I think I've said this to my readers before, but I'm a fall kinda girl. This is the time of the year I look most forward to. The cooler days, that make me feel like getting outside and being active. The colder nights, where I can snuggle up in a quilt, with a good book and a great hot of cup of tea. There's football '(college and high school), bonfires, Halloween, freshly baked bread and pies, the burning of leaves, clear starlit nights. chili and sweaters. This is, for me, is the best time of the year.
I have a few ideas of activies you can enjoy this fall. I'll post them in a series of blogs to come, but the first idea is to have cookouts. Yes you heard me right, cookouts. Most think that the best time for cook outs are during the late spring and early summer, but no, late summer and early fall are excellent times to get together and fire up that grill. The weather is crisp, the air has that great smell to it, and people, like animals, tend to get frisky when the air turns cooler. So invite your friends over for a friendly game of kickball or touch football. Plan a simple menu, pull out the hoodies, and enjoy visiting with your guests in your backyard or patio. When becomes dark outside , which it does earlier this time of year, you can fire up the firepit or bonfire for warmth and light. Light candles, pull out the lawn chairs, make smores, and talk. In our wired up world I don't think we take enough time to talk face to face. I find this very sad. You can do as a friend recently suggested. Place a basket at your front door and request all your guest, adults and children alike, to deposit phones, ipods, and electronic devices until it's time to go home. This will make it easier for your guest to interact with one another, without the diversion of texting, mp3's or phone calls. Great idea, huh? You can also play card or board games. Contraire to common belief, board games are not boring and when played with good friends, can be the source of great amusement.
One of my favorite grilled meals I got to experience just recently. It's something my friends call kabab sandwiches, although most the time we omit the skewers. We grilled this great yogurt marinated beef and chicken and placed into pitas and naan bread, along with a cool yogurt sauce and fresh veggies. Serve with kalamata olives, hummus, and tzatziki to make a very tasty addition to your grilled repertoire. YUM! I's insanely easy and a great change of pace. You can use chicken, beef, turkey or lamb.
Spicy Yogurt Marinade
http://www.achefshelp.com/recipe/5268/spicy-yogurt-marinade-rubs-and-marinades-barbecue-recipes
Tzatziki
http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=365792051340341954
Hummus
http://www.familyoven.com/offsite?r_id=199214&u=http://www.recipezaar.com/143488
Smore Alternative:Instead of chocolate, use Nutella. It spreads evenly and it so wonderful! If you are looking for a gourmet type of smore, try using Ghirardelli Filled Squares.
Now, you can buy hummus from a store, but in my opinion, it's not as flavorful as the one you make fresh. Besides, it's very simple and something that's as easy to throw together as that cheese dip you make often.
You can grill your veggies ( tomato, onion and peppers, eggplant), but we like our veggies fresh and crisp. Slice lettuce , onion, cucumber, green peppers and add a splash of lemon. Grill your pita or naan, but remember to coat the bread with oil, before placing on the grill. Don't forget pita chips for the great hummus.
I promise the smells and the taste of this simple meal will delight your senses and sate your hunger. Enjoy on a cool autumn evening and don't forget to pair with a great wine, good friends, and great conversation. To add to the ambiance , you can always play Greek folk music and serve ouzo. OPA!!
