Grilled Pineapple ~ A simple delicious dessert treat!

A simple, yet delicious dessert or treat we like to enjoy, is Grilled Pineapple.  This is a favorite when we are grilling.  And, since the grill is already fired-up, it's easy to add the pineapple near the end of cooking other foods on the grill, or just after finishing the other foods.  Fresh pineapple is best for this, but, in a pinch canned pineapple also works, I've used the canned, sliced pineapple rings.  I pick a fresh pineapple that isn't soft and by giving it a sniff at the bottom.  If I get a strong scent of pineapple then that is the one I want!

I like to prepare a fresh pineapple by first trimming off the top and bottom and then down the outside edges cutting off the rind.  Next, the pineapple is cut in half length-wise, then cut in half length-wise again, cutting it into wedges, and then cutting away the core area.   The pineapple can also be cut into round slices after removing the rind, then the slices can also be cut into triangles before serving.

Indirect heat is best for grilling the pineapple and as not to burn it.  It only takes about 10-20 minutes depending on how hot the grill is.  I like to make a simple baste by melting a little butter and adding some brown sugar, with a bit of honey and a dash of cinnamon.  Mmmmm it's sooo tropical!  If using canned pineapple use a splash of the juice in the baste, and/or omit the butter.  But, to me the butter is better!-(And, I mean real butter, not margarine!)  It adds a caramel-ly goodness that makes this extra special!

About 4 servings

Ingredients:

1 fresh pineapple cut into wedges or 1 can pineapple slices, drained and reserve juices

2 Tbsp. butter, melted

2 Tbsp. brown sugar

1 tsp. honey

dash of cinnamon

Directions:

Cut fresh pineapple by slicing off the top and bottom.  Trim off the rind, and cut in half length-wise, and half length-wise again forming wedges, cut off core.  Baste, then place on hot grill, baste as needed to keep moist and turn often for approximately 10-20 minutes, until golden and warmed thoroughly.  Serve warm.

Enjoy!...

Wedding Card Box - D I Y Tutorial

I've seen many different types of items used for collecting wedding cards, from baskets, birdcages, boxes, a vintage suitcase and more, to just about anything that can hold cards really.  Many of the guests bring a gift and/or a wedding card with well-wishes and a monetary gift to the wedding, so it's good to plan a place for them.

I created a Wedding Card Box for my daughter and son-in-law's recent wedding to use for the wedding cards they received from family and friends attending their wedding and reception.  I of course ran the idea by the future Bride and Groom first, hoping for a nod of approval and once they happily accepted, I let my creativity and ideas, along with their thoughts on my ideas, help me in putting together something we all approved of and were pleased with.  

Going with the planned color scheme of the wedding, I decorated two different sized, plain boxes and attached them together.  It actually turned out better than I had imagined, and it looked nice on display at the reception.  It served its purpose well and fit in nicely with the decor, matching the wedding colors perfectly.  So happy that my daughter said she "loved it, and that it was super cute!"   

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-DIY tutorial below-

Thoughts and Things this week - A wonderful "Wedding" weekend!

I am so happy to share this post, we have been in "wedding" mode, and what a wonderful time it has been!

Cobb Salad

I enjoy having salad as a main dinner choice, once or even twice a week.  And salad is always a good choice for lunch.  If you're like me and you like salad, I highly recommend a Cobb Salad.  This is not the typical boring salad, it's appealing, appetizing, and will surely fill you up.  Cobb Salad has been around for years, I call it the sister to the Chef Salad. This salad looks as delicious as it tastes!

[-The Cobb salad is a main-dish American garden salad made from chopped salad greens (iceberg lettuce, watercress, endives and Romaine lettuce), tomato, crisp bacon, boiled, grilled or roasted (but not fried) chicken breast, hard-boiled egg, avocado, chives, Roquefort cheese, and red-wine vinaigrette. Black olives are also often included.-

One way to remember the components is to use the mnemonic EAT COBB: Egg, Avocado, Tomato, Chicken, Onion, Bacon, Blue cheese—then add lettuce.-]

(source)-wikipedia.org

My Cobb Salad begins with mixed greens, such as, a spring mix with spinach and arugula.  I top that with grilled chicken and crisp bacon, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, tomato, red onion, and blue cheese crumbles, then drizzle with a vinaigrette dressing.  I have been preparing my Cobb Salad lately with a shredded cheese blend instead of the blue cheese or Roquefort crumbles, to lighten it up a bit and because I love the Bolthouse Farms Chunky Blue Cheese Yogurt Dressing.(I find it near the salads in the refrigerated section of the grocery store.)  It's good stuff!  Only 35 calories per 2 tablespoons, 85% less-fat and 78% fewer calories then regular blue cheese dressing, and there are no artificial ingredients, and no preservatives.  I think it is the perfect low-cal, high in flavor addition to my Cobb Salad. 

