posts may contain Amazon affiliate links, which earn me a small commission when you buy (but doesn't cost you anything extra). Occasionally I receive free products and/or run sponsored posts—this will always be stated clearly in the post. Thank you for supporting this blog.

This website contains some quotations, excerpts, and screen clips from copyrighted material. These uses fall well within the copyright doctrine of "Fair Use".
Sunday, May 24, 2009

Grilling Up Fun...and Salad.

Even though I haven't had any actual "grilling" posts, we've grilled out quite a few times already this month. For some reason, it's one of things that I end up outside and busy and forget to take pictures...I start talking or basking in the sun or chasing around kiddos or running from the sprinkler, so I haven't really had anything to show you. Well yesterday, I strapped on my camera as I headed out the door with a couple of trays of food that were destined for the grill. Although it almost feels incomplete because I don't have any "before/naked food" photos. I have been craving corn on the cob. It has ALWAYS been one of my absolute favorite things to eat. For the last couple of years, I've been waiting until it's actually in season to eat any. I gave up that this year...because I wanted it, craved it, NEEDED it!! I found some gorgeous, bi-color sweet corn...(Florida in origin...I almost feel guilty)...really I think I'll just blame on my youngest, sweet-faced, angel-eyed son. I mean, he would not let me pass by the corn stand in the market. Seriously would not let me!! He was determined to walk around carrying a few ears of corn right up to that register if I wasn't going to. So, I gave in (to both of our weakness). There is seriously not much better than corn on the cob fresh from the grill. On the menu: *Arrachera (Mexican-style, thin-cut, tenderized skirt steak) -I marinate this in lime juice, minced garlic & salt...I'll do a whole post on just this someday

*Honey Chipotle Chicken Tenders

-Marinade: honey, chipotle chiles in adobo, minced garlic, lime juice, salt, pepper

*Corn on the Cob

-peel off only the outermost layers of the husk. I used to think you HAD to soak the corn like this before you set it on the grill. Mexichef gave me all kinds of guff about this saying they NEVER soaked it "in Mexico"...blah, blah, la, la...okay, whatever you say...well, tail between my legs. He was so right. Enlist the kiddos if there are any around to do this easy-peeling task right outside by the grill. Mine WANT to do it...ASK to do it, so why not! On a separate note, I decided to start an "off topic" blog to post miscellaneous stuff like this that some people may not be interested in seeing...less foodie related (even though I always seem to end up back in the kitchen). Check it out if you're interested.

*Poblanos

-just washed.

*Tortillas

Now, just give everything it's own time on the grill. Do the corn and poblanos first, then set them on the warming rack keep warm while cooking your meat. Throw on the tortillas toward the end.

Don't freak out...that corn is PERFECT! The husks are black, but the insides are smokey, sweet and perfectly tender. So, raise a toast to the gorgeous weather, time with family and friends and enjoy your grilled goodies! Salud! Yes, once I've pulled down the husk (the silks come right with it), I slather it in crema, squeeze a lime wedge all over it and sprinkle it with chile powder of some sort. I usually roll it in queso en polvo (basically powdered Mexican cheese), but I forgot to pick some up this time. Still killer.

From the leftover bounty, I decided to throw together 2 different kinds of South West Salads for lunch the next day (today).

Grilled Southwest Salad- 2 ways

by girlichef

2 corn tortillas

1 head Romaine

1/4 seedless cucumber

1 small tomato, cut into 1/4's lengthwise, then sliced thin into wedges

1-2 ears of corn on the cob, cooked on the grill

1/2-1 Poblano chile, roasted on the grill- peel, seed, chop

1 c. cooked black beans

avocado

grilled steak OR grilled chicken

lime for squeezing

shredded or crumbled cheese

for Lime Vinaigrette:

Juice of 2 limes

Olive oil

salt & pepper

First, cut tortillas in half. Stack on top of each other and cut into thin strips. Fry in shallow oil until crisp. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate to soak up grease and cool. Set aside.

Wash & dry Romaine. Chop it up and put in a large bowl. Slice the cucumber into thin slices and add to bowl.

Add the tomato. Slice the corn from the cobs and add to bowl.

Add the poblano. Add the black beans. Toss everything together.

Whisk together ingredients for the vinaigrette (ratio of 3 to 1, lime juice to oil). Pour over salad and toss well.

Place salad into serving bowls. Top with your choice of grilled Steak, cut into strips or grilled Chicken. Squeeze another lime wedge over the whole thing. Add some avocado, tortilla strips and cheese as garnish. Serve & enjoy!

This was a perfect salad for this hot & steamy weekend...I'm sending it over to Deb at Kahakai Kitchen for this week's edition of SOUPER SUNDAY...be sure to check out this week's other entries!

Don't forget to enter my giveaway...last day to enter is this coming Wednesday, the 27th of May!

Would you like to comment?

  1. Too funny about the corn and your son. I used to blame my kiddo's as well, but it was always me, lol.......I love the bi-color corn and on the grill, my my to die for!!
    That salad looks fantastic girl :)
    Hope your Memorial Day is filled with love, joy and laughter and....

