Easy Summer BBQ

I know the dad at the grill thing is a bit of a cliche, but I really appreciate all the meals my dad and my husband have made me on the grill. A wise woman once told me, "Don't ever start mowing the lawn or grilling or it'll become your job." So, I haven't. Now and then, I'm tempted to try my hand at the BBQ but I remember what she said and it's so nice to host a party or prepare a meal where the main dish is already taken care of. My husband does a great job grilling.

So, in honor of Father's Day, I'd like to say "thanks" to dads who give a hand with the cooking (or the dishes!) and share two great recipes for your next BBQ. First up is a marinade for steaks. I usually have everything on hand except green onions and I've had amazing results with this recipe. It originally came from an Omaha Steak brochure.

I have no idea where the second recipe originated. It's scribbled on a scrap of paper with the title "Corn Sauce" and I've been making it for 7 or 8 years. I have used it on cooked frozen corn, cooked fresh corn kernels, and corn on the cob. You could also stir it into cooked carrots, green beans, or broccoli. It has a smoky, southwest flavor to it and I usually add a little more spice (extra red pepper flakes) unless I'm making it for kids.

For more marinade ideas, check out this previous post.

Steak Marinade (enough for 4 or 5 steaks)

1 tsp. grated lemon peel
1/2 c. lemon juice
1/3 c. cooking oil
2 T. green onions with tops, sliced
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tsp. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. mustard (plain ol' yellow from a bottle)
1/8 tsp. pepper.

Combine marinade ingredients in a large ziplock bag or shallow dish. Add the steaks and marinate for 3-4 hours (or overnight) in the refrigerator, turning the steaks several times.

Corn Sauce
(not sure on amounts . . . probably enough for 1/2 - 1 bag of frozen corn)

1/4 tsp. chili powder
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1/4 tsp. garlic salt
1/8 tsp. red pepper
2 T butter
1 tsp. cornstarch
1/4 c. chicken broth (or water)

Melt butter in saucepan. Add first 4 ingredients, stir, and cook for 1 minute. Stir in cornstarch. Add chicken broth. Cook and stir over medium heat until thick and bubbly. Cook and stir for 1 minute more. Stir into cooked vegetables.