What's for Dinner?

So the people who commented on my "Should I post this after we eat with recipes attached?" question answered that YES! They would like recipes! :) Before I pretend to be a gourmet chef I must warn you that these will be mom-friendly, quick-and-easy recipes. They may not be all that exciting. I also need to point out that Eddie and I are both picky eaters. Wonder where James inherited that, huh? Eddie will not eat fruit but loves most vegetables. I love fruit but only a few vegetables. Meat scares me a little so I either tend to overcook it or cook the same things over and over. I'll try to branch out a little just for your sake. This is going to be a trial and error type thing. Hopefully you'll find a few recipes or ideas that will work for you and your family!

We were out of town a good part of last week so I only cooked on Wednesday and Friday nights. (Starting off great, huh???)

Wednesday, June 8, 2011:

Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Black Beans and Rice

The buffalo chicken lettuce wraps were the easiest things EVER. If you're interested in where I discovered this, visit Puttin' on the Grits by clicking HERE. I followed her exact recipe, but only had chicken breasts. I realized later that it might've been easier for me to boil the chicken, shred it, and add the Frank's after it was cooked. I just took a little longer to cook the chicken than I counted on. These were DELICIOUS and we'll be having them again.

Black beans and rice (while a strange side to have with buffalo chicken) is a staple around our house. It is quick, easy, and probably not the healthiest side dish in the world. It is super easy and definitely not rocket science in the kitchen. I cook two cups of Minute Rice following the box's directions. After it cooks I combine it (in an oven-safe dish) with one can of UNDRAINED seasoned black beans and a DRAINED can of Rotel. Mix it thoroughly. Add as much grated cheddar as you'd like. Bake at 350* until heated through. I usually add a little more cheese on top and heat until it's melted. Enjoy!

Friday, June 10, 2011:
Grilled Steak and Veggies

We are big, BIG believers in using the grill (for everything!) during the summer!

Our steak is nothing fancy at all. I bought what was on sale last week (NY Strip, I think). We're pretty simple people when it comes to grilling steaks (and I am not the grill master). Eddie likes to put a rub on it that he calls "God's gift to steaks." I'm not sure what's in it. As far as I know it cannot be purchased in stores. Mrs. Bobby buys it from the lady who cuts her hair (hello, small town South Georgia!) whose husband makes it. Anyway, it's Eddie's favorite rub ever. However, you can use whatever suits your fancy! (I'm going to skip HOW to grill because I assume most of you can handle that and, again, I am not the grill master.)

Another thing we're big believers in during the summer is the locally grown, fresh vegetable. I just saw a U-Pick Veggie place on the way to church this morning. I believe we might be taking a trip back there soon! On Friday, Eddie cut up the zucchini and squash length-wise and sprinkle garlic salt and hot shot on them. (If you've never had McCormick's Hot Shot you're missing out. We can only find it at Kroger.) (Usually if I do them on the grill or in the oven I also put olive oil on them. Eddie was in charge so he can do it however he wants!) (I also sometimes chunk the veggies and put them in foil packets on the top rack of the grill. These are delicious as well!)

Alright, all that to say that my first run-through of sharing What We Ate with you was pretty shaky. I'll try to cook a little more this coming week and have actual recipes for you instead of just hodge-podge thrown together stuff!

Now for this week's grocery list! What are you eating?