Cobb Salad  

Two Salad Servings

Ingredients:

4 cups Mixed salad greens, or iceberg lettuce chopped

2 Chicken Breasts, cooked and chopped

6-8 slices Bacon, cooked and crumbled

2 Eggs, hard-boiled, chopped

1 Avocado, chopped

1 Tomato, chopped, or 10 grape tomatoes halved

1/4 cup Red onion, diced

1/2 cup Cheese blend, shredded, or blue cheese crumbles

Salad Dressing-Blue cheese, or a Vinaigrette

Directions:

Place the salad greens on a plate or large flat bowl.  Arrange the chicken, bacon, eggs, tomatoes, onions, avocado, and cheese in neat rows.  To serve drizzle with salad dressing and season with salt and pepper.  Alternatively, toss everything together in the bowl. 

Enjoy!...

Thoughts and Things this week - A Night at the Opera ...Romeo and Juliet

We had a great night at the Atlanta Opera on this beautiful Saturday evening.  Romeo and Juliet, the story of love and devotion, a tragic love story!  It's been one that I have longed to see, so I have been anxiously waiting for this night to arrive since getting our season tickets last year.  It was a great performance and did not disappoint.  I was almost brought to tears with the ending scene, which left me with the chills and an ache in my heart for the lovestruck pair, Romeo and Juliet.

Many characters took the stage providing lots of visual interest and the singing was captivating as the story was told through their talented voices, sung in french and backed by the orchestra that added to the full emotion of it all.  I am always amazed at the sights and sounds of each opera I've attended.  The costumes, the stage sets, all the wonder of what goes into putting each production together.  Each one different from the others, and unique in their own way!  We always enjoy a wonderful experience attending the Atlanta Opera at the Cobb Energy Center.  I love the Opera!

With my opera glasses and tickets in tow, ready and excited to see Romeo and Juliet.

The view of the stage and orchestra from our seats.

Looking forward to a great opera performance as we enjoy cocktails at the Cobb Energy Center, before taking our seats!

It was a great night at the Opera!...

Hello May

Here we are in the month of May already!  It seemed so far away at the beginning of the year.  We have much to celebrate in the month of May.  Being from Indy, we always look forward to the Indy 500, which happens around our national holiday in May, Memorial Day.  There's the extra special day to celebrate Moms on Mother's Day.  This month there's also our youngest daughter's birthday and the event of the year for all of us is her upcoming wedding day, which we're very excited about, and is approaching quickly!

And, tomorrow for some, or most who partake, we have Cinco de Mayo with lots of celebrations and great Mexican foods.  We usually do some type of celebrating on this day, whether with friends having a home gathering, or meeting up to enjoy foods and festivities at one of the local Mexican restaurants.  We love everything about Mexican food, it's one of our frequent and favorite cuisines for sure!

I thought I would share a few recipes for some goodies that would be perfect for Cinco de Mayo!

image source

Let's begin with something that is great as a dip with tortilla chips, or it can be a side dish on its own.

Black Bean Salad - Confetti Salad

This is one of my favorite soups!  Anytime of year. I often find some version of it on most Mexican restaurant menus.  This is my recipe that I like to make at home.

Chicken Tortilla Soup - slow cooker method

The ultimate Mexican dish that most everyone will enjoy!

 Chicken Fajitas

And, this salad is always a good choice, it's like an over-loaded taco in a bowl!

Taco Salad

Last but not least, we call these "pork tacos" they are actually called Pork Stew Nuevo León Style / Asado de Puerco.   This dish is delicious and not difficult to prepare, but, it requires a little patience with preparation, and is well worth it!

Pork Stew Nuevo León Style / Asado de Puerco

I'm sure all of the the above dishes would go down smoothly with a refreshing ice cold Margarita, or Cerveza(Beer)!  However, if you are like me and can't drink tequila and not big on beer, give my favorite frozen beverage a try!  It's my version of the Strawberry Daiquiri made with vodka instead of rum.  Tammy's Daiquiri 

His-(Margarita) & Hers-(Tammy's Daiquiri)

Have a Happy Cinco de Mayo!  And, have some tasty Mexican food to celebrate!

Happy MAY Everyone!...