May 18, 2017

My BBQ Favourites

With the warm air, sun shining, and the long weekend around the corner I have been daydreaming about barbecued food. As a Canadian I look forward to the spring and summer months and crave barbecue as soon as the weather gets nice. Do you get that craving too? There is something so great about a meal that is cooked outside and can be eaten outside too!

Below are a few of my favourite BBQ items. I hope they provide you with some inspiration for your long weekend meals!

1. Salmon

I like to make my salmon with simple and fresh ingredients. Below is a meal from last summer, salmon topped with olive oil, onions, lemons, salt /black pepper, and fresh dill. Wrap in aluminum foil and cook on the BBQ for about 15-20 minutes. Delicious!

2. Shrimp skewers

Shrimp has always been my absolute favourite seafood (even since I was a wee one). I like to marinate my shrimp in olive oil, crushed garlic, fresh parsley, and salt/black pepper. I also love them marinated with chili flakes, lime juice, olive oil, and crushed black pepper. The longer you marinate the better (I try to do this for at least for 2-3 hours before grilling or overnight). Place on BBQ and cook for about 1-2 minutes each side (or until you see that orange colour).

3. Grilled veggies (zucchini, peppers, onions, mushrooms, etc.)

Grilled veggies are the best! The slight char adds such depth and richness, they also compliment many types of protein (e.g. chicken skewers, steak etc.). Grilling veggies is a great way to make sure you are filling half your plate with veggies this BBQ season.

I keep mine simple. I toss them in oil and sprinkle with some salt/black pepper, and fresh thyme. I place them in a grilling basket and cook until they are softened and have grill marks.

Get your kids involved: have them make veggie skewers. This is a great way to involve your kids in meal prep and get them excited about veggies!

4. Grilled pineapple (served with vanilla frozen yogurt and cinnamon....of course!)

If you know me, you know my favourite 'dessert' is ice cream or frozen yogurt. I pretty much like any type (cookie dough, chocolate, vanilla, peanut butter....the list can go on forever)! I also love fruit and especially love grilled pineapple. The grill brings out the natural juices and makes for a super sweet and tasty treat. I like to cut my pineapple in circle pieces about 1-2 inches thick, sprinkle with cinnamon and barbecue for a few minutes.

Once removed from the grill, top with vanilla frozen yogurt and enjoy!

5. Hamburger - I LOVE a good homemade hamburger with lots of toppings (onions, pickles, cheese, tomato etc.)

Growing up my mom always made homemade burgers (which I loved and still do). My sister however always liked the frozen ones more, so we always had both options in my childhood home during the barbecue season. I still love a homemade burger and like to experiment with a mixture of flavours when I make my own. Stay tuned for veggie infused burger recipes over this barbecue season!