End of Summer Recipes for a Couple More Cookouts

Back-to-school, soccer games, after-school meetings, homework time and - in all the chaos - there must be nutritious, fast meals for our families.

Sometimes this means food on the go! We have all read and heard about the health problems associated with fast food restaurants. Here are some healthy, fast and easy recipes to make meals that are wonderful shared at home or able to travel.

Kids Love Them - Burgers
Kitchen and Family tested by Dori Fritzinger

1 to 1 1/4 pounds ground beef

3 tablespoons steak sauce (such as A.1.)

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 teaspoons minced fresh oregano or 3/4 teaspoon dried

1 to 2 tablespoons finely minced onion

1. Combine all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl, mixing thoroughly with your hands or a wooden spoon. Shape into 4 patties by hand, making the center of each just a little thinner than the edges. Refrigerate until ready to grill.

2. Start your grill, and when it's good and hot, grill the burgers to the desired doneness, flipping once. They'll take about 4 minutes on each side, more or less, depending on how you like them cooked. To make cheeseburgers, top with slices of American cheese, sharp Cheddar cheese or crumbled Blue cheese after you flip them. Makes 4 burgers.

Chicken Fingers on a Stick
Kitchen and Family Tested by Dori Fritzinger

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, pounded 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick

Salt and pepper

24 (10-inch) bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

3 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil

2 tablespoons barbecue sauce

1 1/4 cups plain dried bread crumbs

1. Cut each chicken breast lengthwise into 1/2-inch-wide strips and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Fold the chicken strips slightly and weave them onto the skewers.

2. Prepare a charcoal fire or set a gas grill to medium-high, close the lid, and heat until hot -- about 10 to 15 minutes.

3. In a small bowl, stir together the oil and the barbecue sauce. Spread the bread crumbs on a sheet of waxed paper. Lightly brush the sauce mixture over the chicken strips and then roll them in the bread crumbs.

4. Grill the chicken fingers uncovered until they're no longer pink inside, about 2 to 4 minutes per side on a gas grill.

5. Serve with the dipping sauce of your choice. Serves 6 to 8.

Veggie Pockets with Yogurt Cucumber Sauce
Kitchen and Family tested by Dori Fritzinger

Your Families favorite vegetable can be substituted for those listed.

1 medium onion, chopped
2 medium carrots, julienne *
1 medium stalk celery, julienne *
1 large (or 2 small) zucchini, julienne *
1 large (or 2 small) yellow squash, seeded and julienne *
1-2 tablespoons cooking oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce

SAUCE:
small container plain yogurt
small cucumber, seeded, grated, and drained of any liquid (use a paper towel to blot liquid if necessary)
1 garlic clove, minced
--------
4-6 pita pockets - my family enjoys the whole wheat variety

* Use Prepared-Julienne Vegetables from your produce isle in the market. Or Wash and cut fresh vegetables as described in the ingredients list. (The julienne vegetables should all be the same size -- long, thin matchsticks.)

1. Yogurt sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in refrigerator until needed.

2. Heat oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat.

3. When oil is hot, add the onions and brown for a minute or two.

4. Add other vegetables and saute approximately 5 minutes.

5. Finish the veggies by adding the soy sauce and cooking for an additional minute.

6. Warm the pita pockets (grill, toaster, or microwave) and stuff with veggies. Serve.

Let everybody add their own sauce at the table -- there won't be any left!

Making fast and easy meals can be enjoyed all year round. As the seasons shift so must our creative menu planning. These recipes work for both small and large families.


By Dori Fritzinger