Oven Roasted Turkey Tenderloin with Cranberry-Thyme Sauce

November 2, 2016 by admin

Let me share with you a few things that I love. I love the holiday season and I really love this turkey tenderloin recipe. It’s wonderful for groups both large and small. What’s more, the same can be done for chicken and/or pork tenderloin or chop. It’s very versatile! It’s also great for Thanksgiving or any holiday gathering. Enjoy!

Oven Roasted Turkey Tenderloin with Cranberry-Thyme Sauce

2 Turkey tenderloins, room temp.

1 ½ t Salt

1 ½ t Pepper

1 t Sage

1 ½ t Granulated garlic

¼ c Olive oil

Tumble the above ingredients in a bowl.

Heat a skillet on high and sear four sides of each.

Do not cook through.

Place on parchment-lined sheet pan and place in oven preheated to 350 degrees.

Meanwhile, add 2-3 T olive oil to pan and sauté the following:

½ Red onion, julienne

½ c Dried cranberries

1/2 t Dry thyme or 2 t fresh thyme

Add and bring to boil the following:

2 c water

2 t turkey base

Thicken with slurry of:

2 T Red wine vinegar

2 T Cornstarch

Drizzle in while whisking so as not to lump.

Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Serve sauce with turkey.

Trick-Or-Treat: Non-Candy Alternatives to Halloween Candy

October 3, 2016 by admin

We all know Halloween pretty much means the same thing as “eat candy until you just can’t eat another handful of candy corn.” However, with various allergies and a push to encourage healthier snacking habits in our kids, you may want to find a non-candy alternative for Halloween Trick-or-Treaters.

Here are a few fun treats for the kids that might actually make them forget about the candy!

GoGo squeeZ Mummy Fruit Pouches

{From The Nerds Wife}

These adorable little mummies are quick to assemble and just plain adorable! Oh and healthy! Score!

Glow Sticks

{From Lady Bugs Teacher Files}

What child doesn’t literally light up at the mere mention of a glow stick! Comes complete with a free printable!

Boo-bbles

{From Parents.com}

That name though… Boo-bbles! No one will be missing the chocolate with these cute treats!

Fang-tastic Halloween Vampire Fangs

{From Creating Really Awesome Fun Things To Do}

A Halloween craft you can really “sink your teeth” into… (See what I did there!?) But really, who doesn’t remember getting a good set of fangs for Halloween.

Clementine Jack-O-Lanterns

{From Under Construction Blog}

Clementines are fun. Jack-O-Lanterns are fun. Put them together for double the fun! This would be a fun project for the kids to get involved with too, minus the Sharpie!

Do you have any other non-candy alternatives you will be passing out this year? Please share!!

Back-To-School :: Lunchbox Essentials

July 28, 2016 by admin

Yes, you read that right. Back-To-School. Even though it feels like we literally blinked and Summer is over, it’s time to start gearing up for the new school year!

With the start of any new school year, comes the much anticipated back to school shopping, finding the perfect shoes, sharpening pencils, and of course, packing lunch. Having the right arsenal of equipment can make lunchtime preparation a breeze!

Here is our list of Lunchbox Essentials:

The Lunch Box // YumBox Lunch

Bento-style dining is all the rage in the school cafeteria! These Bento lunch boxes are small enough to fit into any standard size lunch bag, but large enough to hold all the makings of a yummy and satisfying lunch!

The Water Bottle // Contigo

By far the most durable and reliable water bottle we’ve come across. These flip-spout water bottles from Contigo hold up to everyday use, keep beverages cold and are even easy to clean!

The Snack Bag // Itzy Ritzy

The school year comes around and plastic baggies start going out the window like hotcakes. Save your money and the environment with reusable snack bags, like these zippered and lined pouches from Itzy Ritzy!

The Ice Pack // Kids Konserve

No need to worry about keeping refrigerated items cold! These ice packs from Kids Konserve have a no sweat outer pouch that prevents other items from getting soggy and keep lunch boxes nice and cool!

The Utensils // Pottery Barn Kids

Another area of waste, along with plastic baggies, can be disposable utensils. Invest in a nice set of reusable silverware and save yourself some green, while helping keep our planet green. Now that’s a win-win!

The Insulated Cup // Skip*Hop

Enough about keeping food cold, what about keeping things hot? These adorable insulated cups from Skip*Hop are just what you need for those hot lunch items on the menu!

