Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Olympic Opening Ceremonies

We celebrate everything at the Duffy household.  And those celebrations always include considerable thought about menus!  The Opening Ceremonies for the Olympics is not different. What a better way to try some new ethnic dishes that a celebration of the world's best amateur athletes?


In 2008, we hosted Aunt & Uncle Duffy for the summer Olympic ceremonies.  Daughters #1 and #2 even came up with their own versions of events in which to participate--unfortunately, there was an injury which sidelined those efforts.  We also included a variety of worldly appetizers for all to enjoy throughout the festivities.


With the upcoming 2012 Summer Olympics set to begin on July 27 in London, this is the perfect opportunity for you to host your own party!  Some things to consider offering your guest, as part of a array of tastiness...


sushi (Japan),  crab rangoon (China), Jamiacan patties (Jamiaca), hamburger sliders (USA), bruschetta (Italy), pretzels with beer cheese dip (Germany), fish 'n chips (England), hummus and grilled vegetables (a nod to the place where it all started--Greece).


Of course, use your own creativity and ALWAYS salute your own heritage!  In the Duffy household we will consider Irish soda bread or, one of our personal faves--corned beef sammies!


Whatever you do enjoy and embrace the spirit of the Olympics.

Monday, July 2, 2012

Too Hot to Cook...Sort Of

The Duffy household has been without central air conditioning for two summers.  Last summer was particularly brutal with heat indices over 100 and humidity up to 90%.  Our saving grace was a window unit given to us that we placed in our bedroom.  


This year, while hot, has not seemed as bad.  Temps are higher, but humidity is lower.  Still, the past couple of days (and perhaps it's because I'm vaca) heating up the oven doesn't sound that appealing.  That's when the grill becomes our "go to" for dinner, which we eat at about 8 pm because it's cooler.  Hubby-Bubs is the grill master, and deservedly so!  The tongs with the LED light he got for Christmas some years ago are often used...especially if we eat even later than 8 pm.


Last night, it was burgers and brats along with homemade salsa made with my gadget I bought (remember my post:  bamboozled?)  I have to admit that thing whips up tasty and fresh salsa with ease.  Add a little cantaloupe and it was the perfect summer meal.


Tonight, I've got steak marinating for a quick hit on the grill then sliced thin for Philly steak sammies.  We will couple that with deviled eggs and leftover cantaloupe and watermelon.  I don't mind the stove top so much when it's hot, so the eggs are already hard boiled and I'll grill up some onions and peppers to add to the sammies.  


4th of July, we will continue our tradition of grilling Nathan's hot dogs for coney dogs while watching the Nathan's hot dog eating contest at Coney Island--Hubby-Bubs started that some three years ago.  I used to think watching it would gross me out, but I find it rather fascinating.  For this occasion, of course, only Nathan's hot dogs will do--and there is a difference, I have to say.


It's supposed to stay hot for a while, so we will keep our menus tightly linked to the grill with sides that keep things cool in the kitchen!