Tag: easy recipes
We hear it day in and day out …eating fruits and vegetables is the foundation for a healthy diet. Just how much produce should we be eating? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) it depends on your sex, age and physical activity level (click here to find out what your daily recommended serving should be) … Unfortunately, french fries and candied apples do not count! Ready for this shocking statistic from the CDC? More than 90% of Americans do not get their combined recommended amount of fruits and vegetables each day. After reading this, I have a new goal. With the colorful bounty of fresh summer produce that is appearing now and over the next couple months, reaching my recommended daily value will be a tasty and easy goal to achieve. Crisp cucumbers, sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, bell peppers and sun ripened berries are a few of my summer favorites. And to accent this summer produce? Fresh herbs picked right from my herb garden. This year I planted rosemary, cilantro, flat leaf parsley, basil, oregano and thyme. Share with us your favorite summer produce recipe and/or pictures and we will post in an upcoming blog.
Easy Recipes – Featuring Summer Produce and Two Sisters Gourmet
- Marinated Cucumbers – Bumper crop of cukes from your summer garden? Marinate slices in TSG Garlic Parmesan Vinaigrette. A great side dish for grilled chicken or fish.
- Fresh Vegetable Pasta Salad – Carrots, zucchini, bell pepper, and peas are featured in this colorful pasta salad – recipe can easily be doubled.
- Rosy Basil Mint Coleslaw – Veggies and fresh herbs combine for a twist on traditional coleslaw. Great dish for a cookout!
Need to stock up on TSG essentials for your summer recipes?
Click here to place on online order today!
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June 16, 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
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
Who says you have to be in New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras? Mardi Gras, the French word for Fat Tuesday, is the last day of the Carnival season and falls the day before Ash Wednesday (and always 46 days before Easter). Why not celebrate this upcoming Fat Tuesday with some classic Mardi Gras recipes. Invite your friends, hand out Mardi Gras masks and beads and bring a little of the Big Easy to your block!
Easy Recipes for your Mardi Gras Party
Make Ahead Recipes for your Mardi Gras Party
Mardi Gras Drink Recipes
For a traditional drink to serve at your Mardi Gras party, try a New Orleans Hurricane. Need a festive drink for all ages? Try this non-alcoholic Hurricane recipe .
Mardi Gras Fun Facts
- Mardi Gras was actually originated in Mobile, Alabama in 1703
- Purple, green and gold are the traditional colors of Mardi Gras. The purple represents justice, green is faith and gold symbolizes power.
- Mardi Gras is a legal holiday in New Orleans
- King cake is the traditional treat for Mardi Gras. Similar to a coffee cake, they are brightly decorated with the colors purple, green and gold. A tiny baby doll is hidden within one of the slices. Custom dictates that the “lucky” recipient who gets the piece with the baby throws the next Mardi Gras party (or bakes the next King Cake).
What is your favorite Mardi Gras recipe?
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March 3, 2011
Over the holidays an easy way to entertain at home is hosting a brunch. This is also a great way to feed your overnight house guests. Below are three easy brunch menus that are real holiday guest pleasers.
After Sunday Service Brunch
Spinach and Feta Scramble
Broiled Tomatoes
Cranberry Coffee Crumble Cake
Coffee, Tea, Mimosas
Late Sleepers Brunch
Puff the Magic Dragon Black Bean and Salsa Omelet
Cheddar Cheese Hash Browns
Pina Colada Parfaits
Espresso, Chai Tea, Sparkling Water
Make Ahead Brunch
Banana Bread French Toast Casserole
Holiday Brunch Casserole
Frozen Fruit Cups
Coffee/Hot Chocolate Bar – offer brewed plain and decaf with flavored creamers, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, marshmallows, crushed peppermints
No matter which brunch you choose, have fun with it! Use Two Sisters Gourmet to complement the start of your day.
Have a blessed happy and healthy Holiday enjoyed with your friends and loved ones.
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December 23, 2010
Your passport to international flavors awaits you with our new Simmerin’ Sauces! Perfect for your slow cooker, these sauces make dinnertime a snap.
