[Please Welcome Our Guest] Mel from Mel's Kitchen Cafe

We are so excited to introduce you all to Mel, from Mel's Kitchen Cafe.

 (well actually a couple of you... introduced her to us first when we asked awhile back what food blogs you enjoy... so thank you :) ) 

We were so happy when Mel agreed to come over and share some recipes that she likes to use during these hot summer months. Her blog is full of do-able recipes that use ingredients that are easy to find or that you already have in your pantry. Just the kind of recipes we like! After you check out what she's sharing here today... head over to her blog and check things out there. You're going to love it!!

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I’m hoping and praying it isn’t just me, but man, I tell you what, there is something about the hot summer weather that absolutely saps my motivation to cook. And this is coming from someone who loves to cook (well, cook…but mostly, eat!).  I’ve quickly learned that in order to continue to feed all of our little faces, I have to rely on no-fuss, no-heating-up-the-house recipes. I’d love to share two of those with you today. Even if you have all the motivation in the world to cook through the hot summer months, these recipes are still sure to please (and save you a little time in the kitchen, too!).

First up is a delicious and simple creamy herb dip. I know, I know. You are probably thinking “why can’t I open up one of those packets from the store, stir in some sour cream and call it good?”  Well, you sure can do that but I promise you that this dip will knock the socks off the prepackaged stuff. The magic is the combination of sour cream, mayo and cream cheese – all of which is mixed with fresh herbs and takes literally 5 seconds to prepare. Ok, maybe slightly longer, but not much. This fresh, creamy dip is addictive. Purely addictive. And since it is served with fresh veggies, I don’t feel too guilty inhaling more than my fair share.

 

Green Herb Dip

(adapted from Ina Garten)

8 ounces cream cheese, softened, light or regular

½ cup sour cream, light or regular

½ cup mayonnaise, light or regular

4-5 green onions (scallions), white and green parts chopped

¼ cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

1 teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

Place all ingredients in the food processor. Pulse 10 to 12 times, until just blended. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Serve with fresh vegetables like celery, carrots, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes and whatever else your heart desires!

Second up, a simple marinade that packs more flavor than perhaps any marinade I’ve used to date. And trust me, I love me a good marinade. Don’t be alarmed by the amount of garlic. It adds fantastic flavor and doesn’t overwhelm the pork, I promise. Now, on the issue of whether you want to go around breathing in other people’s faces after eating your meal – well, I’ll leave that up to you. Not only is this recipe quick to throw together, the grilling portion of the recipe eliminates the need to heat up your house by turning on the stove/oven. And what’s better on a hot summer night than to grill up dinner and enjoy it in the evening cool-down. Enjoy! And if you happen to be one of those lovely over-achievers who have excess energy to cook all summer, well then, do find a way to channel that and send some my way. Pretty please.

Ten Clove Garlic Marinade

(adapted from allrecipes.com)

2/3 cup vegetable oil

1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce

¼ cup soy sauce

¼ cup steak sauce

¼ cup water

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon pepper

10 medium-size cloves garlic, peeled and finely minced

3-4 pounds thick-cut boneless pork chops

In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the marinade. Place the pork in a Ziploc bag and pour the marinade over the pork. Seal the bag and refrigerate 12-24 hours. Grill the pork over medium to medium-high heat, about 7 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove from grill, tent with foil and let sit for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.