Grilled Caribbean Chicken with Pineapple

"Summa, summa, summa time..." 

 

 If there is one thing I love to do during summer (and all year actually), it is cooking out on the grill!  And summer time calls for us to change up our normal routine of what we make and adopt some lighter, more flavorful meals. 

 

So what better time to switch out the ol' rice and take a stab at making Quinoa? (a lighter, healthier SUPERgrain!)  If you are tired of making rice as a side dish, I highly recommend changing it up and trying Quinoa.  I'm sure you have heard about it, as it has become very popular recently, but if you want to learn more about it and how good it is for you, click the link below!

 

The Benefits of Quinoa

 

Again, I aim to create and share recipes that are super simple, yet delicious...and I love when I find a food product that tastes great and makes my life easier at the same time!  This was the first time I made Quinoa, so I decided to go with a pre-packaged, pre-flavored Quinoa, and it was ridiculously good.  I hope to venture more into Quinoa this summer and will include those recipes in later posts.

 

 I know it's hard to think of different food combinations to serve for your family, dinner parties, etc. so I wanted to share this one, because it was a lot different from anything I've cooked before- same idea, but new flavors and the combination of flavors was perfect for a summer night meal.  The marinade is amazing, with a true Caribbean taste when combined with the pineapple... it's a must try and a definite keeper!

 

Grilled Caribbean Chicken and Pineapple with Grilled Corn on the Cob

 

 

Chicken breasts

KC Masterpiece Marinade- Caribbean Jerk

Lawry's Seasoned Salt

Black pepper

Can of Dole Pineapple Slices

Corn on the cob

Roland Quinoa- Black Bean (Walmart)

 

 

 

 

Wrap each corn cob in foil and put corn and chicken on grill. 

Season chicken breasts with Lawry's seasoned salt and black pepper while on grill.  

Flip chicken and season other side. 

Continuously turn corn as well. 

 

In the meantime, prepare Quinoa as directed on package.

 

 

 

 

When chicken is fully cooked, brush with KC Masterpiece Marinade.

Flip chicken and brush other side with marinade too. 

Add pineapple slices to the grill and lightly grill the pineapple slices on both sides. 

Top each piece of chicken with a piece of pineapple and sprinkle each with black pepper. 

 

 

Grill corn for about 30 to 40 mins. total-  peel back foil to check if it is done. 

 

 

 

Also try serving with sliced avocado: drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt!

 

 

 

 

 

<3summatimefood LML

 

 

 

Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese

Well, I am a bit obsessed with cherry tomatoes and basil to say the least... both of which I am currently growing in my garden box outside, which I assume won't last too much longer due to the Texas heat!

Anyways, as of now I have an abundance of basil and I am constantly looking for new ideas to make the tomato basil concept work.

One night I was sitting around craving some tomato basil and I had some left over French bread.  I decided to try a tomato basil grilled cheese, which I have seen before on Pinterest.  I am a grilled cheese lover, so I was excited to try this twist on regular grilled cheese.  

This recipe is quick and super simple if you are looking for something healthy to eat and for an alternative to your normal, every day grilled cheese!

Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese

Cherry tomatoes

Fresh chopped basil

Basil Pesto (I used Classico)

Mozzarella Pearls

French Bread

Butter

Chop cherry tomatoes and basil and put in pan with a few spoonfuls of the basil pesto.  Cook over medium heat and stir often until basil pesto becomes more of a liquid.

Add mozzarella pearls to the mixture and continue to heat and stir until cheese begins to melt.

Butter one side of each slice of the French bread and spoon warm mixture onto the side of bread that is not buttered.

Add other slice and grill the sandwiches until golden brown.

ENJOY!  

<3mygrilledcheese.LML.