Simple Pleasures | Summer Grilling

After setting up our camping grill to BBQ our 4th of July 'brats and corn (which didn't come out half bad!), Denny and I FINALLY broke down and bought a real grill this weekend and are thrilled!  A grill is something that I have never had, believe it or not, but have always wanted.  Many of the awesome recipes that I have earmarked require a grill, and I have always had to settle for pan frying or broiling.  It's just not the same.  Grills make food taste better, plain and simple.....if you do it right.  Apparently this takes practice.

The first thing we did when we left the "grill store" was go to Whole Foods and pick up 2 juicy steaks. I owed Denny a nice dinner, so he picked out a ribeye and I picked out a top sirloin.  When we got home I promptly made us pineapple mint mojitos while he set up the grill.  I immediately started to search how to properly grill steaks (he likes his more on the rare side, and I am a medium rare girl).  After letting some potatoes and corn get close to done, I put on the steaks, exactly as directed.  2 minutes on each side - high heat.  Then 3 minutes each side on the medium heat side of the grill.  Then we removed the steaks and let them sit.

I could tell when I finally cut into my piece of steak that I had overcooked it.  Sad times.  Because Denny's steak was a thicker, more quality cut, his survived but was definitely more well-done than he would have liked, but he didn't complain.  I rarely allow myself the opportunity to eat steak, so in no way did I let mine go to waste.  Dipping it in ranch dressing also helped, as it does everything.

I am hoping by the end of summer that we are master grillers, but only time will tell!  Still, we are so excited to try many more recipes and share them here!  In the meantime, make yourself one of these mojitos :)

Pineapple Mint Mojitos

6 pieces cubed pineapple

10-15 mint leaves

2tsp lime juice

1oz rum

Sparkling water

Ice

Blend pineapple and mint until smooth, split mixture between two short glasses.  Add lime juice and 1tsp sugar, fill with ice.  Add one shot of rum, fill remainder of glass with sparkling water.  Stir and enjoy!

Summer Must-Haves!

Summer is my favorite time of the year.  The hot weather is here and I feel rejuvenated!!  During summer I feel like being active, being social and never letting my days go to waste.  Being from Southern California, I think I have been spoiled by growing up with weather like this almost every day, now it is hard for me to function in anything BUT sunny warmth.  Here are some things I feel are must-haves for a great summer, enjoy!

1 - I found this cocktail recipe and want to try it so bad!!  It's looks so summery and refreshing :)

2 - Everyone needs a grill...including me :)  BBQ's are the BEST in summer time.  Who wants to make donations to my "house fund" so that I will have a place to put my non-existent grill?

Can't make a donation?  Just invite me to your next bbq :)

3 - A veggie garden!!  Mine is apartment patio style, all in pots.  But so far I have tomatoes and bell peppers.  The herbs have died but I'll replace them soon :)

4 - Vacations are the best during the summer!  Of course an exotic beach would be the ultimate vacation, however I have seemed to go to places that are not known for their excellent weather the past couple of summers.  Still a vacation is a vacation and I love them.  This summer will be London and Paris!  Can't wait!

5 - A good concert.  One great thing about Colorado is Red Rocks and I try to catch a show there every summer.  This summer it will be Incubus!

6 - Bug spray.  Take it from me, mosquito bites are no fun :(  Maybe add some sunscreen for good measure!

Happy Summer!