Hello Ladies,
Being that we are in the thick of summer, I am sure you have hosted and/or attended at least a few barbeques. Which begs the question, why on earth, when it is way too hot to layer clothing (Come on...everyone has a body part that needs hiding; unless of course you are my least favorite person on this planet, Gisele Bundchen. I am still convinced she is a 'Fembot,' and am anxiously awaiting for her head to explode), do we serve hot dogs, hamburgers, corn on the cob, margaritas, and apple pie? Just for giggles, which quickly turned to tears, I calculated the calories and fat grams in the afore-mentioned meal (Keep in mind that none of us would have just one margarita, the burger comes without cheese, the pie is the tiniest piece, and who would dare have corn without butter?). Drum roll please...1425 calories, and wait for it...65 grams of fat.
In spite of the horror that I just uncovered, I will still indulge in the afore-mentioned meal ONCE IN A WHILE. After all, there is a reason why sarongs and one pieces were created. I just wanted to offer a few alternatives for those days when you dare to bare your stomachs (Note...I did not say midriffs...It is NEVER ok to bare your midriff past five years of age, unless you are donning a bikini at a beach or pool, not a club)! These recipes are my tried and true favorites...I hope you LOVE them as much as I do!
Kacy's Corn of the Cob (serves 4)
4 ears of sweet corn (white/yellow/combo)
1/2 tablespoon of butter
2 packets of splenda, stevia, or if you like it au natural...1/2 tsp. of agave nectar
1 pinch of excellent sea salt
Place the later three ingredients in a stock pot filled 3/4 of the way with water. Heat pot on high until ingredients begin to melt, and stir to combine. Place cleaned ears of corn in water and bring to a boil. Allow corn to boil for 2 minutes then turn the heat off. The corn should remain in the hot water for a few minutes more. Remove and cover with foil until ready to serve.
Asian Turkey burgers (So easy to make, that if you mess them up, I will be super impressed!) (Serves 4):
16 oz. of lean ground turkey-I prefer the 93/7 variety
1 large egg white-liquid is fine
1/4 cup of teriyaki sauce-I like the low sodium version
1/4 cup of finely chopped scallions GPO (Green Part Only)
1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro- if you are one of those people who loathe cilantro you could sub flat-leaf parsley
2 tbsp. garlic (small dice)
2 tbsp. fresh ginger (small dice)
1/2 tsp. sesame oil
2 tsp. of red chili flakes-If you love spicy, you can add 1 1/2 tsp. of sriracha
SP TT (salt and pepper to taste)
8 scallions-cleaned with ends trimmed slightly
8 trimmed romaine lettuce cups
Thoroughly mix the first 10 ingredients, (through SP TT) in a bowl. Take off your rings and use your hands ladies. Just make sure you take the turkey meat out of the fridge at least 20 minutes before preparation, or you will freeze your well-manicured hands off. Form four equally sized patties, set on plate, cover with plastic and refrigerate for 20 minutes. Spray a non-stick skillet with Pam and heat to medium high heat. The burgers need to cook for about 7 minutes on each side, depending on your stove. Use a thermometer to check for an internal temp. of 165 degrees. About 12 minutes into your burger grilling, place the scallions in the center of the skillet until soft and a little brown. Place the burgers between 2 lettuce cups, scallions a top, and enjoy! You've shaved off so many calories you can even place a dollop of aioli on top!
Grilled Stone Fruit with Honey and Slivered Almonds: (Serves 4)
4 peaches, nectarines, plums, etc...Four of whatever stone fruit you like best.
2 tbsp. of honey- I prefer local grown, which is said to relieve popular local allergies (Not meaning allergies with
a lot of friends).
2 tbsp. slivered almonds (Buy at Trader Joes...Do not try and “sliver” almonds yourself, or you may lose a finger).
Slice fruit in half and remove pits. Spray halved fruit with grilling spray and place cut side down, grill on high heat...Depending on the ripeness of the fruit; you will want to check for grill marks in about 2-4 minutes. The fruit should appear brown and caramelized on the bottom. Place 2 halves on each dessert plate, drizzle with honey, sprinkle with almonds and serve.
As for the margaritas...I hate to say it, because I hate most Reality TV, but Bethenny Frankel's, "Skinny Girl Margaritas," are fantastic (1.5 oz. has only 37.5 calories)! Even Rob, my cocktail loving fiancé likes them! The best part is that they are all natural and come in a screw top bottle; which is perfect for easy access on rough days! For four women, buy at least 2 bottles...TRUST ME! Line a round plate with salt, wet the rim, dip glass in salt, add ice and pour!!!!
Well ladies, that’s all she wrote...For now at least! All this typing has made me thirsty...I think it is time for me to head to the fridge, unscrew the”Skinny Girl,” and pour myself some sunshine in a glass. Don’t judge...It is Saturday after all, and I am certain that it is noon somewhere in the world!
Until next time my bikini wearing babes...
Your Goddess of Grub,
Boldbroad xoxoxoxo
Picture of Gisele courtesy of thedailyjulie.com. Picture of Skinny Girl Margarita Mix courtesey of thedailystew.com.
