This is time of year to be outside, enjoying the beautiful weather, and dining al fresco.
The menu below can be prepared on your stove, or better yet, give your grill a good workout. Gas grill directions are noted with **.
Sloppy Joes
- 1 lb. ground beef
- ½ medium onion chopped fine
- 1 celery rib chopped fine
- 3 tbsp. dried mustard
- ½ tbsp. molasses
- 3 tbsp. ketchup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup chicken stock – plus more if required
- Freshly ground pepper to taste
Brown ground beef in a medium sized frying pan. Be sure to break up any chunks. Add onion and celery. Continue to fry until beef is nicely browned. Drain in a colander.
In a medium sized saucepan, combine the remaining ingredients to taste, then add the beef and vegetables. Cover and simmer for 1 hour. Monitor closely and add more chicken stock if sauce gets dry.
**It’s easy to cook Sloppy Joes on the grill. Follow the recipe above, just be sure to use heavy pans and stir frequently.
Serve on crusty buns.
Baked Beans
- 1 small can Bush’s Honey Baked Beans or brand of your choice
- 1 small can Bush’s Homestyle Baked Beans or brand of your choice
- 2 tbsp. dried mustard
- 2 tbsp. maple syrup – optional
- 2 strips bacon
Preheat oven to 325° F.
Pour beans into a metal loaf pan or oven safe dish. Stir in mustard and syrup. Lay bacon strips on top. Bake in the center of the oven 45 minutes or until desired consistency.
**Set grill temperature to medium.
Only use a metal pan if you intend to cook the beans on the grill.
Prepare as above, then place pan on top rack. Cook about 25 minutes or until desired consistency.
To serve – discard bacon.
Sweet Corn on the Grill
- 1 ear fresh corn per person – do not remove husk
- Water
- Butter or margarine
- Salt
Pour cool water into a container large enough to hold the sweet corn. Soak corn still in its husk at least 1 hour, but no more than 2 hours.
Set grill on medium high. Remove corn from the water and lay the ears on the grill. Roast until the husk is brown on that side, then turn and repeat the process. Total cooking time is about 20 – 25 minutes.
To serve – peel back the husks. Roll the ears in butter or margarine, then sprinkle on a touch of salt, and enjoy!
Snazzy Sliced Tomatoes
- 1 tomato per two people
- Red wine vinegar
- Garlic powder or fresh garlic minced
- Fresh or dried chives
Prepare this dish about an hour or so before serving.
Slice tomatoes ½” thick and arrange on a serving plate.
Drizzle vinegar over the tomatoes, then dust with garlic powder or fresh garlic. Sprinkle plenty of chives across the top.
Set on the counter away from sun or heat to flavor through.
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