Here we are in the midst of summer, yet with physical distancing 100% still in the mix, open house gatherings are not quite the same. Especially when there is no open house option😔. But it is still summer, and the heat is on. Going for the grill can be one of the easiest and tastiest ways to cook almost anything. Barbecuing is a perfect way to blend summer sunshine, delicious meals, refreshing beverages, family and friends — just not too much of any of it.

There is something wonderfully evocative about the smell of grilled food, often bringing a sensation of a more relaxing, informal meal. Grilling various creations from sizzling veggies, chicken, fish, seafood, and meat to all sorts of burgers can bring a simplistic approach to healthy eating — and perhaps the spark we all need right now in the kitchen. Trying to stay creative when our cooking brains are a bit fried can be challenging — if you are entirely overcooking right now, skip to ordering in the tips below☎️.

Let’s light it up🔥 while keeping a sense of balance in your meal planning. Aim for 50% veggies, 25% lean protein and 25% whole grains, no matter the amount of heat. I repeat this ratio quite a bit, as it is the key for enjoying all foods. How each of us creates this balance for ourselves is completely individualized, since you have to find the best food options that satisfy you, your mind and your body.

These recipes are simple to prepare and quick to cook, yet they offer an exciting assortment of flavors. They could be part of one night’s summer cookout menu or part of your menu for any night of the week.
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SUMMER FLING

First, it’s cocktail hour. This fresh cocktail will slake your appetite for dinner with some tangy hydration. Any calorie-free seltzer will do.

INGREDIENTS
1 shot vodka + 1/2 shot vanilla vodka
6 ounces grapefruit seltzer water
1 lime, sliced in half

PREPARATION
Fill the shaker halfway with ice cubes. Add vodkas, seltzer, and fresh juice from 1/2 of lime. Cover and shake well. Pour into a cocktail glass. Add a few ice cubes anda slice of fresh lime for garnish. Sip. Relax. Makes 1 serving.
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CURRIED CHICKEN SKEWERS

These can be served as the main dish or as an appetizer. Prepping and marinating overnight in the refrigerator will maximize the flavors, but if you have an hour or two, that will also work here. Any favorite, on-hand combination of veggies is fabulous, but don’t skip the apricot sprinkle (unless you do not like them) for a unique zing and flavor combination.

INGREDIENTS
Marinade:
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 teaspoon curry powder
1 teaspoon garam masala
6 ounces plain Greek yogurt, low-fat or fat-free
Skewers:
1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, cut into cubes
3 ounces dried apricot halves, chopped and set aside
2 bell peppers (1 yellow, 1 orange), seeded and cut into squares
2 zucchini, washed, sliced into 1/4 inch circles
1 Vidalia onion, peeled and cut into chunks
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves (or herb of choice), chopped

PREPARATION
Combine the oil, spices, and yogurt in a large bowl and mix well. Add the chicken to the bowl and mix well. Cover and chill for a few hours or overnight.

When ready to cook, preheat the grill to medium. Thread the chicken onto skewers, alternating with the peppers, zucchini, and onions. Place the skewers on the grill and turn frequently for about 8–10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are slightly charred. Place on a serving platter and sprinkle with apricots and cilantro.
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NUTTY COUSCOUS
This dish complements the curried chicken skewers. It can also be served as a stand-alone dish —just add some chicken, tofu, tempeh, and/or nuts for some protein. You can easily have a quick lunch or a simple yet tasty weeknight dinner.

INGREDIENTS
1 14-ounce can vegetable broth, low sodium
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1 1/2 cups whole wheat couscous
2 Tablespoons walnuts, chopped
1/2 cup sliced green onions
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
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PREPARATION
Combine vegetable broth, water, and curry powder in a medium sauce pan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let stand for at least 5 minutes. Stir in walnuts, onions, salt, and pepper. Fluff with a fork and serve. Makes 4 servings.
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Photo by Zukhra Galiullina on Unsplash

RASPBERRY-BLACKBERRY-LEMON PARFAIT
Sometimes, we just want dessert. This no-cook berry dessert can be made with fresh or frozen raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, or a combination of whatever fruit you have on hand. Mini chips go a longer way than regular-size chips, so you get chocolate in every bite.

INGREDIENTS
2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries and blackberries
2 (8-ounce) cartons of low-fat lemon yogurt
2 Tablespoons mini chocolate chips

PREPARATION
Layer berries and yogurt evenly into 4 parfait glasses, beginning and ending with berries. Top each serving with 1/2 tablespoon of chips. Makes 4 servings.

Seriously, I want to order in tonight! Go for it! Ordering in can surely be healthy and a fantastic way to skip cooking for a night. Just keep a few tips in mind ~
*Generally, when reading the menu, Choose Grilled, baked, broiled, and steamed. Be mindful: breaded, crispy, fried, in a cream sauce; and if you see “sautéed,” ask to use little to no oil.

*When ordering pizza: Add any veggies, pineapple, and grilled chicken. Be mindful of pepperoni, sausage, and extra cheese. You can try the cauliflower crust, but often it is the same (sometimes more) calories and still includes some flour. If you are looking for gluten-free, be sure to inquire.

• ALWAYS order a large salad to go with it — including a protein on top to help satisfy your appetite. If ordering a Caesar salad, order the dressing on the side and possibly skip the croutons. If ordering any other type of salad, also order the dressing on the side; request oil and vinegar as well (vinegar is virtually calorie-free, so it is a great addition to any salad; be more mindful of how much oil, as it is 45 calories per teaspoon). Add fresh or dried herbs, lemon juice, and flavored vinegar to enhance your salad flavors without increasing calories.

*When ordering Italian entrees: Choose Marsala, Cacciatore, and Grilled offerings. Be mindful: Parmigiana, scampi, fried offerings.

*When ordering pasta dishes: Choose red sauces (marinara, tomato sauce). Be mindful: Extra bread/garlic bread on the side, as well as creamy sauces (Alfredo, rosa).

*When ordering Mexican food: Soft-shell tacos with the fixings on the side. Include lots of salsa, veggies, and greens. Be mindful: how much sour cream and guacamole; substitute low fat Greek yogurt for sour cream, if you have in stock.

*When ordering sandwiches: Choose Half sandwich with half salad or clear-broth soup; share a sandwich, salad, or other veggie dish. Go with whole grain wraps, bread, or lettuce wraps, when available; grilled, roasted, or barbecued chicken, turkey, ham (lean, low sodium), hummus, pulled chicken, pulled pork, and tempeh. Be mindful: large submarine and Kaiser rolls; fatty red meats, like roast beef corned beef; mayo-based pre-made tuna and chicken salad; chicken cutlet; mayo or other special creamy sauce

*Healthy Additions ~ to add to any order:
— Clear broth soups with lots of veggies
— Greens with light dressings, vinegars, herbs and spices
— Grilled or roasted non-starchy veggies (broccoli, eggplant, spinach, green beans, cauliflower, etc)
— Edamame — always a fun one!
— Pickles — just be mindful of the high sodium content
— Fresh fruit — whether an official fruit salad or platter or just apple slices

*Less Healthy Additions ~ to skip…most of the time:
— French Fries
— Chips
— Breads on the side
— Cookies, cakes, sweets

*Condiments to keep on hand…add some kickin’ spice or flavor:
— Buffalo sauce
— Salsa
— Sriracha
— Lemon Juice
— Balsamic Vinegar
— Basil, oregano, garlic, pepper
— Soy sauce (low sodium)

“Smell the sea and feel the sky. Let your soul and spirit fly.

~ Van Morrison“

​For comments, thoughts, requests or anything else you feel the need to share, please do: amy@rebelliousrd.com