Panini

Panini. A fancy word for grilled cheese. And there's nothing better than grilled cheese. And you can make it with anything. All you need is bread, cheese and some goodies to go inside. For example, the other day, after rummaging through my fridge, I came up with the following panini:

1. I drizzled olive oil on a grill pan.

2. I laid out two pieces of bread and put two slices of provolone cheese on each of them.

3. On one side, I added:

• A couple slices of turkey
• Artichoke hearts
• Sliced red onion

4. I topped that with the other slice of bread and the cheese, pressed down hard on it and then put it on the grill pan.

5. I plopped a heavy pan on top. You can use a brick covered in foil or anything that will smoosh your sammy.

6. Then I flipped it.

When it was done, it was ooey gooey cheesy delicious inside.

The choices are endless. But what would you stuff inside your dream panini?

Suzie

Grilled Shrimp

It's grilling season! Time to fire up the fun and enjoy the summer sizzle. Instead of going with the same old burgers and dogs, put a twist on a boring old BBQ and grill some delicious shrimp. Whether you serve them up as an appetizer or a main course, your guests will be impressed. Just:

1. Peel and de-vein a pound of shrimp.

NOTE: You can also grill your shrimp in the shells and serve them peel and eat style. The shells definitely rev up the shrimpy flavor, but the peeling can be messy. It's up to you.

2. Chop four garlic cloves and put the garlic in a bowl.

3. Add olive oil and red pepper flakes to the bowl.

4. Pat your shrimp dry with paper towels. Salt and pepper them.

5. Chop parsley or cilantro (whichever you have fresh) and add it to the mix.

6. Pour marinade over shrimp.


7. Marinate for at least a half an hour.

8. Start grill. When you have a high heat, put shrimp on grill.

9. Once they turn pink and curl up, flip them. Should only be about 2 or three minutes.

10. Cook on other side until pink and firm.

11. Remove from grill and enjoy!

So, what's your favorite summertime food to grill?

Suzie

Joey's Favorite Salsa

Looking for a dip with a twist? A chunky salsa with a kick? Try Joey's Favorite Salsa. It's soooo easy, delicious and good for you too.

1. Rinse one can of black beans and dump them in a bowl.

2. Add one can (same size) of diced tomatoes to bowl. If you have Rotel tomatoes in your area, use those. Rotel are canned tomatoes with lime juice and chilis.

3. Add one can corn. If you have fresh corn, just slice the kernels off the cob. They're super sweet and deliciously fresh.

4. Chop half a red onion and add it to the mix.

5. Mince two garlic cloves and blend them in.

6. Dice a jalapeno, add it to the pool.

7. Chop a handful of cilantro and add it for a fresh zing.

8. Squeeze one lime over the bowl.

9. Add salt and pepper and mix up the creation.

Scoop up some of this fabulous salsa on a tortilla chip and enjoy the fresh zesty spicy kick!

What's in your favorite salsa?

Suzie