served as a taco or burrito.
- Simple Mexican Rice
- Leafy Green with Orange & Avocado — use queso fresco (found in your grocery store’s imported cheese case) for the cheese
- Cream Caramel Vanilla Pudding — reminiscent of flan without all the work! Serve with cinnamon sugared tortillas for a memorable dessert.
- For the tortillas – Preheat oven to 350 ~ mix cinnamon and sugar to taste and put aside until ready to use ~ Spray flour tortillas with any cooking spray you have on hand or brush with melted butter ~ sprinkle cinnamon & sugar mixture over both sides of the tortillas ~ cut tortillas into strips or triangles ~ place on cookie sheet (do not overlap) and bake at 350 for about 5-7 minutes until the chips turn a light golden color ~ do not overbake! Cool chips before serving ~ can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container.
- Your favorite sangria recipe or try one of these – Basic Sangria Recipe or White Sangria Recipe
What’s your favorite way to fiesta?
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April 28, 2011
The eggs are dyed, the ham is purchased, and Easter Dinner will be served without a hitch (we hope!). Flash forward to Monday morning…Tired and bleary eyed from staying up late to wash all those dishes, you open the fridge and are greeted with Easter dinner leftovers. Instead of serving the same meal for the next three days, here are some easy menu ideas to take advantage of your delicious leftovers.
Green Eggs and Ham
Dr. Seuss would love this combination of a tasty ham sandwich served with a side of “green” egg salad!
For the Ham Sandwich – layer slices of ham on whatever rolls, bread, or bagels you have on hand. Top with lettuce, tomato, and plenty of TSG Hoppin’ Jalapeño or Racy Wasabi Raspberry Mustard™. Serve with a side of Avocado Egg Salad. If your not an avocado fan, try this delicious TSG egg salad recipe.
Easter Leftovers Ham Casserole
If you have leftover mashed potatoes, try this all in one dish that is sure to please. Customize to suit your family’s taste by adding any veggies you have on hand. Serve with a simple tossed green salad dressed with TSG Garlic Parmesan Vinaigrette and fresh fruit for dessert.
Make Pizza and Burritos Heavenly with Ham!
Ham and Broccoli Pizza is a great way to get your family to eat their veggies! This easy recipe comes together quickly by using a prebaked pizza crust. Or, for a breakfast twist, try an egg and ham burrito. Fill a flour tortilla with scrambled eggs, diced ham, shredded cheese and TSG Black Bean and Corn Salsa. Add hot sauce for a spicy start to your day!
Leave a comment and let us know what is your favorite way to use leftovers.
Ordering Two Sisters Gourmet is just a click away! Head on over to your Consultant’s website to place an online order. Don’t have a Consultant? No problem! Click here and find one near you!
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April 21, 2011
Have you checked out our TSG recipe box lately? We’ve just added six new quick and easy recipes for you to try. From Simple Stovetop Quesadillas to Grilled Beef Skewers, these delicious dishes are sure to please your hungry family or guests! Try one of the new menu ideas below or mix and match to create your own. Don’t forget to take advantage of the special offer that has been created for our TSG Quick Dishing readers! Enjoy $10 off an online order of $50+ when it includes one or more Two Sisters Gourmet by PartyLite item(s). Sorry, offer not available for online orders attached to Parties. Discount can be applied to merchandise total only and may not be applied to tax, shipping and handling. Offer expires on April 17th so make sure to place your online order today! Be sure to use coupon code TSGAPR11 at checkout. Head on over to your Consultant’s website to place an online order. Don’t have a Consultant! No problem! Click here and find one near you!
Dinner Ideas
Easy Appetizers to Get the Party Started!
Our Mango Peach Salsa is tasty right out of the jar….try these appetizer recipes for your next get-together. Easy and delicious.
Dining In instead of Out!
Entertaining at home is made even easier (and more affordable than eating out) with TSG.
- Tortellini Salad – This tortellini salad is a great base recipe. Feel free to add other veggies to suit your tastes. I added red onions and bell peppers to kick it up a notch!
- Grilled Beef Skewers – Weather not cooperating? These skewers can be broiled or put on the grill.
Recipes for the Family
Gather up the family for hot dogs, coleslaw and brownies made special with TSG. Meal time doesn’t get any easier or tastier than this!
Post a comment and let us know what is your favorite TSG recipe!
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April 14, 2011
When family and friends gather at your table this Easter, WOW them with an elegant meal and table décor made easy with Two Sisters Gourmet and PartyLite. A special offer has been created for our TSG Quick Dishing readers! April 7-17 only! Enjoy $10 off an online order of $50+ when it includes one or more Two Sisters Gourmet by PartyLite item(s). Sorry, offer not available for online orders attached to Parties. Discount can be applied to merchandise total only and may not be applied to tax, shipping and handling. Be sure to use coupon code TSGAPR11 at checkout. Hop on over to your Consultant’s website and place your online order today! Don’t have a Consultant! No problem! Click here and find one near you!
The Menu
On Easter, I want to spend time with my guests…not stuck in the kitchen! I put together a delicious TSG Easter menu that will allow me to do just that — most items can be prepped or made ahead of time. Perfect!
TSG Sweet and Spicy Jelly makes a tasty glaze for ham - baste ham during last 10 minutes of cooking time
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Preparing roasted potatoes with green beens and TSG Garlic Parm Vinaigrette - can be made the day ahead!
- Two Sisters Gourmet Carrot Cake with cream cheese frosting
The Decor
Leave a comment and let us know what TSG dishes you will be making this Easter!
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April 7, 2011
Whether you call it a tater, spud or tuber, the potato is the second most consumed food in the United States. According to potatofacts.net, the average American consumes just under 140 pounds of potatoes every year. This translates to almost 17 pounds of potato chips, over 50 pounds of fresh potatoes, two pounds of canned potatoes, 13 pounds of dehydrated potatoes, and about 55 pounds of frozen potatoes every single year. No wonder the tater has its own day of celebration! “National Tater day was actually named to honor the Kentuckian farmers who would celebrate the end of winter by trading Sweet Potato snippets to plant,” states holidays.theonlinerecipebox.com.
To celebrate National Tater Day, try one of the delicious quick and easy TSG potato recipes below.
Potato Fun Facts
- The Potato was the first vegetable grown in outer space
- New York consumes more potatoes than any other state, followed by Ohio, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Texas
- The world’s largest potato weighed in at 18 pounds, 4 ounces according to the Guinness Book of World Records.
- During the 18th century, potatoes were served as a dessert, hot and salted, in a napkin.
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March 31, 2011
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June is a very special month for my family. Besides Father’s Day on June 19th, we also celebrate my Dad’s birthday and my parent’s anniversary (their 54th)! Since schedules are hectic among my siblings and their families, this year we will be combining all three celebrations. For the menu plan, I want to make sure to incorporate Dad’s favorite tastes along with a special dessert for their anniversary. Like most families, grilling is the cooking method of choice for our summer celebrations. The TSG Grilled Pork Tenderloin recipe is a perfect entrée since it cooks quickly and is served with a summery mango peach sauce. When cooking pork tenderloin on the grill, make sure to use a meat thermometer at the thickest part of the meat. After it reaches the desired internal temperature, let it rest for 10 – 15 minutes before slicing. The tenderloin can be served hot or at room temperature. If there are any leftovers, the pork slices make a delicious sandwich. Try the menu plan below or visit the TSG recipe box to customize a menu for your Father’s Day/June celebrations.