What are your lunchbox essentials? Have any tips or tricks to make school lunches easier and more efficient?

Grilled Side of Fresh Salmon with Mustard Dill Glaze

July 15, 2016 by admin

Do you like salmon? It’s incredibly versatile—it can be served as an appetizer, a dinner entrée, in pasta, or on a salad. I’d like to share with you an easy and tasty salmon recipe that’s not only unique, but makes a beautiful presentation for guests.

Grilled Side of Fresh Salmon with Mustard Dill Glaze

2 T Black mustard seeds

½ c Mayonnaise

½ c Whole-grain mustard

2 T Dill, fine chop

1 T Fresh lime juice

1 T Dark brown sugar

1 t Ground black pepper

1-2# Side of salmon, skin on (rub your hand over it to check for pin bones)

Olive oil

Salt

Pepper

Preheat a gas grill.

Toast mustard seeds in a dry pan over moderate heat until they begin to pop (about two minutes), and transfer to a plate. In a bowl, whisk the mayonnaise through pepper. Set aside half in a bowl for service.

Rub olive oil over entire salmon and generously season with salt and pepper. Pan-spray the grill grates. Place salmon, skin side up, on the grill. Turn after two minutes. Gently turn after another two minutes and smear with glaze.

Close the grill lid and cook over moderate heat for eight minutes. Move to the rack with more glaze and close the lid. Continue cooking another five minutes or until done.

Garnish a platter and place the salmon on the platter. Serve with additional glaze/sauce.

Wine & Dine

July 15, 2016 by admin

Grilled steak with butter, potatoes and green salad over black metal board

Grilled steak with butter, potatoes and green salad. Need we say more?

The scene is set for a romantic dinner: The characters are dressed the part, the table is properly set, the candles are flickering, jazz standards are swaying in the background, and glasses of beer have poured to the brim—Cut! How about a nice bottle of red? Would you like to see the wine list? There’s something about wine that makes it the fancied and fitting libation for something special.

Of course, there are times and places for beer—like a backyard barbecue, a baseball game or a beer garden—but beer is more of a casual kickback and a tailgate, whereas wine is more of a garden party or a midnight in Paris.

But wine doesn’t have to be stuffy or uptight. Ask any sommelier—wine can get down at any occasion. It’s all about the perfect pairing, a pour your palate prefers and a helpful, knowledgeable server to bring it all together.

Whether you’re looking to set the mood for a date or just really enjoy a good glass of wine, make a reservation at any of the following local establishments.

Louie’s Wine Dive Waukee

This heart-of-Waukee establishment is listed for a reason, not just because “wine” is in its name. Louie’s Wine Dive takes the acquired taste for the language of vino—tannin, maceration, decant—and makes it personable and accessible. After all, their motto is, “Wine is supposed to be fun!” The Waukee location is one of seven (including the Des Moines location), yet it’s not cookie-cutter chain material. A neighborhood feel is made possible through ambiance and events like an educational monthly wine club with a sommelier. Use the wine board with specialty and small batch selections as an ordering guide. (Of course, it doesn’t hurt to order accompanying small plates of squeaky cheese, mussels or a much-needed dessert like the indoor s’mores.) Even if you’ve been here before, it’s prime time to make another reservation; the menu never gets stale and rotates with the flavors of the season.

Best bet for cheers: Drink joyfully with large, 8-ounce glasses of wine for $6 and 25% off all wine bottles during All Night Happy Hour on Mondays, plus daily happy hours from 4-6 p.m. Hit up late-night happy hour on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-10 p.m. and Fridays from 10-11 p.m.

1378 Hickman Road, Waukee

louieswinedive.com

(515) 518-2075

Gusto Pizza

Located in West Des Moines, Gusto Pizza is quick to assert that its address is practically in Waukee (and conveniently close to Clive). It’s hard not to make Gusto a weekly habit. You can dress it up or down as much as you want, depending on the experience you’re looking for. Pizza and beer is a typical combo, but if you want something closer to a true Italian experience, try a signature pie (like the Vincent Van Goat, Thai Kwon Dough or Mona Lisa) with a glass or reasonably-priced bottle from the modest wine menu, which is divided simply between reds and whites.

