Summer is perfect to try something new

With the long, warm days of Summer upon us, it's time to get outside. We are fortunate to have the ocean at our doorstep, but how often do you get to the coast and enjoy it?

Not into sitting on the sand?

How about playing volley ball at South Mission, drive to the jetty at the South end of Mission Blvd. There are nets up all the time and you can bring a group or jump into a game most of the time. If you've never played, it's a great way to get a cardio workout while having fun.

If you don't want to get sandy, how about paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing, boogie boarding or surfing? Don't know how? Go to OMBAC (Old Mission Beach Aquatic Center) on the bay. You can rent and take lessons for most types of water sports! Go with your kids and take lessons together!

Try something new and let us know how it goes!

My Recipe for Grilled Pepper & Corn Relish

Hi! I made a corn relish for a party yesterday and it was delish, fresh, light and just a bit spicy! I thought I'd share the recipe: The corn relish was easy, just a bit time consuming. 4-5 ears of corn, roasted on the BBQ in the husk (so it doesn't burn) soak the corn in water for about 20 minutes before cooking. This will help the leaves not burn and ensure the corn steams inside the husk. Roast about 20-25 min, turning every 5-7 min. 1 Pasilla chile, 1 bell pepper and 4-5 jalapeños (I cut the peppers in half and removed the seeds before roasting. Blister the skin and turn over until starting to soften on the flesh side). 3-4 small- med size tomatoes, I used romas. Cut in half and grill same as peppers, don't blister, just grill until skin starts to brown otherwise they'll get too mushy. 3 green onion stocks (grilling green onions are better with a larger bulb, I used the small ones since the large ones looked bad.) grill on the top shelf of the BBQ until they just start to brown and wilt. 1 bunch of cilantro washed and finely chopped. Let the veggies cool, peel the blistered skin off the peppers carefully.  Gently remove the seeds from the tomatoes. Remove the husks and silk from the corn. Finely dice the hot spicy peppers and dice all the rest of the veggies. Carefully toss together with the juice of one lemon, salt and pepper (to taste). You can also add garlic (fresh or powder), white wine or rice vinegar (for a little smack), and diced avocado (add the avocado right before serving). I didn't add any of these this time, nut really like it with a little vinegar and avocado, I didn't want it to be overpowering. This is also great on a bed of greens or tossed with cooked chilled pasta!      

Had a Glitch, but I Am Back On!

Hi there!

Sorry I haven't had any new posts, I was dealing with a glitch on my blog and finally figured it out.

Anyway, hope you are working out, eating well (healthy) and feeling great!  Just a quick suggestion while I am thinking about it.  If you have a hard time coming up with new menus, or ways to cook that sad chicken breast, try "All Recipes Dinner Spinner!"

The website, Allrecipes.com has great recipes from simple to complex and healthy to decadent.  But now they have a new App for Android or the iPhone that helps you plan your meal anywhere, anytime!  All you do is input your main ingredient, or pick from several options and the Dinner Spinner will come up with a menu for you!  Depending on what version you get, you can also create a shopping list from your new menu!

I use Allrecipes.com all the time, but now I am having fun with the Dinner Spinner.  I actually will use it while I'm in the grocery store, especially when I see a vegetable or meat I would like to try, but have no idea how to prepare!  I have learned how to prepare brussel sprouts, swiss chard and celery root and love them now!  I never would have attempted cooking them before.

Try it out, you'll love the change and find new foods you like!  Bon a petit!