Summer Highlights

Summer used to be my favorite time of year. Over the past few years I've gained more of an appreciation for all seasons (except maybe winter from January through March), but summer still holds a special place in my heart. I'm going to assist one of my fabulous friends in throwing a summer solstice party, as suggested in this month's Real Simple mag. If I wasn't lazy, I'd look for a link for you, but if you're interested I'm sure you can find it easily. Heck, most of you probably subscribe, and if you don't, you should. It's one of the only magazines I've chosen to keep as I've pared down recently. But back to summer. There are many things to love. My upcoming birthday (although technically still spring, summer starts less than a week later, so I always consider it a summer birthday), my anniversary, Pat's birthday. A desire to be outside and do the nostalgic and simple things that build memories- picnics, hikes, star gazing, outdoor movies, gardening. And then there's the food. Oh, summer food, how I love thee. Corn on the cob, watermelon, homemade ice cream, BLT's with fresh tomatoes, and everything on the grill. I know I recently shared a recipe, but I was in the mood for another. Beef kebabs have always been one of my favorite meals. It was always what I requested for my birthday dinner growing up. Here's the marinade I grew up on and serve my fam. Enjoy!

Beef Kebab Marinade

¼ cup vegetable oil
¼ cup soy sauce
2 T ketchup
½ tsp garlic powder
1 T white vinegar
¼ tsp pepper

Marinate at least 2 hours, although I usually put the steak (cut into cubes) in the marinade in the morning. Over-marinating will make meat a little chewy, so you'll have to find the perfect timing for you. On the meat skewers, I alternate onion in between the meat. Then I do separate skewers of vegetables- peppers, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, pineapple, whatever you enjoy. Delish!