A trip to Italy not in the budget? Our Tuscan Country Simmerin’ Sauce brings the fresh flavors of the Tuscan countryside to your table. It will have you saying (or singing!) That’s Amore……… Try the Simply Delicious Chicken Cacciatore or the Hearty Minestrone Soup — perfect comfort food to come home to after a long day.
Or take a culinary trip to the Far East with our Asian Barbeque Simmerin’ Sauce. Hints of soy, sesame, garlic, chili, and ginger combine for true Asian flavor. From Asian-Style Short Ribs to Hot & Sour Chicken Soup, this versatile sauce is a must for your pantry. It can even be used as a dipper for egg or spring rolls!
Your last stop on our International flavor tour is to India with our Mild Madras Curry Simmerin’ Sauce. Tempt your family with Coconut Curry Chicken, Curried Butternut Squash Soup or use over meatballs for a new twist! The mild spices and coconut milk will warm you from within.
And last but not least, two new additions to our Two Sisters Gourmet Sauces and Dressings line up.
Serious Steak and Grilling Sauce will entice the entire family. Use this sauce to make Pecan Crunch Chicken Drumettes, Sassy Barbecue Beans, or Serious Meatball Appetizers. Also excellent as a marinade or brush on grilled meat – its spicy overtones give it a kick!
Rosy Raspberry Basil Vinaigrette will brighten up any salad with its fresh taste. This versatile dressing can also be used as a dipping sauce for bread or over pasta for a light meal (refreshing after the Holidays!) Try Leafy Greens with Orange & Avocado, Luscious Raspberry Lemon Chicken, and Rice & Apple Salad with Tangy Cheese. This is a pantry must.
Can’t wait to try our fabulous new products? Easy online shopping is a click away…Bon Appetit!!
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December 16, 2010
A holiday tradition my co-workers and I look forward to every year is our annual cookie exchange. What a great way to beat the stress of holiday baking! There is nothing better than offering your guests a variety of homemade cookies when you entertain at home (no one has to know you did not make them all — wink wink). The rule for our cookie exchange is to make a dozen for each person participating, and each person makes a different recipe. From cutout, drop, and bar cookies, to brownies and fudge, we have seen some very creative and yummy treats. One of my personal favorites was a couple years ago when a coworker made a cookie bar native to her Canadian roots. The Nanaimo Bar was thought to have originated in its namesake city. Although some say the original recipe might have appeared in the Nanaimo Hospital Cookbook in the late 1950s. All I know is that after one bite I was hooked. I am embarrassed to say that these decadent bars did not make it onto my holiday cookie platter!
Nanaimo Bars
Short on time but still want to participate in your cookie exchange? Try these easy and delicious Two Sisters Gourmet recipes.
What is your favorite holiday cookie?
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December 9, 2010
With the economy still in its current sluggish state, many of us are looking for ways to cut down on our holiday gift giving expenses. This is normally already a stressful time of year and cutting back on our spending is making it more so. Lucky for us, Two Sisters Gourmet can help with homemade gifts of love.
Here are some easy favorites to give.
Spiced nuts: Use TSG Outrageously Garlic for the garlic powder in the recipe. Wrap in a holiday tin or box.
Citrus Marinated Olives: Wrap in a jar with festive ribbon.
Bread: TSG Perfect Pumpkin Gingerbread Bread or TSG Beer Bread – one loaf for now, one for the freezer. Wrap in plastic and a lovely kitchen tea towel.
Or, for those of you who prefer the dining table to the kitchen stove, we can still help you with these creative ideas:
For the Flavored Coffee Drinker – why wait at the drive through when you can make an instant latte mix
For the New Homeowners – Taste of Italy gift basket – dried pasta noodles, TSG Outrageously Garlic, TSG Onion and Chive Seasoning Blend, jarred pasta sauce, TSG Garlic Parmesan Vinaigrette, TSG Italian Herb cheese Mix
For the Cookie Lover – try cowboy cookie mix in a jar
For the Novice Cook – assorted TSG spices with recipes so they can start creating their own signature dishes
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December 2, 2010
Fall is my favorite time of year. It’s all about the heartwarming food, the cool crisp air, the vibrant colors, and of course… Football!