Best bet: Tuesdays just got better with the half-off wine bottle deal from 5 p.m.-close

8950 University Avenue, Suite 105, West Des Moines

gustopizzaco.com/west-des-moines

(515) 216-2198

Trostel’s Dish

Of course we love a good cocktail, which Trostel’s bartenders sling up supremely, but when in drink derision, look to the wine list. Can’t decide between the section on “Little Bubbles” or “Unique Blends?” Wine flights are an excellent way to sample three different wines before committing to a glass (or bottle) while listening to live music on Saturdays from 7-10 p.m. Plus, the seasonally developed menu of shareable tapas or the impressive antipasto cheese plate selection is nothing short of necessary when dining al fresco on the patio.

Best bet for cheers: Wind down with wine during happy hour with a selection of $5 glasses of wine until 6 p.m. daily.

12851 University Avenue, Suite 400, Clive

dishtrostels.com

(515) 221-3474

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Firebirds is a classic sirloin, strip steak, seafood and giant-burger restaurant with a dining room that is modern, comfortable and surprisingly intimate. Price points on many menu items give this chain a “special occasion” feel, meaning a bottle of wine is a must. The menu is organized from light (champagne, prosecco, blushes and distinctive whites) to full-bodied (pinot noir, merlot and cabernet sauvignon), and includes a special selection section of limited bottles beginning at $80. If you just want a small glass of vino, Firebirds offers five-ounce pours for many of their wines.

Best bet for cheers: Half-price glasses of wine and a selection of bottles every Monday hits the spot. Happy hour is a welcome sight for sipping select glasses of wine for $5 during the summertime on the patio, or in the bar, Monday through Friday from 4-6:30 p.m. Be sure to pair with happy hour bar bites, like the Tenderloin Trio and Crispy Mahi Tacos.

440 South 68th Street, Suite 101, West Des Moines

west-des-moines.firebirdsrestaurants.com

(515) 259-8540

Grape Expectations

July 15, 2016 by admin

Any Iowa wine aficionado will assure you that you don’t have to book a trip to Napa or Sonoma to taste great wine straight from the vine.

Blair Zachariasen, Certified Wine Specialist at Waukee Hy-Vee, is one such wine expert. She’s a Certified Sommelier, a Certified Specialist of Wine and holds an Advanced Certificate in Wine & Spirits…and she encourages popping the corks of wine bottles made right around Waukee!

Iowa (Wine) Nice

Regional tastes and qualities of wine from around the U.S. are important and telling, just like regional identities of European wine. (Think world-famous growing areas like Champagne, Rhône Valley and Moravia.) This means Iowa’s wines are unique and different from what you would find in other growing regions.

“Iowa wines are often typecast in the sweet category, but there’s really a broad range of styles and flavors,” said Zachariasen. “I truly believe there’s an interesting Iowa wine for every wine drinker.”

For beginning wine drinkers, Zachariasen recommends starting with Iowa’s sweeter wines. (It’s like how many coffee drinkers start with a latte or a mocha before trending toward a daily black coffee.) “Most novices find that something sweet is more approachable while they learn and train their palate,” she said. “For those who dabble in drier wines, our cooler climate tends to create wines that feel a bit more rustic and have a bit more acidity. These make great food pairings and leave your mouth watering for more.”

Zachariasen also shared her picks for pairing with your summertime picnics and backyard barbecues. “The mouthwatering acidity of hybrid grapes, like Seyval Blanc, is crisp, thirst-quenching and lovely with lighter fare,” she said. “Juicy and ripely fruited, slightly off-dry red blends like Jasper Winery’s Behind the Shed Red and Covered Bridges Winery’s Rattlesnake Red are great with burgers, brats and dogs on the grill.”

Accessible, Affordable Sips

There’s a huge movement right now for buying fresh and local, which is easy to do in central Iowa, thanks to our multitude of producers, CSA programs and farmers’ markets. Take that concept to the next level and apply it to what you drink. Buying local wine means you know where the grapes came from and who produced them—all of which add extra value to the product. Plus, without the added shipping costs, local wine is easier on the pocketbook, too.

“Most local wine is very affordable! Most selections are between $10 and $15 per bottle,” said Zachariasen. “Premium selections are occasionally priced slightly higher, but even then, they’re rarely more than $30,” she said.

Helpful Smiles

Standing in the wine aisle can be a bit overwhelming, as you attempt to decipher all of the creative names and eye-catching labels. This is why it can be extra beneficial to build a relationship with the seller, whether you’re buying a bottle at a local winery, the neighborhood grocery store or a specialty wine shop.

