Bacon Brussel Sprouts

Well, brussel sprouts are not a vegetable I've had often.  But, my friend Vicki recommended making them with bacon.  Everything is better with bacon, right?   Here is my take on her recipe!

Ingredients
4 slices thick cut bacon, sliced
1 lb brussel sprouts, ends trimmed and sliced in half
salt and pepper

1. Cook bacon over medium heat until cooked.
2. Remove bacon and allow to drain on a paper towel.
3. Place cut brussel sprouts in bacon fat and cook over medium for 10-12 minutes (or until desired crispiness).
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve with bacon on top!

Yummy!  I may have to make this for Thanksgiving!!

Watermelon Cucumber Salad

Okay, it may sound kinda weird.  But I was searching for another use for watermelon, and was needing a dessert for my book club.  So I made this salad, with my own tweaks, of course.  And it was great!  A refreshing dessert, and then a yummy side with anything grilled.  Try it, you will love it!  It was quite the hit at my friend Lorena's baby shower earlier this month!  You could also add some cherry tomatoes and/or goat cheese...yum!

Ingredients
4 cups watermelon, cubed
1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded (if you wish) and cubed
juice of 1 lime (more or less to taste)
1 tbsp fresh basil (or mint), chopped

1. Combine first 3 ingredients and allow to marinate together at least 1 hour in the fridge.
2. Add basil, mix and serve!

Oven-Baked Polenta

Okay, maybe this isn't a good summer side, but I've been meaning to post for awhile.  This recipe is super easy and doesn't take tons of whisking or standing over the stove!

Ingredients
3/4 cup cornmeal or polenta (not quick-cooking)
3 cups water
1 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1/4 cup grated cheese (like parmesan or romano)
2 tbsp butter

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
2. In a lidded dish, whisk together cornmeal, water, salt, and pepper.
3. Cover and bake for 30 minutes, whisking halfway through.
4. Remove from oven and whisk in cheese and butter and serve.

Cilantro Lime Rice

I love Chipotle!  If you don't know, it is a great burrito place, and I love to go to indulge in fast food.  Fortunately, I have found a great recipe that tastes like their signature rice.  This is a favorite at our house! We have tried to make it with brown rice, but white is better.

Ingredients
1 cup long grain rice (white, basmati or jasmine)
2 cups water
4 tsp canola oil, divided
1 tsp salt
juice of 1 lime
3 tbsp cilantro, chopped
couple dashes of garlic salt

1. In a small pot at the rice, water, 1 tsp oil and salt.  
2. Boil on high until there is just a little water on top of the rice.
3. Reduce heat to low and cover for 15 minutes.
4. Shut off flame and keep covered for 5 more minutes
5. Just prior to serving, add juice, cilantro and garlic salt.  Mix until blended.