It's finally summertime (unless you live here in the Northwest, where we usually have to wait until mid-July)! Time again for grilling, so this month's recipes are centered around the grill. Let's fire it up and get to it!

Beef Skewers

Super simple and very versatile. You can marinate or season these so many different ways. I have two examples here, but use your favorites.

Time: 8-10 minutes

• 1 lb. top sirloin
• horseradish sauce
• habanero lime sauce
• bamboo skewers

Carefully cut the sirloin into ¼-inch strips. Even better, save time by asking your meat department to do it for you. My butcher even threaded the strips onto skewers for me.

Add the sauce or seasonings of your choice to the strips. I did half with a horseradish sauce and half with a habanero lime sauce. Then, thread the skewers thru the meat strips. Place on the grill for 2-3 minutes per side. Be careful not to overcook!

Zone info: 1 oz beef = 1 block protein; fat content will vary. Check with your butcher.




Rosemary-Garlic Lamb Chops

Time: 18 minutes

• 1 lb. lamb arm chops
• 2 Tbsp minced fresh rosemary
• 2 cloves minced or crushed garlic
• 1 Tbsp olive oil

Mix the rosemary, garlic, and olive oil in a small bowl. Rub evenly over both sides of the lamb chops.

Grill for 7-8 minutes per side. Monitor the meat closely, as your cooking time will vary by the temperature of your grill.

Zone info: 4 servings at 4 protein blocks; ~12 fat blocks


Jerk Chicken

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes

• 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs
• one minced green onion
• 1 Tbsp fresh squeezed orange juice
• 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp minced jalapeno pepper
• 1 tsp minced ginger
• 1 tsp wheat free tamari soy sauce
• 1 clove minced or crushed garlic
• 1 tsp allspice
• 1/2 tsp cloves
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon

Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl; mix well. Add the chicken, coating each piece. Place in the 'fridge, allow to marinate overnight. Grill the chicken for 7-8 minutes per side, or until done.

Zone info: 1 oz chicken = 1 protein block.


Grilled Veggie Skewers

Time: 10-15 minutes

Quick and easy. Use veggies of your choice. Here is an example:

• bamboo skewers
• zucchini
• red bell pepper
• red onion

Chop the veggies into slices that will fit on the skewers. Arrange in alternating fashion on the skewers. Place on the grill, turning often, until the veggies are soft. Serve warm.

Zone info: This will vary based on your veggies, but one skewer will be usually only a fraction of a carb block.




Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream

Here is a dessert to round out the barbecue. You'll want to start the ice cream 45 minutes to an hour before you will be ready to serve it.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooling time: 45 minutes to one hour

• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 tsp agave nectar
• 2 peaches

Mix the coconut milk, vanilla, and agave nectar in a small dish. Place into the freezer to chill. You'll want to mix it every ten minutes or so. If you skip this step, it will freeze hard on the edges and still be soft in the middle. Once the mixture begins to take on the consistency of ice cream, get the peaches on the grill.

To grill the peaches, cut them in half and remove the pits. Place cut side down. After around 5 minutes, remove to a serving plate. Spoon the ice cream into the hollows left by the pits, then serve warm. Enjoy!

Zone info: 2 servings at 1 carb block, 8 fat blocks




Five Spice Breakfast

Though I like this for breakfast, it makes a good meal anytime. Eggs optional!

Time: 15 minutes

• 1 lb. ground turkey
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 6 cups chopped chard*
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1/3 cup water or chicken broth
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 tsp Chinese five spice
• 2 tsp wheat free tamari soy sauce
• 2 cloves minced or crushed garlic
• fresh ground pepper
• sea salt to taste
• 2 omega-3 eggs per serving

* If you are lucky enough to live near a Trader Joe's, use a bag of pre-chopped chard to save time.

Add the olive oil to a large skillet or pot, place over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until they begin to soften. Add the ground turkey, stirring often, until the meat is browned.

Once the meat has browned, add the 'shrooms, five spice, tamari, water or broth, and chard. Cover and cook until the chard has become soft. Add the garlic, pepper, and sea salt near the end of the cooking time.

Meanwhile, cook the eggs in a separate skillet. I like to prepare them over easy, but fix them your favorite way.

Serve up the chard mix; top with the eggs.

Zone info: 3 servings at ~1 carb block, 5 protein blocks, 10 fat blocks. Each egg will add 1 protein block, 2 fat blocks.