Groovy Grilling and Volunteer Love

Hi everyone! This weekend was great, my family and I volunteered in Riverdale IL along with CSX to bring some light into the community. We painted murals, planted trees, put fences and picnic tables together and more. That was one of the best experiences ever and I plan to do tons more in the community. Hipstir Fresh will be having their first hands on cooking demo with young adults from 12-18 years old next week. Im so excited, its ridiculous and we will have it all on video to watch so be on the look out =]. I put together a quick slideshow of our fun time this weekend with CSX, hope you enjoy!

Last week, my mom and I made porkchops, grilled green bean packets, and delicious sweet corn with this amazing butter spread. This meal was super easy and very affordable. Im leaving the serving sizes up to you. Everyone's family is different so let these recipes work according to your family size.






Baby Brine Pork chops

Porkchops

For Brine
Water
1/4 cup Salt
1/4 cup brown sugar
black peppercorns/1 tbl.black pepper
sliced head of garlic, skins and all!

* Variation- You do NOT have to brine, simply use the grill seasoning and go about your grilling =]

Grill seasoning
1 tbl salt
1 tsp. black pepper
1 tbl brown sugar
2 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. paprika

In a bowl use enough water to cover chops.
Add the other brine ingredients and brine for 4 to 24 hours.
Remove Chops from brine, rinse with cold water, and pat dry with paper towels.
Sprinkle with grill seasoning( you don't have to use it all)
Over a medium heated grill(oiled too), grill chops 4-5 minutes per side
Let rest for 5 minutes, and enjoy!!




Grilled Bean Packets

Frozen Green Beans
1 onion, chopped
2 tsp. garlic, minced
olive oil
salt/pepper to taste

Using aluminum foil, lay one piece of foil vertical and the other horizontal to create spill proof packets.
Spray foil with non stick spray or a drizzle of oil will work too
Add frozen green beans, onion, garlic, drizzle with oil, and season with salt/pepper
Close packets and place on a hot grill
Grill for 15-20 minutes and enjoy!

*Variation- These packets can also be placed in the oven and maybe add a tsp of liquid smoke for that smokey goodness.


Grilled Corn w/smokey butter spread

5 ears of corn, shucked(love that word! lol)
2oz. Cream cheese, softened
4 tbl. butter, softened
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. salt

Boil ears of corn in a pot of water for 10 minutes
Place corn on a hot grill and grill for about 3-4 minutes per side
Mix together cream cheese, butter, and seasonings and serve with your grilled corn
Next, tell me how good that butter spread was =]



Keep it Hip and Fresh!

Kiwi