#summercookouts

Antipasto Grill is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines grilled vegetables with cured meats for a delicious appetizer or side dish. Zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes are marinated in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Italian seasoning before being skewered with slices of salami and prosciutto. Grilled to perfection, this dish is bursting with Mediterranean flavors and is perfect for summer cookouts or gatherings. Serve it as part of an antipasto platter or enjoy it on its own as a satisfying keto-friendly dish!

Ingredients: 1 zucchini, sliced. 1 eggplant, sliced. 1 red bell pepper, sliced. 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced. 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes. 1/4 cup black olives. 1/4 cup green olives. 4 ounces salami, sliced. 4 ounces prosciutto, sliced. 1/4 cup olive oil. 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar. 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Salt and pepper, to taste.

Instructions: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. In a large bowl, toss the sliced zucchini, eggplant, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, black olives, and green olives with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Thread the vegetables onto skewers, alternating with the salami and prosciutto slices. Grill the skewers for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and lightly charred. Remove from the grill and serve hot as a delicious antipasto dish. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Using red, white, and blue potatoes gives this patriotic take on traditional potato salad. It's great for summer picnics and get-togethers.

Ingredients: 1 lb red potatoes, cubed. 1 lb white potatoes, cubed. 1 lb blue potatoes, cubed. 1/2 cup mayonnaise. 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard. 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar. 1/4 cup chopped red onion. 1/4 cup chopped celery. Salt and pepper to taste. 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley.

Instructions: Boil the red, white, and blue potatoes in a large pot until they are soft, about 10 to 12 minutes each. Let it cool down after draining. Put apple cider vinegar, red onion, celery, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Add the mayonnaise and mix it all together. Mix the cooled potatoes and the dressing mix together in a large bowl. Toss gently to cover everything. Add chopped parsley as a garnish before serving. Have fun!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

These Aloha Burgers with Grilled Pineapple and Broccoli Slaw bring a taste of the tropics to your plate. Juicy grilled burgers are paired with caramelized pineapple and a refreshing broccoli slaw with a tangy pineapple dressing. It's a tropical flavor explosion that's perfect for a summer cookout or anytime you want to enjoy a taste of paradise.

Ingredients: 4 hamburger patties beef or plant-based. 4 pineapple rings, fresh or canned. 4 hamburger buns. 1 cup broccoli slaw mix. 1/4 cup mayonnaise. 2 tablespoons pineapple juice. 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. 1 tablespoon honey. 1 teaspoon soy sauce. 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Salt and pepper to taste. 4 lettuce leaves. 4 slices of Swiss cheese optional. Cooking oil for grilling.

Instructions: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This will be your slaw dressing. In a separate bowl, toss the broccoli slaw mix with the prepared slaw dressing until it's well coated. Set aside. Lightly oil the pineapple rings and grill them for about 2-3 minutes per side until they have grill marks and are slightly caramelized. Remove from the grill and set aside. Grill the hamburger patties for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare adjust cooking time to your preferred doneness. If using cheese, add a slice of Swiss cheese to each patty during the last minute of grilling and cover to melt. While the patties are grilling, lightly toast the hamburger buns on the grill for about 1-2 minutes or until they are slightly golden. Assemble the burgers by placing a lettuce leaf on the bottom half of each bun, followed by a grilled hamburger patty with or without cheese, a grilled pineapple ring, and a generous scoop of the pineapple broccoli slaw. Top with the other half of the bun, and secure with a toothpick if needed. Serve your Aloha Burgers with Grilled Pineapple and Broccoli Slaw immediately, and enjoy!

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

This past weekend was a Stoerkel family reunion. The Stoerkel family is Clint's step-family who he has known since a very young age. As an outsider to the family, it was definitely interesting to see how diverse a family could get! There was family (+significant others) from the Carolinas (with a couple originally from Ecuador), Maryland, Texas and Brazil! Though there was still people missing (like from Clint's family), there was a lot of people. Definitely reminded me of my awesome Kitaura family (also large)! Also, Clint's cousin's family (Sam, Erika & baby Caris) stayed at his mom & stepdad's, so we got to hang out with them quite a bit. It was nice, especially since they're around our ages & have an adorable baby girl. Here's what went on this past weekend:

Gathering #1: On 4th of July, there was a cookout at Clint's mom & stepdad's condo. Of course, there was lots & lots of corn hole, beer, and food. It was exciting to see everyone & meet some new family. Clint & I left early to go to Bratenahl to watch fireworks from his friend's family's beach.

Gathering #2: After a half day at work, I came home to make dessert (fruit, marshmallow & brownie kabobs) for the cookout at Rob & Melissa's house. More corn hole, beer, & really good food. I played corn hole with a 5- & 2-year old... so cute! A "highlight" was being told by someone that Clint & I should have kids soon, that "we can do it" (in terms of raising of one?). I didn't know how to react so I just laughed & said "Nooo not yet!." Overall it was definitely a very relaxing evening compared to running around on the 4th. 

Gathering #3: During the afternoon there was another (shocking) gathering in Madison. I loveee the yard it was held in - lots & lots of grass, a fire pit & woods behind. Plus there was a puppy! Same things went on at this cookout as well. Too cute. However, this was the last time seeing some people. The same person who told us to have kids told us to get married soon as she said goodbye (aye!). Clint & I ended up going out with people to DTW, so it was a good ending to the day.

On Sunday, a bunch of people went to the Indians' game. Clint & I decided not to go & instead hung out with his parents who were babysitting 3 kids. We figured we'd go help them out. We all went to Garfield Park, then on to Dairy Queen for a treat. One of the highlights during the day is that I changed a diaper! Probably for the first time in years hahah. My heart also melted because Caris wanted only me to hold her while we were out. Afterwards, we all were chilling on the roof of the condo. Ended the weekend by going to dinner with Sam & Erika at Brew Co. Yummy!