Grilled Pineapple Salsa

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Grilled Pineapple Salsa

I love getting creative with different kinds of fruit salsas in the summertime. This pineapple version is one of my favorites! A quick char of fresh pineapple, paired with traditional salsa ingredients – red onion, cilantro, and fresh jalapeno, and you have yourself a damn fine salsa.

My original plan included mango in the mix, but it looked less than desirable when I cut it open – and I really liked the fact that the pineapple was the star of the show. Didn’t miss the mango one bit.

It’s fabulous on fish tacos, grilled chicken or pork chops, or on it’s own served with tortilla chips. Perfect for a summertime fiesta in the backyard!

Grilled Pineapple Salsa

5 (1/2-inch thick) slices of fresh pineapple
1 small red onion, finely diced
2 jalapenos, seeded and finely diced
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
juice of 1 lime
1/4 tsp kosher salt

Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Add the sliced pineapple and grill for about 2 minutes on each side, or until nice grill marks develop. Remove to plate and set aside to cool.

Combine pineapple, red onion, jalapenos, cilantro, lime, and salt. Toss to combine. Season to taste with salt before serving.

Lavender Lemonade

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Lavender Lemonade

The neighborhood sharing program continues here on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. My girlfriend and neighbor Colleen bought me 3 gorgeous bundles of fresh lavender from her garden last week. I gave one bundle to my other girlfriend, evidently lavender is good for the hen house. Then, the other bundles I got a little crafty with, and put into vases. However, now that I’ve discovered the simple equation of lavender + sugar + water = lavender simple syrup, I’m not sure how long I’ll have them around for decoration. Which is a shame, because it’s so damn pretty!

But this lemonade. Oh my. It’s so different and delicious, I know that I’ll be drinking it all summer long. The lavender is not overpowering, and the tart lemon still definitely shines through. It’s such a perfect balance. And how lovely is it in a tall glass filled with ice, and a little sprig of lavender for garnish? The only thing that would make it lovelier is a splash of vodka or gin. Now, please excuse me while I go plant a lavender bush. Then I’ll harvest it next year, and channel my inner Joan Crawford.

Lavender Lemonade

 

5 cups water
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup lemon juice (5 lemons)
juice of 1 lime
5 sprigs fresh lavender, plus additional for garnish
lemon slices, for garnish

Bring 2 cups water, sugar, and lavender to a boil over medium heat. Stir until sugar has dissolved. Turn off heat, cover, and let steep 1 hour.

Combine remaining 3 cups water, lemon juice, and lime juice in a pitcher. Place a fine-mesh strainer over the top. Carefully strain the lavender simple syrup into the pitcher, discarding lavender. Stir to combine.

Serve in glasses over ice with lemon slices and a sprig of lavender for garnish.

Source: adapted from Thug Kitchen

Fresh Strawberry Ice Cream

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Fresh Strawberry Ice Cream

Homemade ice cream – is there anything more quintessentially summer? I remember the old ice/salt/hand crank machine my mom had at our beach place on Chincoteague Island. We’d happily crank away for hours, to turn out something more resembling soft serve. Always delicious, though! I’ve been seeing those contraptions at yard sales lately, and they always make me smile.

Thankfully, technology has come a long way in 20 years. The machines of today make making your own ice cream at home a breeze. I’ve given my ice cream bowl a permanent spot in our storage freezer, so it’s always on the ready to churn up something uber and awesome. And, this strawberry ice cream definitely fits that bill. I used fresh, local strawberries – those gorgeous little red gems…they made for such a gorgeous flavor and color.  It was the perfect consistency too, smooth and creamy. I’ve tried a couple other recipes in the past that weren’t share-worthy, but this one definitely is a keeper.

Take advantage of your local berry population while you can, and make something delicious with them. Like this ice cream!

Strawberry Ice Cream

2 cups ripe strawberries, chopped
1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp sugar
2 cups half-and-half
1/2 vanilla bean, split
6 large egg yolks
1 cup cold heavy cream

Place the strawberries in a large bowl and toss with the 2 tablespoons sugar. Set aside to macerate for 30 minutes. Remove 1/2 cup of the berries and puree in a blender or food processor. Return strawberry puree to bowl.

In a large nonreactive saucepan, combine the half-and-half, the 1/2 cup sugar, and the vanilla bean and bring to a boil. Immediately remove from the heat, cover, and let steep for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, whisk the egg yolks in a medium bowl until thick, about 3 minutes.

Temper the egg yolks by gradually adding about 1/2 cup of the warm half-and-half, whisking constantly. Transfer the yolk m ixture back to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the custard beings to thicken. It should register 176F on an instant-read thermometer or coat the back of a spoon. Immediately strain the custard into the bowl of strawberries and add the cold cream. Stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate until thouroughly chilled.

Freeze the ice cream in an ice cream machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Transfer to a freezer-safe containter and freeze for at least an hour or two to firm up before serving.

Source: adapted from Frank Stitt’s Southern Table

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

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Strawberry Pretzel Salad

I remember the first time I saw this dessert, I was confused – and kind of grossed out. Let’s face it, it’s certainly not the most attractive looking dish in the world. Whenever Jon has a work luncheon party at NASA, it’s always on the potluck menu. And, is usually the first thing to go as well! I shied away from it for years before I finally gave into temptation and gave it a try. And then promptly kicked myself for not trying it sooner…

A layer of crunchy salty pretzels, coated in butter then baked. Then layered with a sweet cream cheese layer, and topped with a layer of strawberry Jello that’s been studded with strawberries. So, I tracked down the recipe from Jon’s co-worker to share with you guys. I made a few adjustments – making my own homemade whipped cream instead of using Cool Whip, and also using fresh strawberries as opposed to frozen. I’m trying to use up the last couple quarts of my flat I bought last week, and this was perfect for it.

This is the perfect thing to bring to a potluck BBQ, because it’s different and fun. For anyone who loves a sweet and salty combo, this is a winner! I hope everyone has a great weekend welcoming summer into our lives. Don’t forget to enter our grilling giveaway going on through Monday! Be safe, kids!

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

1 cup + 3 Tbsp granulated sugar
2 1/2 cup coarsely crushed pretzels
1 cup butter, melted
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
6 oz box strawberry Jello
1 1/3 cups heavy whipping cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup powdered sugar
3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
2 cups boiling water

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Crush pretzels using a resealable bag and a rolling pin, and place in small bowl..  Add 3 tablespoons sugar and melted butter, tossing to combine.  Press evenly into 13 x 9 pan.  Bake at 400° for 6 minutes. Place in refrigerator to cool.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix cream cheese with 1 cup sugar. Beat on medium speed for 1 minute. In a large bowl combine the heavy cream with the powdered sugar. Using a hand beater, beat on medium speed until starting to thicken – about 1 minute. Add vanilla and increase speed to high, beating until stiff peaks form – about 2 minutes more. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture and then pour over the cooled crust. Refrigerate to chill.

Mix 2 cups boiling water with the Jello, stir to dissolve.  Chill until almost congealed.  Add the fresh strawberries, stirring to mix. Pour over cheese layer and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

Source: adapted from Jon’s co-worker Karon E.