Well my friends, it’s been a hectic week at home.  Dad got sick and we had to take him to the hospital – he’s much better and should be home over the next few days.  I was feeling just awful after last weekend and finally dragged myself to a walk-in on Tuesday only to discover I have Bronchitis.  Thankfully, the week is over, I’m better (after ingesting these horse sized, glow in the dark, neon anti-biotic pills – only 1 day left), and he’s a lot better and almost home.  So, dinner last night was a simple bbq.  I call it East meets West – it was ingredients that I had in the fridge intended for the stove all week long but had to get cooked or tossed.

From the East – Chinese Broccoli – I love Chinese Broccoli.  It’s one of my favorite go to veggies.  I can stir fry it, bbq it, steam it and it all tasted great.  All I put on it was olive oil and a bit of salt.  From the West – In season Asparagus – I love Asparagus.  It’s one of my favorite go to veggies (hey, I’ve heard this before).  Again, olive oil, salt, a clove of mashed garlic, and of course, what bbq would be complete without grilled Onions.  The meats – Italian Sausage – the hot kind of course and Pork Tenderloin that I picked up today.  I cut the tenderloin into shish kebab sized pieces and marinated it in Soy Sauce, Chili Oil, Sesame Oil, Rice Wine Vinegar, Ginger and Garlic.  Put it on skewers (soaked the skewers in water for about 30 minutes) and let it sit for about 2 hours.  A hot grill – veggies first – remove from the bbq and cover with foil. 

While the veggies were cooking, throw on the hot Italian sausages – they take longer and I really don’t like piercing them – all the fat is released and you end up with a dry sausage – what’s the point.  When they were cooked, the tenderloin went on – about 2 minutes per side, my grill was at 400f.  Brush the side that is grilled with the left over marinade, after about a minute – flip it, put more marinade on this side, then flip it back over for another minute – perfectly grilled tenderloin kebabs.

Chinese Broccoli – $1.99/bag, Asparagus – $2.99/lb., Pork Tenderloin – $9.99, “sharing a glass of beer with my 22 y/o son while he did the “q” – priceless”.  One of life’s great moments.  As always – enjoy!

East meets West 1

Chinese Broccoli, Asparagus, Hot Italian Sausage, Caramelized Onions and Port Tenderloin