Football has been a part of my life since I was a small girl. My first football memories are watching the Pittsburgh Steelers games with my dad and nibbling throughout the day on the “football food” that my mom would prepare (a “make your own taco bar” was a personal favorite!). Over the years dad started to dabble in the kitchen and would prepare our game day fare — elaborate veggie platters with dip (each vegetable was cut into perfectly sized pieces), shrimp cocktails, mini bagel dogs, chicken wings, pickled herring, and guacamole with pretzels. This unusual assortment of goodies was just to whet our appetite for the main game day attraction – Dad’s Ribs. These legendary ribs are eagerly anticipated throughout our family and friends. The process starts the night before by soaking hickory chips in water — this will ensure that the chips will not burn when they are placed around the charcoal. To prep the meat before smoking, my Dad removes the rib membrane (skin covering the back) – his secret to ensure that the hickory penetrates the meat and rib bone. The ribs are then smoked for 2 hours in a kettle grill over indirect heat. After coming off the grill, they are basted with a tangy barbecue sauce that makes these ribs irresistible.
And now that I’ve hosted a few of these game days myself, I would like to pass along to you my winning game day picks.
PreGame – Guests Arriving
- Chips and salsa (I usually serve two types of salsa TSG Black Bean and Corn and a homemade version)
- Hummus and pita chips
- Crudité platter with assorted olives, cheeses, and flatbreads
End of 1st Quarter
Half Time
- Assorted Mini Sandwiches
- Thin Crust Pizzas
End of 3rd Quarter
And don’t forget to offer assorted frosty beverages – Go Team!!
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October 14, 2010
It’s the dreaded question. Whether you have been asked or have asked this yourself, this question can often induce a headache. But, with a little planning and a well stocked pantry, preparing dinner can be a snap.
I was recently asked by a friend of mine (who is a novice cook), “What do I keep on hand to throw together quick and easy dinners?”
I would love to share my pantry chef favorites -
Dried – pasta, brown rice, quinoa
Canned – beans, corn, diced tomatoes (try the fire-roasted variety — they are delicious), tuna, chicken, veggie, or beef broth (I prefer the broth in a box)
Sauces and Dressings – BBQ, Worcestershire, extra virgin olive oil, vegetable oil, balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar
Bottled – pesto, capers, hot sauce, dijon mustard, TSG Hoppin’ Jalepeno Mustard, salsas (TSG Black Bean and Corn Salsa is a family favorite), olives
Seasonings – sea salt, black peppercorns, dried Italian seasonings, red pepper flakes, TSG Outrageously Garlic Blend (perks up any dish with its unique blend of “chunky” garlic, onion, paprika and spices)
With the above basics and utilizing what’s in your fridge and freezer, dinner can be a quick but flavorful preparation. For the days when you would like someone else to put dinner ideas together for you, check out www.foodpair.com. This site is a recipe search engine that scans multiple sites on the web to come up with recipes based on ingredients you have on hand.
Tonight I will give FoodPair a try – I have pork chops that need to be cooked and the last of my fresh rosemary to use up. After typing in my search words, the following recipe was suggested.
Rosemary Pork Chops – 4 ingredients and 25 minutes to the table……..
Bon Apetit!
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October 7, 2010
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We hear it day in and day out …eating fruits and vegetables is the foundation for a healthy diet. Just how much produce should we be eating? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) it depends on your sex, age and physical activity level (click here to find out what your daily recommended serving should be) … Unfortunately, french fries and candied apples do not count! Ready for this shocking statistic from the CDC? More than 90% of Americans do not get their combined recommended amount of fruits and vegetables each day. After reading this, I have a new goal. With the colorful bounty of fresh summer produce that is appearing now and over the next couple months, reaching my recommended daily value will be a tasty and easy goal to achieve. Crisp cucumbers, sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, bell peppers and sun ripened berries are a few of my summer favorites. And to accent this summer produce? Fresh herbs picked right from my herb garden. This year I planted rosemary, cilantro, flat leaf parsley, basil, oregano and thyme. Share with us your favorite summer produce recipe and/or pictures and we will post in an upcoming blog.
