Simple Yet Gourmet

I was in a hurry this week and needed a quick and easy meal. This chicken was juicy and full of flavor, as well as simple to make. I marinated it for about 4 hours but it would have been even better had I planned ahead and done it or the entire day. Give it a try, it makes a great summer meal! (I'll post the salad recipe I made with it later in the week, that was a keeper too.)

I haven't posted a dessert for a while and that is my favorite thing to make! I have a wonderful apple dumpling recipe that I promise to post soon as well. I usually make homemade rolls for orange rolls, but this recipe from Sandi Garrett, is a super quick and yummy way to have them as well. We made these for Father's Day breakfast with scrambled eggs and Mike loved them. I use only 2 1/2 cans and liked it better because the sauce had room to melt into the cracks of the rolls. These are great for dessert as well as breakfast!

I will never buy hamburger buns again! I LOVE this recipe. I use to make homemade buns for my sloppy joes from my roll recipe, but they were always to soft. This recipe is amazing, the buns are moist yet firm! Another plus is they are super easy and fast to make. I promise, once you try them, you won't go back!! Yummy!!

Marinating is the way to go if you want a juicy, flavorful steak. This marinade, given to me by my sister-in-law Chelsea, is simple and delicious. I prefer to use filet mignon for my steaks, but it would go well with any type. Simply marinate the steaks, grill on both sides until cooked to your desired doneness, and there you have it...restaurant quality steaks at a fraction of the price.

This pasta dish is really easy and very tasty. During the warm summer months I try to stay away from the oven and grill more often. For this dish I grilled the chicken and diced it into small bite size pieces. You can shred it like the recipe calls for, but I really like the flavor of the chicken grilled, mixed with the balsamic vinegar. This has become one of my favorite pasta dishes due to the unique flavor and ease of preparation. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed!

I love fruit by itself, but this is a very easy, yet yummy dip to add to your fruit platter. You may add any flavor of yogurt to the coolwhip that would taste best with the fruit you have. My favorite yogurt to use is the strawberry kiwi, tasty with cut bananas. Simple, pretty and yummy!

This has to be the best breakfast recipe find this year. This gem comes from one of my favorite blogs.  When I first saw "coconut syrup" I was a little skeptical, but was I wrong. Last week I mixed it up by using Mexican vanilla instead of cocnut extract, but hands down the coconut syrup is the best! The flour you add to the french toast recipe really does the trick. I like to use Texas Toast for my french toast, but the Sisters like to use italian bread, so do what makes you happy. Give this recipe a try, I promise you won't be disappointed!!

Nothing says Summer like a delicious cobbler made with your choice of fresh fruit and a yummy crunchy topping. I was given this recipe from my Mom-In-Law a few years ago and I have yet to find another cobbler recipe I like better. This recipe calls for blackberries, hence the name, but is delicious with a variety of fruits. For this recipe I used blackberries and fresh peaches. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and enjoy!

With all the fresh fruit around during the summer I am always looking for yummy ways to eat it! This is one of our favorite fruit desserts. Use whatever fruit you have on hand or the favorite fruits of your family. Enjoy this cool summer treat!