Sunday, May 31, 2009

Cow

We have been buying beef from our good friends and neighbors who raise some of the best beef.
Each cow from their farm is named and treated like a family pet.
Yea- I know you would not eat your pets, but they are not our pets......
So this spring/summer I was trying to find a way to use some of the beef other then roast or stew.
I was getting tired of those methods and wanted to find some tasty way which was also quick.
Kabobs popped into my head!
After the fourth time we served these to guest I thought, " we have a hit here"
I have even used some cuts which are not your best roast, but have turned out well done this way.
Here you go:

Marinade for Beef or Lamb
3 tablespoons fresh cilantro
3 tablespoons fresh basil
3 tablespoons fresh parsley
a hit of fresh thyme
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon paprika
1 tsp. dried or 2 tsp fresh oregano
1 clove garlic- more if you like
½ teaspoon salt
a hit of ground pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
Using a glass pan or handmade pottery bowl from your favorite local (Whynot Pottery) potter.
Put oil in pan or bowl.
Throw in all the dried ingredients
Then take the garlic and chop up all the fresh herbs with the garlic.
Put in with the oil.
Cut up 2 pounds of beef or lamb, local if you can get it.
Place in marinate and get down and dirty with this rub- rub the beef well with the marinade.
Marinate for about 4 hours.
Put bamboo skewers in to soak for at least 30 minutes or more before putting the meat on.

Pull meat from the refrigerator and place on bamboo skewers, putting 4 to 5 pieces of meat per skewer.
Let it rest on the counter top to bring it to room temperature.
Preheat grill and grill until just a tad over rare. 2-3 minutes on each side.
Note:
Cook sides first- don't let the meat sit too long or in the oven- it will overcook.
You can grill onions and squash, red peppers or anything good you have in vegetables.
I like to do these all separate and serve them beside the beef.
If you mix them on the skewers with the meat something does not get done.
Pay attention to each thing separately and you will be rewarded with a great meal and great leftovers.