Budgets and BBQs

6:46 PM Remy Maguire - Manifest the Best 0 Comments

Living on a budget doesn't have to be boring! Continuing to honor our vow to make dinner at home as many days a week as possible we've got to get creative to keep cooking fun. Despite the dark and drizzly night we're having a BBQ! It's been months since we've fired up the grill but it always feels sort of festive. Grilling is a great way to enhance the natural flavor of vegetables and meats. Peppers and onions are always great but why not try something different this winter. The farmer's markets and grocery stores are filled with seasonal veggies that can easily be sliced and diced and grilled to perfection. I love butternut squash, beets, carrots, broccoli, leeks, artichoke, brussels sprouts and even chestnuts! Cut squash in to chunks and season either savory or sweet with salt, pepper, nutmeg or cinnamon - delish! Carrots, beets and apple slices are amazing on the barbie. The sweetness, richness and color of these winter delights make amazing side dishes or warm salads - not to mention loaded with good for you fiber and vitamins. Broccoli and cauliflower takes on a unique flavor when browned and sprinkled with parmesan cheese - no need to add salt here. Artichoke, leeks and brussels sprouts take a little more preparation but turn out buttery and really special basted with white wine, lemon juice and a sprinkle of red pepper. And chestnuts roasted on an open fire! Does it get any more festive than that?! Tonight we're enjoying chicken skewers with onions, peppers, butternut squash and purple cabbage. Along with a nice bottle of inexpensive red wine and budget dining on a wet wintery night seems more like an adventure vacation to me.