    Steady On
    Reggie Girl

    ReplyDelete
  2. Now that's some summer grillin' fun. You've got me craving for corn now. And I saw some the other day at the Farmer's Market. Why didn't I get some? I dunno.

    ReplyDelete
  3. As usual, everything looks totally amazing, esp. the corn! Like you, I've been buying it in season only, which up here kinda means I have to wait until August...I wish I could grow my own, but I simply don't have the space.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Girlichef, grilled corn rules!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love corn--it was in my soup this week. Do I have to pick chicken or beef on my salad or can I have a bit of each?!

    Thanks for sending it along to Souper Sundays. I just got the round up posted.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I had me some corn on the cob at hubby's family, and the evidence was in the smile!

    I love this post, action grill shots, and the clinking of the Corona, love it!

    Did my invite get lost in the mail? :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. I tried to post earlier but I must have hit a wrong button.

    I wanted to say that this looks like an incredible meal. I bet it smelled amazing while it was cooking!

    ReplyDelete
  8. WOW! What a fantastic grill-load of food!!! We love grilled corn (although we take it out of the husk). What great photos!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. we have grilled quite a few times already but the majority of the times we forgot to make any side..lol..you know us so anyway im gonna try to start takin pics of my food just for you to see :o) also I look forward to reading ur blog everyday--luvya

    ReplyDelete
  10. everyone has a grill except for me! it's too late to invest in one now though, since I'm going off to college...never mind...I'll invite myself to your house! lol!
    btw, I've got an award for you at my blog :D

    ReplyDelete
  11. We just bought a new grill today I hope mine will look as full and delicious as yours does..

    ReplyDelete
  12. We've been grilling a lot too! I love keeping the mess outside of my kitchen every once in a while. I'm right with you on the sweet corn. Love it! I found some good sweet corn on sale last week and served it with dinner 3 times. Hey, the kids love it. The third time my husband looked and me and said, "Really. Corn again?" So I knew it was time to find a different vegetable.

    Your food all looks so good!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Oh, all these gorgeous grilling foods. I especially liked the corn, and oh dear, was that a refreshing Corona in the background honey?

    ReplyDelete
  14. There's not a thing on your grill that I do not like. Everything looks gorgeous.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Okay, IE officially doesn't like you, but I showed it - I'm now working in Firefox (Can you tell I'm slightly frustrated with Explorer's Blogspot issues right now!)
    Love the grilled corn on the cob - I was talking to my husband about grilling some yesterday, but there's none remotely fresh around here right now - I'll have to try out your marinade too :o)

    ReplyDelete
  16. Everything looks fantastic! And I especially love your spicy honey marinade for the tenders. You make grilling look so fun with that nice cold Corona to cool you off.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Awesome grilled dishes! Love your marinades - so flavorful! I was just in a store earlier and saw some gorgeous corn but I was too distracted by another find and forgot to buy half of the things I wanted :) I am preparing my post with chipotle chiles for your roundup and hopefully will have it by tomorrow night.

    ReplyDelete
  18. everything looks sooo good. We just ate a bunch of mexican food today. I love the pureness and freshness of all the flavors!

    ReplyDelete
  19. looks like a good time was had by all great food laughter and beer great post

    rebecca

    ReplyDelete
  20. Oh I am soooo eating at your house!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Oh my goodness, this is making me so hungry! Don't you love grilling season!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I love grilled corn! and with some butter...yum yum! Everything looks so yummY!

    ReplyDelete
  23. What a feast! I love corn too and am very interested to know you don't have to soak it. I've always done that but am thrilled to know I can cut out one more tiresome step between me and those sweet little kernels. Thanks for visiting my blog!

    ReplyDelete
  24. i keep changing background as i am not sure which on I like the best!! what do you like!!

    ReplyDelete
  25. That is it Dar!!

    I am on my way to your house this very minute! Anyway, how did you know Corona was my favorite beer? Your menu looks like something out of a book that you should be writing!! YUMMY!!!!! Have a great Monday.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Ohmigosh, everything looks fantastic! Everything!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Oh thought i would throw this in Lee doesnt like crema whats wrong with him--hes sooo picky its annoying sometimes...i agree you should be writing a book, all this blogging and you write so well...?

    ReplyDelete
  28. Girlichef, WOW! Excellent feast. You are giving my hubby a run for his money. He's always considered himself King of the BBQ here at home. Wait til I show him your feast. Great job. I love Corona bty.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Yum, yum, yum! I can see what blog I'll be spenind a lot of time on this summer! Did I mention, YUM!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Everything looks amazing! I love grilling when the weather is nice. In fact, we're grilling tonight :)

    ReplyDelete
  31. I'm on my way over for dinner. I'll pick up the beer on the way.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Corn is a favorite in our house too. The kids devour it! Looks like you all were living right this week. All that good and yummy food and leftovers. I love having leftovers : )

    ReplyDelete