Three summertime recipes that are sure to be a hit for any bash
Whether it's an outdoor bash or a summer BBQ for the whole family -- Taste of Home has you covered. Mark Hagen joins FOX6 WakeUp with three summertime recipes.
Strawberry-Basil Cocktail
This cocktail of sun-ripened strawberries and tender basil is so refreshing without being overly sweet. It's our favorite. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina
Prep/Total Time: 5 min.
3 fresh strawberries, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon minced fresh basil
3/4 to 1 cup ice cubes
2 ounces vodka
1/2 ounce club soda
1 teaspoon simple syrup
1 teaspoon cranberry juice
Pinch pepper
In a shaker, muddle strawberries and basil. Fill shaker three-fourths full with ice. Add the remaining ingredients; cover and shake 10-15 seconds or until condensation forms on outside of shaker. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Yield: 1 serving. To make your own simple syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups sugar and 1 cup water; bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. Reduce heat; simmer 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cool completely. Store, covered, in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Use to sweeten cocktails, iced tea or lemonade. Yield: 1-2/3 cups.
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving equals 162 calories, trace fat (trace saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 5 mg sodium, 9 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, trace protein.
Recipe # 147474
Grilled Steak Salad with Tomatoes & Avocado
My family loves a good steak dinner, but with busy schedules, I'm often thinking about ways to put new and simple twists on things. This salad is flavored with the freshness of lemon and cilantro and is one of my husband's favorite weeknight dishes. —Lyndsay Wells, Ladysmith, British Columbia
Prep/Total Time: 30 min.
1 beef top sirloin steak (1-1/4 inches thick and 1-1/2 pounds)
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 teaspoons Creole seasoning
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1 can (15 ounces) white kidney or cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
3 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 medium ripe avocado, peeled and cubed (1/2 inch)
Rub both sides of steak with oil; sprinkle with Creole seasoning. Grill, covered, over medium heat or broil 4 in. from heat 5-8 minutes on each side or until meat reaches desired doneness (for medium-rare, a thermometer should read 145°; medium, 160°; well-done, 170°). Let stand 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, beans, green onions, cilantro, lemon peel, lemon juice and salt; gently stir in avocado. Cut steak into slices; serve with bean mixture. Yield: 12 servings. Editor's Note: The following spices may be substituted for 3 teaspoons Creole seasoning: 3/4 teaspoon each salt, garlic powder and paprika; and 1/8 teaspoon each dried thyme, ground cumin and cayenne pepper.
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving equals 169 calories, 6 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 23 mg cholesterol, 355 mg sodium, 13 g carbohydrate, 4 g fiber, 16 g protein.
Recipe # 176690
Frozen Chocolate Monkey Treats
Everyone needs a fun, friendly way for kids to play with food. These "bites" are nutty and yummy when you coat bananas in chocolate and dip them into peanuts, sprinkles or coconut. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin
Prep: 15 min. + freezing Cook: 5 min.
3 medium bananas
1 cup (6 ounces) dark chocolate chips
2 teaspoons shortening
Toppings: chopped peanuts, toasted flaked coconut and/or colored jimmies
Cut each banana into six pieces (about 1 in.). Insert a toothpick into each piece; transfer to a waxed paper-lined baking sheet. Freeze until completely firm, about 1 hour.
In a microwave, melt chocolate and shortening; stir until smooth. Dip banana pieces in chocolate mixture; allow excess to drip off. Dip in toppings as desired; return to baking sheet. Freeze at least 30 minutes before serving. Yield: 1-1/2 dozen. Editor's Note: To toast coconut, spread in a 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 5-10 minutes or until golden brown, stirring frequently.
Nutrition Facts: 1 treat (calculated without toppings) equals 72 calories, 4 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, trace sodium, 10 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 1 g protein.