Tasty Tuesday: Happy 4th of July

I can’t believe that July is here!!! I personally love July.  Start of a new medical year.  Bright sun and blue skies.  Swimming.  Flip -flops. No school.  Fireworks. Red, white, and blue. BBQ. Watermelon.  Fishing….  Seriously my list could go on forever. 

This year my husband has off.  I know that’s a phrase we don’t get to say often, but he’s studying for boards, so NO CALL.  This means I’m in “feast” mode.  Bring on the BBQ. YUMMM!!! One of my best friend’s dad used to make crock-pot brisket.  I know GENIUS!!! We are headed to the beach and I thought this would be a perfect, somewhat budget friendly, and easy 4^th of July meal for the family.

Here’s what’s on our menu this weekend (serving portions for 4-6 people)…. Also check out the FB post about summer holiday menus (6/30); thank you for the ideas ladies!!

Crock-Pot Brisket

Brisket the size of your Crock-Pot (~5-6 pounds)

½ bottle of Allegro Marinade

½ bottle Liquid Smoke

Black Pepper

Garlic Powder

Salt

Cumin

*Put all ingredients into crock-pot and set on high for 6-8 hours and then turn to low until ready to eat. Either slice brisket into strips or shred it with two forks (my favorite because then you can use it for brisket tacos and quesadillas late in the week).

Sautéed Green Beans

1 Pound Green Beans

½ Stick butter

1 TBS Garlic Salt

*Place all in a non-stick skillet. Turn heat on low medium.  Place lid on top of skillet.  Sautee until beans are soft but still have a firm “bite” to them.

Watermelon Slices

*Cut a watermelon however you’d like!! Sometimes I just take a spoon to half a watermelon and start scooping it!! This year I’m trying the Pinterest idea of cookie cutter shaped cutouts.

Chocolate Pie with Meringue

            Pie Filling

Pre-Made Pie Crust

            1.5 Cup Sugar

            ½ Cup Cornstarch

            ½ tsp Salt

4.5 Cup Whole Milk

6 Egg Yokes (only yokes)

4.5 TBSP Butter

2 ¼ tsp Vanilla

4.5 Squares of Baker’s Semi Sweet Chocolate Squares

* The secret to the filling is that you MUST USE a double Boiler (of course if you don't have a double boiler you can make one with a bowl and pot of boiling water).  Mix first three ingredients in the double boiler.  Set over Boiling water.  Slowly add in milk.  Stir well to dissolve (I use a whisk the entire time).  Add in chocolate squares (break them for easier mixing).  Continue to stir until thick and bubbly.  Then stir two minutes more.  Remove from hear.  Add a couple of spoonfuls of the hot filling to the beaten egg yolks.  Stir well and gradually return to the filling mixture over heat.  Continue to stir until bubbles begin.  Then stir another two minutes.  Remove from heat.  Stir in butter and vanilla (make sure they are mixed well).  Add everything to the baked pie shell.  Top with meringue or whipped cream.  Cut pie with a cold, damp chef knife. 

Meringue

4 Eggs Whites (whites only)

¼ tsp Cream of Tartar

2 TBSP Sugar

½ tsp Vanilla Extract

* Place egg whites and cream of tartar in a bowl and whisk (I use the stand mixer with a whisk attachment).  Beat egg whites until soft peaks form and then gradually add sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Top pie. Bake at 375* for 10-12 minutes or until meringue is golden.  Make sure pie is completely cooled before cutting.

Hope you all have a blessed Medical New Year and a Happy 4^th of July!!

*Next Tasty Tuesday: Family & Budget Friendly Quick Dinners