“My best advice is to get to know your wine shop and the staff, and more importantly, let them get to know you,” Zachariasen advised. “Regardless of your level of knowledge, you are the expert when it comes to knowing what you like. Ultimately, I want you to love the wine and come back to try more, so you shouldn’t tell me what you think I want to hear. Don’t be afraid to be clear about your budget and ask questions if you don’t understand.”

A good way to get to know your local wine experts is to talk with them in the relaxed tasting rooms of a local winery or by signing up for a fun learning event at a wine shop or grocery store. Plus, you can always tune into Zachariasen’s podcast, aptly named “I Feel Vine.” Available on iTunes, the podcast is all about the “power of positive drinking” and features discussions on alternative wine bottle closures, when to decant and how to prepare for a great (wine inclusive) celebration.

Local Wineries Worth a Visit

This is the perfect time of year for a day trip or a romantic weekend to escape into the cool ambiance and tantalizing tastings of local wineries. You can mingle with the growers, learn about viticulture (the study, science and production of grapes) and taste homegrown wine, straight off the Iowan vine! The following wineries are definitely worth a visit.

Penoach Vineyard

Nestled north of Adel in the Raccoon River Valley, a repurposed red brick barn from 1917 is a working family-owned winery, founded in 2006. Its covered patio is a picturesque place to sample wines—for free!—that have been crafted from the eight grape varietals tenderly cultivated on the property. No matter your tastes—tropical, crisp or fruity—one of their 14 wines will fit your fancy. From the dessert-worthy rich, raspberry wine to the dry Windmill Red Penoach, you’ll begin to crave a date night with a bottle while the sounds from the vineyard’s summer concert series fill the evening. The barn and grounds are often rented out for weddings and events, and the high quality of wine is maintained by owners Stan and Joanie Olson.

26759 N Avenue, Adel

www.penoach.com

(515) 993-4374

Hours: Friday 12-6 p.m.; Saturday 12-5 p.m.; Sunday 1-5 p.m.

Snus Hill Vineyard and Winery

The grapes grown at Snus Hill are truly the fruits of one family’s labors. The winery thrives on the land first purchased in 1878 by the Swedish immigrant ancestors of the current owners, John and Diane Larson. What the Larsons first planted in 1999 has grown into a fully functional and flourishing vineyard. The vineyard’s name pays tribute to their history, as snus is a type of old Swedish chewing tobacco, while some of their wines’ names play around a feline theme, inspired by the family’s Burmese cats—Whisker White or Cat Nip, anyone? Enjoy some High Trestle Taille or Ditchweed Red while relaxing in a rocking chair overlooking the countryside. Also mark your calendar to attend one of their live music events.

2183 320th Street, Madrid

snushillwine.com

(515) 795-3535

Hours: Wednesday to Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Jasper Winery

Jasper Winery is perhaps one of the best-known wineries in the metro, thanks to its easy access from downtown Des Moines. In 2000, Jean and Paul Groben planted their first grape vines outside of Newton. Their passion project grew into a full-fledged vineyard that expanded to the larger Des Moines location in 2007. Mason Groben, Jasper’s winemaker, upholds a philosophy of “interfering as little as possible in the winemaking process.” Visit the tasting and barrel rooms and get a glimpse into the perfected production for yourself. You may want to plan your visit to coincide with their free summer concert series, which offers free live music every Thursday evening during the summer.

2400 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines

jasperwinery.com

(515) 282-9463

Hours: Monday to Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday 1 p.m.-5 p.m.

Covered Bridges Winery

From April to October, the Covered Bridges wine is poured plentifully and the joy is infectious when visiting the operation owned by longtime friends, Kevin and Jean Fifo and Kevin and Rose Boyle. The winery started out in the Fifos’ basement, where Kevin first began experimenting with winemaking. As time went on, land was acquired and the first grapes were planted in 2004. The winery is now growing even more, with the construction of a production facility and an official tasting room set for completion this year, located north of Winterset on Highway 169 and 1170th Trail. Covered Bridges offers a wide variety of red, white and rose wines. The owners are happy to suggest pairings like the Holliwell Bridge white paired with chicken or the Rattlesnake Red (winner of the best red wine award at the All Iowa Wine Festival in 2013) paired with chili or chops.

