Rainbow Steak Kabobs--HCG

After this past weekend of camping with the family, I've come up with some new ideas or "series" to post recipes for. My parents are doing the "HCG" diet, so there was quite a few restrictions. Both of my parents are having tremendous results from this diet, but my Dad had to complain about the "boring" diet. My mom can eat the same thing for every meal and not get tired of it, and my dad will get tired of a dish if served more than once a week (haha) so this diet is pretty hard of him. My mom isn't much of a cook either (sorry, mom) so experimenting and spices and such just go out the window.

I, on the other hand, love to cook and getting more into the experimental phases. So I've decided to put together some recipes my parents could cook to change up the boring mundane meals into something to look forward to.

I looked up some "rules" for the diet to make sure I don't use the "big no nos" and such. HOWEVER, my portions are probably not right. I don't have a food scale, so I'm eyeing it. If you are on this diet, make sure you use the right amount for whichever phase you're in.

To start us out, and to get outside on the grill while its still pretty...

RAINBOW STEAK KABOBS

1 very lean steak, cut into cubes [P2-100 grams per person]
Colorful bell peppers--1 red, 1 orange, 1 yellow, cut into bite-sized chunks
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp lemon pepper
a few lemon slices [P2- only allowed 1 lemon a day]

~Toss steak cubes with salt and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling. Then toss with lemon pepper.
~Toss the bell pepper pieces with a few slices of lemons (or few drops of fresh lemon juice).
~Alternate between bell pepper and steak on skewers. Cook on a grill over medium heat for 8 minutes, turning often to let sides of bell pepper char evenly.
~Enjoy with a piece of Melba toast or Grissino breadstick.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For the others in your family (that are NOT on the diet), I suggest serving mashed potatoes on the side.

["P2" = Phase 2, "P3" = Phase 3]
All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. CookinformyCaptain.blogspot.com makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Please see Disclaimer Page for more.

Canning: Kosher & Bread-n-Butter Pickles

We made all these at once, while we were slicing and cutting up pickles, might as well! They just use 2 different recipes to pour in the jars.

KOSHER & BREAD-N-BUTTER PICKLES

For 2 quarts of pickles, you need about 14 small to medium sized pickling cucumbers. We ended up making 18 quarts of pickles...that will give you an idea of how many pickles my in-laws brought from their garden!

For the "seasoning," we used the "Ball" brand Kosher Dill Pickle Mix, and the Bread and Butter Pickle Mix.
Instructions are very simple, and we just followed the directions on the mix container.

First things first. Cut and slice the pickles!

We sliced the pickles in 2 different ways to differentiate the 2 flavors. You don't have to do that, but after the 11th jar, you might start getting cross-eyed. Or you could label them. Either way, its all about how you prefer to eat them!

Then stuff them REALLY tight into the jars. When you think you've filled them to the top, add at least one more. =) In other words, PACK them in. Its really just an aesthetic look for me. Once you had the seasoning liquid mix, the pickles will "shrink" up just a tad are create a space. I like keeping that space as small as possible.

Directions: (for every 2 quarts)
1. Combine 2 cups water, 1 cup vinegar, and 1/4 cup pickle mix in a medium sauce pan and bring to a boil.
2. Pour hot liquid over pickles in the jar, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Wipe threads clean and screw lids and tops on.
3. Process for 15 minutes.

For best flavor, let pickles stand from 4o to 6 weeks. We always break into them after standing 24 hours and they are awesome. If you have the patience, you can try waiting. But that's something we don't have.