So, I guess this would be where I make a confession (ha).  I have had the opportunity to drink some of the world’s best beer. Let me tell you this was not an easy or a cheap experience. Apparently, there is a black market for beer, so if I get distracted I apologize. It’s just because I am looking over my shoulder every time I hear a noise hoping the men in blue don’t come busting down my door. Before they do, I must admit, it was worth it.

Some of you may already know this, but Alabama recently “freed the hops”. Meaning the state just passed a law that allowed us to import beers over 6% alcohol. This means, we now have some access to better tasting beer. The selection is still limited, but there is definitely an improvement on beer menus across town. Lately, we, meaning Mr. T, me, and the boys, have been drinking probably what some would consider, a few too many of the “good” beers. Also worth it.

Being on the “good” beer kick has led to Mr. T being obsessed with beer. The newest hobby has involved brewing our own beer, reading about beer, asking beer questions, and of course drinking the world’s best beer. (And to be honest, I think this hobby is here to stay.) World’s best beer… if you at all enjoy drinking beer, this statement would have caught your attention. What is the world’s best beer, you ask? Is it dark, and smooth, or pale and hoppy? From having tasted it, I would say it’s a strong rich color and full of flavor. Drinking the Westvleteren 12 was an experience that we all enjoyed. If you ever have the opportunity to buy or taste this beer, do it. You won’t be disappointed.

Everybody loves a good grill day, and I have been dying to grill all summer.  Because I am so lazy, I just got around to buying a grill… a very small grill.  Honestly, the only reason I even picked one up is because it was on sale at the grocery store. Just my luck, the smallest grill in the world is now on sale for $9.99. What a steal.

 Walking through the produce section at the grocery store is a pale experience compared to my weekly trip at the Farmer’s Market. I wandered up and down the isles wishing the freshness of the farm was in front of me rather than the skweaky (literally) clean, over-flowing veggie bins. Does anybody actually think these vegetables are good? Granted, it is nice to have access to vegetables all the time, I just wish they could be vegetables straight out of the ground. When they are covered in dirt and all imperfect… those are the best. I had to mentally smack myself around so I would stop wishing for fresh dirt covered produce long enough to pick up some pencil thin asparagus and fingerling potatoes.

As soon as I found the grill and loaded it up in the cart, I debated what would be on the first menu. Steaks, cheese, veggies? It just so happened that I remembered there were some boneless skinless chicken thighs residing in the freezer. Chicken usually isn’t my choice of meat, but I had found some good looking organic thighs. So I decided to marinate them for a couple of hours then char them to perfection. Thighs are definitely one of my favorite parts of the chicken. Tender, juicy, and rich tasting, I happen to think many people don’t give them enough credit. Too often, people focus on the breast or drumsticks, being left with less tasteful meat, and usually, dryer. Because of the fear of eating undercooked chicken most people tend to cook their chicken to death. Just a little suggestion, if you happen to be one of the many people that end up eating leather chicken, thighs tend to be a little more forgiving, because they have twice the amount of fat that breasts do. This makes thighs great for grilling.  

Seriously, who doesn’t love a big bowl of healthy popcorn? I use white popcorn and a little olive oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper, parmesan cheese, and a dash of cayenne pepper. Just that easy. Oh yeah, I almost forgot, and it just so happens to be the star ingredient, Lemon Zest. That’s right, fresh grated lemon zest. Now, I dont know about you, but I almost always have a lemon or two on hand. So many recipes just need that little punch of acid to brighten up the dish. 

This is exactly the type of meal I look foward to when my kitchen is a mess and I am avoiding cleaning it. One more pot to wash tomorrow… though it’s best not to think about that tonight.

Simple recipes are what I am looking for on evenings after I’ve had a long day at work. After standing on my feet all day the last thing I want to do is go home and cook a labor intensive meal. Occasionally I concede, and eat with my boyfriend at places that serve absolutely nothing that is remotely healthy. I know it’s terrible, but what’s a girl to do? Exhaustion and hunger take over, and I have no other choice than to swing by the Chinese place and pick up an order of deliciously greasy Mei Fun Noodle.

Lately, I have been feeling a little unhappy with our eating habits, so instead of take out we decide to eat in. The refrigerator is packed full of random bits, but nothing seems to quite fit together. As I rummage through the pantry, I keep picking up the loaf of bread.  Suddenly remembering there is Muenster cheese hiding in the refrigerator, I knew I now had a plan for dinner. Because I like a little more flavor, I pick up the jar of whole grain mustard and a few fresh leaves off the basil plant and get to grilling. While I was thrilled about the idea of ‘gourmet’ grilled cheese, the boyfriend was not so enthusiastic. He is convinced that classic white bread and processed cheese are the best, and can hardly be persuaded otherwise. After a few minutes of “who knows best”, he promises to at least give it a try.

I don’t know about you, but I love grilled cheese. What could be better than crusty yet soft toasted bread and warm, melted cheese?  This wonderfully simple sandwich smelled delicious coming off the grill and I could hardly resist taking a bite. Sprinkled with a little sea salt and freshly chopped parsley and this easy grilled cheese becomes a perfectly fresh dinner choice. While I can enjoy Chinese take out with the best of them, tonight I felt better about eating in.

By the way, you’ll never guess who ended up loving the sandwich… basil and all.