Refer to the winery’s website for directions—Don’t use GPS to find the location.

coveredbridgeswinery.com

(515) 729-9463

Hours: April to October, Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Madison County Winery

Make Madison County Winery the main event of your next day trip to the famous covered bridges. Their patio, complete with a fire pit, is the perfect locale for sweet summery sips like Summer Blonde, Lollipop, and Strawberry Blonde. Or perhaps rent out the wooden pergola to enjoy an evening of live music with your friends while sipping a dry white, like Vignoles or the fortified red blend, Phat Man. Even when it comes to small bites, Madison County Winery keeps it in the Iowan family. Choose from milk or dark chocolate from Pella’s VanVeen Chocolate or a cheese plate made from Maytag Farms, Frisian Farms or Milton Creamery.

3021 St. Charles Road, St. Charles

madisoncountywinery.com

(641) 396-2220

Hours: Tasting room and summer hours: Monday to Friday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday 11a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday 12 p.m.-5 p.m. You can also schedule a group wine tasting.

Two Saints Winery

Sunday afternoons never sounded so sweet: Live music from 2-5 p.m. through the end of September, complete with a bottle made from the 10 acres of grapes at Two Saints Winery. Relish the Iowa-grown grapes made into wines like the semi-dry The Greatful Red and the sweet white Deux Caniches Blancs in the inviting, geothermal heated/cooled tasting room or on the summer-friendly wraparound porch. Located in Warren County, the family-owned Two Saints Winery has thrived since the planting of vines in 2006. The rows of varietals provide picturesque acres to walk about before settling in for a five-wine flight.

15010 20th Avenue, St. Charles

twosaintswinery.com

(641) 396-2102

Hours: Tuesday to Friday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday 12 p.m.-5 p.m.

Summerset Winery

Summerset has won a number of awards and holds the title of being one of the first estate wineries in Iowa. But one of its biggest selling points is the staff that break down potentially complicated wine terminology and help you pick a pour from their 23 different wines (like the popular Caba Moch and Harvest White) without an ounce of arrogance. The smiling golden sun on the label of each well-crafted wine from this Indianola winery is a metaphor. Joyful, sunny and carefree…that’s how it feels to drink a glass on the lawn while the Sunday Tunes music fills the evenings through October. Be sure to make a (required) reservation for the formal tasting and cellar tour; the ticket price of $20 gets you a sampling of six sensational wines, a cheese plate and a branded wine glass. You can also book a night or weekend at The Inn—a luxurious home for rent that sleeps up to 18 people.

15101 Fairfax Street, Indianola

summersetwine.com

(515) 961-3545

Hours: Monday by appointment only; Tuesday through Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Formal tour/tastings Tuesday through Friday 1 p.m. & 4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 12 p.m.

Annelise Winery

A visit to Annelise Winery’s tasting room is a beautiful culmination of the labor and love that goes into crafting wines, like the sweet white Masquerade and the robust red Iowa St. Croix. There are 15 acres of vines, supporting 17 different types of grapes between two growing locations. The family-owned vineyard grew out of the first grapes planted in 1997, and the winery is conveniently located across from the Indianola balloon field. Plus, the recently remodeled barn on the property can host up to 120 people for weddings, parties and private events.

15110 Highway 92, Indianola

annelisewinery.com

(515) 229-1299

Hours: April 1 to January 3, Wednesday through Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Monday and Tuesday by appointment; January 4 to March 31, Thursday through Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Dale Valley Vineyard & Winery

Drinking unique wines—like the rhubarb Recess or the smooth, citrusy White Gold—at Dale Valley also offers the opportunity to experience a piece of interesting Iowan history. A great, great, great, great grandfather of owner Tracy Mahlstadt was a key commerce creator in the area through the construction of a mill and goods store. He also made the operation of a one-room schoolhouse possible for the small town back in the 1800s. That same schoolhouse is now home to the intimate, friendly tasting room and gift shop. Yes, this is your chance to drink at school! Be sure to visit and share a bottle on the deck before October 1, which will mark the last day (ever) for the winery, which opened in 2007.

3097 285th Street, Stuart

(515) 523-2199

Hours: Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday 12 a.m.-6 p.m.

dalevalleyvineyard.com

Top 10 Outdoor Dining Spots in West Des Moines / Waukee

July 12, 2016 by admin

With warmer temperatures, there is nothing quite like dining al fresco. Believe it or not, West Des Moines / Waukee has a wide variety of outdoor dining experiences for you to choose from.

Here is our list of Top 10 restaurants featuring patios, rooftops and picnic tables!

Barn Town Brewing

9500 University Ave.
West Des Moines, IA 50265
515-978-6767
Website | Facebook

Barn Town Brewing is a brewpub serving up from-scratch comfort food and craft beer.

