Getting Ready For Summer

Getting ready for summer means getting your grill ready for barbequing.  I recently saw several recipes for skewer meals which are healthy, easy to prepare and delicious.  Here are several recipes, one beef, one chicken, and one vegetarian.  They're ready to go in no time at all.  I hope you enjoy them.

Beef Skewers

INGREDIENTS
2 pounds sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
2 green bell peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 red bell peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 large white onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
8-10 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 20 minutes

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Combine the steak, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl, mixing until the steak is evenly coated.
3. Slide a piece of steak down the skewer, followed by pieces of green pepper, red pepper, and onion. Repeat until there is a 1-inch gap on the top of the skewer.
4. Repeat with the remaining skewers.
5. Grease the surface of the grill by rubbing the grates with a tongs and an oiled paper towel.
6. Grill the skewers for about 10-15 minutes with the lid closed, flipping them halfway.
7. Serve!

Roasted Veggie Skewers
Servings: 8-10

INGREDIENTS
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
2 zucchinis, sliced into rounds
3 cups cremini mushrooms
2 medium red onions, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 red bell peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 yellow bell peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces
4-5 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 20 minutes

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat grill to medium heat.
2. Combine the oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper, stirring until mixed.
3. Slide a zucchini slice down the skewer, followed by pieces of mushroom, red onion, and peppers, repeating until there is a 1-inch gap at the top of the skewer.
4. Repeat with the remaining skewers and vegetables.
5. Brush each skewer liberally with the oil mixture.
6. Grill the skewers for 12-18 minutes with the lid closed, flipping halfway.
7. Serve!

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Servings: 4-5

INGREDIENTS
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 cup soy sauce
¾ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
¼ cup green onions, chopped
1 pineapple, diced into 1-inch cubes
4-5 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 20 minutes

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat grill to medium heat.
2. Combine the chicken, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame seeds, and green onions, stirring until evenly coated.
3. Chill and marinate for at least 2 hours.
4. Slide a piece of chicken down the skewer, alternating between chicken and pineapple, until there is a 1-inch gap on the top of the skewer.
5. Repeat with the remaining chicken, pineapple, and skewers.
6. Grease the surface of the grill by rubbing the grates with a tongs and an oiled paper towel.
7. Grill the skewers for about 12-18 minutes with the lid closed, flipping them halfway. Brush the skewers with the leftover marinade during grilling, if desired.
8. Serve!