Afternoon Tea

While enjoying afternoon tea at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, I realized that a very similar afternoon tea can be served at home at a fraction of the price.  Scroll down for suggestions on how to prepare your own high tea at home!

Start with a tasty bread that you enjoy for sandwiches and spread cream cheese on one side of each slice.  Top with cucumber, turkey, ham, or smoked salmon.

Cut off the crusts and cut into triangles or squares for petite tea sandwiches:

Serve with scones, biscuits, fruit, strong tea, and a small glass of sherry for a delicious afternoon tea!

Bacon and Brie Burger

A recent visit to Bareburger in Columbus inspired a new burger: the bacon and brie burger.  1 quarter pound grilled burger + applewood smoked bacon, French brie, and a pretzel bun = HEAVEN

Zucchini Parmigiana

For a fast, inexpensive grilled treat using summer produce, try grilled zucchini parmigiana.  Cut a medium to large zucchini in half and scoop out the seeds.  Brush olive oil on and grill both sides before filling the hollowed-out section with mozzarella cheese and topping with your favorite tomato sauce.

Summer Salads

With the abundance of fresh local produce, salads are a wonderful addition to summer fare.  Here, a basic salad includes queso fresco, grilled carrots tossed in sesame oil, chopped capers, beets, and bibb lettuce.

Food Kitty

The pets of foodies often love food as much as the foodies themselves.  Here, my cat Nemo investigates the fridge for some tasty finds.

Sun Tea

As the weather gets warmer, consider brewing sun tea to stay hydrated and healthy.  The sun's rays produce an optimal temperature for brewing a wide range of teas.  Simply put 1/4-1/3 cup of looseleaf tea or 8 teabags in a pitcher, fill with cool water, and add any additional flavorings (I love fresh mint and lemon slices).

Allow your brew to sit in the sun for 3-5 hours, then pour the tea through a kitchen strainer into another pitcher.  Pour the sun-brewed tea over a filled glass of ice or chill in the fridge to enjoy later.

Fearless Veggie Grilling with Grill Pans

When grilling this summer, don't just limit your repertoire to grilled meats and corn.

Grill pans are a cost effective, convenient way to get delicious grill flavors in your summer vegetables without half of your veggies falling through the grates.

I found the below grill grate for around $22 on sale.  Shop around for the style and size that best suits your grilling needs.  Simply toss your favorite vegetables in a little olive oil before placing on a hot grill.

Grill grates make even delicate veggies like these baby asparagus a simple and delicious grilled side.

Peppers and onions are a delicious side with chicken, burgers, or grilled tofu.