Global Brew Tap House

9500 University Ave., Suite 1118
West Des Moines, IA 50265
515-264-2903
Website | Facebook

Global Brew Tap House is home to a community of craft beer lovers, 50 beers on tap and approximately 200 bottled beers from around the world.

Gilroy’s Kitchen + Pub + Patio

1238 8th Street
West Des Moines, IA 50265
515-809-1727
Website | Facebook

Gilroys’s Kitchen + Pub + Patio is known for it’s take on “Stylish American Comfort Food” that can’t be found anywhere else. Coupled with it’s experienced bar staff and one of a kind patio.

Gusto Pizza Co.

8950 University Ave. Suite 105
West Des Moines, IA 50266
515-216-2198
Website | Facebook

Gusto Pizza Co. offer unique hand-crafted pizzas and sandwiches, for a reasonable price.

Granite City Food & Brewery

12801 University Ave.
Clive, Iowa 50325
515-224-1300
Website | Facebook

Granite City Food & Brewery is a national restaurant chain, featuring a full made-from-scratch menu sure to please any tastes. However, the on-site brewery with handcrafted brews is what sets it apart from most national chains.

Wellman’s Pub and Rooftop

597 Market Street
West Des Moines, Iowa
515-222-1100
Website | Facebook

Technically not a patio, but a rooftop! Wellman’s Pub and Rooftop is one of “the” spots to watch the game and grab anything from brunch to after dinner drinks.

Saints Pub & Patio

87 NE Carefree Ln
Waukee, IA 50263
515-216-1654
Website | Facebook

Saints Pub & Patio is a great place to grab a burger and watch the big game, with domestic pints and a large selection of traditional bar food.

Wasabi

9500 University Ave #2101
West Des Moines, IA 50266
515-987-6103
Facebook

Wasabi has been a long time coming and worth the wait, bringing Asian fusion with stylish presentation to West Des Moines. Their outdoor dining space is a perfect place to enjoy that California Roll you’ve been craving lately.

Taco Hangover

265 50th Street
West Des Moines, IA 50265
515-440-4703

Website | Facebook

Taco Hangover offers authentic street food along with killer American favorites in an urban party bar atmosphere.

Mickey’s Irish Pub

50 SE Laurel St
Waukee, IA 50263
515-987-9604
Website | Facebook

Energetic Irish-themed bar offering pub grub, drink specials, pool & more in a casual atmosphere.

Your turn. You tell us, what’s your favorite outdoor dining spot in West Des Moines / Waukee?

Ultimate Summer Grilling Guide

May 31, 2016 by admin

Hooray!! It’s grilling season! Firing up the grill is loved by many for a variety of reasons, primarily because nothing says Summer quite like a juicy burger or steak with those beautiful grill marks! Up your grilling game this year, with an arsenal of new gadgets and a few new recipes to test out!

Grilling Gadgets >>

Quesadilla Grill Basket from Williams-Sonoma

Who doesn’t love a grilled quesadilla, however it would be virtually impossible to do that mess free. Here enters this grill basket to save the day!

Monogrammed Steak Brand from Williams-Sonoma

For most men (or women) grilling meat in an art form. One that they may want to brand their own. This monogrammed BBQ brand would make the perfect Father’s Day gift!

Stuff A Burger Press from Amazon

Stuffed burgers are all the rage in the burger world and if you’ve ever tried to manually stuff a burger, it’s truly not as easy as The Food Network makes it look. This little burger press is sure to keep tears out of your burger.

Ceramic Shrimp and Scallop Pan from Sur La Table

There are SO many mouth-watering recipes out there that feature shrimp and scallops, however handling either on the grill is no easy feat. Luckily, Sur la Table has just the solution with a pan perfect for grilling delicate seafood!

Vegetable Clip from WalMart

As a former vegetarian, I mostly appreciate the grilled veggies, so I’m always looking for easy ways to grill some of my favorites! Since asparagus is one of my favorites, this would be perfect!

Grilling Recipes >>

Grilled Cinnamon Peaches with Pecans and Ice Cream from Tasty

Dessert is often forgotten when it comes to grilling, until now! These simple and delicious peaches are sure to put any brownie to shame!

Grilled Salmon Skewers with Garlic and Dijon from Natasha’s Kitchen

Don’t be afraid to add some seafood to your kabobs this year! Salmon is a great hardy fish that holds up to the head of grilling.

Southwest Chicken Foil Packs form Everyday Dishes

Foil packs are AH-MAZING! Easy assembly, easy cooking and easy clean-up. Now that’s winning!

Grilled Baked Potatoes from AllRecipes

Nothing pairs better to a nice steak or burger than a potato. Kick up any baked potato a notch with this recipe.

Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Turkey Burger from Baker By Nature

Couldn’t be a list of grilling recipes without a stuffed burger! Try out these stuffed turkey burgers at your next BBQ!

Do you have any grilling gadgets you can’t live without? What’s your favorite grilling recipe that’s sure to be a crowd pleaser? Let us know in the comments below!

Featured Recipe: Zesty Pesto Flank Steak

May 6, 2016 by admin

I just love the month of May. It has so many wonderful holidays—Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, and a personal favorite, Cinco de Mayo, which inspired me to share this particular recipe. This zesty rub and spicy pesto topping will add pizzazz to your next grilled steak. Enjoy!

Zesty Rub:

1-1/2 tsp. Chili powder

1-1/2 tsp. Instant espresso coffee

1/2 tsp. Brown sugar

1/4 tsp. Dry mustard

1/4 tsp. Cumin

1/4 tsp. Salt

1/4 tsp. Pepper

1-1/2 lbs. Beef flank steak

In a small bowl, combine the above ingredients and coat the steak well on both sides. Heat a large skillet or grill with olive oil just to cover over medium-high heat. Sear the steak on either side only, and move it to an oven heated to 350 degrees until it reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees. Let it rest, and its temperature will rise to a perfect 150 degrees.

Poblano Pesto Topping:

2 Medium poblano chile peppers

1/2 c. Fresh cilantro

1/4 c. Crumbled Cotija cheese (1 ounce)

2 tbsp. Pine nuts, best toasted

2 Cloves garlic

1/4 tsp. Crushed red pepper

1/3 c. olive oil

Salt

Pepper

Cut peppers in half lengthwise; remove stems, seeds and membranes. Coarsely chop peppers and place in a food processor with cilantro, cheese, pine nuts, garlic and crushed red pepper. Cover and process until mixture is finely chopped. Season to taste with salt and pepper. With processor running, add oil in a steady stream through feed tube to form a coarse paste.

Serve pesto as a condiment with steak.

Places of Waukee: 7 Stone Pizzeria

May 6, 2016 by admin

Where does the name “7 Stone” come from?

I wanted a name that had personal meaning and reminded me of the journey it took to get here. I started in the pizza business on a whim, at a small local franchise in Cedar Rapids/Marion, Iowa on “7th” Avenue, so that’s where the “7” came from. The “stone” came from realizing that I really enjoyed making a good pizza and having a great time with great staff and customers while doing so.

7 Stone Pizzeria is family-owned and –operated. Tell our readers how a family’s passion for pizza became a full-time job.

The idea for 7 Stone came after being part of a franchise for 10 years. Two years ago, things fell into place that allowed me to branch out on my own. Anyone who has ventured out on their own can probably relate that it truly is a family affair. I have two employees whom I call my “kids.” They’ve become family and have made 7 Stone possible. Brett has been my lifesaver for eight years and Jacob (JB) for four years. Their ideas and incredibly long work hours allowed us to recently celebrate our one-year anniversary. There aren’t enough thank-you’s that could be said.

How did you choose the Waukee/West Des Moines area for your business?

It was a fairly easy decision. I really like the area, and we wanted to be a “family and friends pizza night” place where people can relax or grab a drink while they wait for take-out. We’ve met some really great people and families.

We heard you have a unique way of crafting your pizzas that readers won’t find just anywhere. Can you tell us about that?

We do our own take on a thicker crust, which we call the 7 Stone. It’s a cross between a thin crust and a Chicago style. We also do a wood-fired thin crust, which was a new thing for us at 7 Stone. It took a few months to get the kinks worked out, but we finally got the hang of it. Our sauces are homemade and they come on top of the pizza, though we have started offering it on the bottom, as more of a traditional New York pizza.

Knowing you probably have a fan club, do they have a favorite pizza?

We offer several specialty pizzas, of which our taco, vodka pie, buffalo chicken and House 7—our version of a supreme—are most popular.

7 Stone Pizzeria

Find them: 9350 University Ave. #18, West Des Moines

Hours: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday

Info: 515-987-7768 or facebook.com/7stonepizzeria

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