Recipes: Flavorful, Festive and Fun
May 27, 2013
Memorial Day is often synonymous with a backyard barbecue to kick start the summer. You can have a delicious, grill-inspired meal ready in 45 minutes or less with these fun, flavorful recipe ideas.
With mouthwatering grilled beef, high-quality ingredients like canned tomatoes and bold bursts of flavor from lime juice, chimichurri and barbecue sauces, your Memorial Day menu is sure to be a memorable hit.
Get your grill sizzling with recipes like Lime-Marinated Flank Steak with Stuffed Poblano Peppers and Chimichurri Steak Wraps. And don’t forget a refreshing salad to complete your grilling holiday menu. Spicy Barley and Black Bean Salad is a fast option with a flavorful twist – perfect for your Memorial Day table.
(Scroll down to see all three recipes)
Ingredients
- 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) Ro*Tel Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies
- 3/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, divided
- 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 beef flank steak (about 1-1/2 pounds)
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 1 can (15 ounces) reduced-sodium or regular black beans, drained and rinsed
- 6 medium poblano chili peppers (about 4 inches long)
Toppings
- Toasted shelled pepitas (pumpkin seeds), crumbled queso frescos and lime wedges (optional)
Preparation
- Drain tomatoes, reserving juice for marinade. Set aside diced tomatoes with green chiles.
- Combine reserved tomato juice, 1/2 cup cilantro, lime juice and olive oil in medium bowl. Cover and refrigerate 1/3 cup marinade for rice. Place beef steak and remaining marinade in food-safe plastic bag; turn steak to coat. Close bag securely and marinate in refrigerator 6 hours or as long as overnight, turning occasionally.
- Combine rice, reserved 1/3 cup marinade, diced tomatoes, black beans and remaining 1/4 cup cilantro in medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper, as desired. Set aside.
- Cut slit lengthwise down 1 side of each poblano pepper to create pocket, leaving stem and tip intact. Make another small crosswise cut just below the stem to form T-shaped opening. Remove and discard seeds and membranes, being careful to keep peppers intact. Spoon rice mixture evenly into peppers. Wrap each tightly in aluminum foil to seal.
- Remove steak from marinade; discard marinade. Place steak in center grid over medium, ash-covered coals; arrange peppers around steak. Grill steak, covered, 11 to 16 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill 16 to 21 minutes) for medium rare to medium doneness, turning occasionally. Grill peppers, covered, 25 to 30 minutes (20 to 25 minutes on gas grill) or until peppers are tender and filling is heated through, turning occasionally.
- Carve steak across grain into thin slices. Remove peppers from foil. Serve peppers with steaks and toppings as desired.
Serves
Makes 6 servings
Total Time:
45 to 50 minutes
Marinate Time:
6 hours to overnight
Ingredients
Chimichurri Sauce
- 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 2 cloves garlic
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Steak Wraps
- 4 medium whole wheat tortillas (8 to 10-inch diameter)
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 large red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
- 12 ounces grilled beef steak, cut into slices
Preparation
- Place parsley and garlic in food processor or blender container. Cover; process until finely chopped. Add oil, vinegar and salt; process just until blended.
- Spread each tortilla evenly with Chimichurri Sauce, leaving 1/4-inch border around edge. Top with equal amounts spinach, bell pepper slices and beef slices on top two-thirds of tortilla. Fold bottom of tortilla up over filling. Fold right and left sides to center overlapping edges; secure with wooden picks; if desired.
Serves
Makes 4 servings
Total Time:
15 to 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup quick cook barley, uncooked
- 1 1/2 cups frozen whole kernel corn, thawed
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 can (15 ounces each) whole black beans, drained, rinsed
- 2 cans (10 ounces each) Ro*Tel Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, drained
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions, white and green parts
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
Preparation
- Cook barley according to package directions; drain if necessary. Place barley in large bowl.
- Add corn, garlic salt and pepper; toss to combine. Add black beans, drained tomatoes and onions.
- Sprinkle with cheese just before serving.
Serves
Makes 4 servings (1-1/2 cups each)
Total Time:
25 minutes
Cottage Hill Boil Water Notice Lifted
May 27, 2013
A precautionary boil water notice that was issued Friday for a portion of the Cottage Hill Water Works system in Cantonment has been rescinded.
The broken water main was repaired, and a bacteriological survey was completed that shows the water to be safe to drink. For more information, contact Cottage Hill Water Works at (850) 968-5485.
Blue Wahoos Drop Another One
May 27, 2013
The Blue Wahoos were unable to hang on to two separate leads as Pensacola dropped their eighth straight with a 6-4 loss to the Chattanooga Lookouts at AT&T Field on Sunday night.
The Blue Wahoos put two runs on the board in the first inning with a sacrifice fly by Ryan LaMarre that scored Bryson Smith from third, and an RBI single from Tucker Barnhart scoring Theo Bowe from second. The Lookouts were quick to respond getting a solo home run from leadoff man Rafael Ynoa in the bottom of the frame. Chattanooga tied it when Angelo Songco homered in his first at bat with the Lookouts in the bottom of the second.
In the fifth, Pensacola reclaimed the lead on a bases loaded walk to Barnhart that forced in Smith. A batter later, the Wahoos got another run when reliever Luis Vasquez balked to bring home Bowe. Again, Chattanooga answered. The Lookouts scored three runs in the bottom of the sixth against Wahoo starter Josh Smith to go in front 5-4. The big blow was a two-run double by Yasiel Puig, giving him six RBI for the series. He scored the go-ahead run later in the inning on a base hit from Ozzie Martinez. The Lookouts added some insurance with a run in the seventh off Wahoos reliever Drew Hayes.
Smith (L, 3-5) was finished after six innings and took the loss. He struck out six batters in the game, but the five runs he allowed were the most since he gave up five to Mobile in his second start of the season back on 4/10. All four Blue Wahoos runs were charged to Lookouts starter Steve Smith. He was finished after 4.1 innings and didn’t qualify for the win. Vasquez (W, 3-2) picked up the win out of the bullpen. He worked 2.2 innings and struck out four. He allowed both inherited runners to score. They were charged to Smith. Yimi Garcia (S, 10) pitched the final five outs for Chattanooga to record the save.
Bryson Smith was the bright spot in the Blue Wahoos order with a 2-for-4 game. He added a pair of runs scored.
Pensacola will look to snap their eight game skid and avoid the first five-game series sweep in team history on Monday night in Chattanooga. The Blue Wahoos will turn to RHP Tim Crabbe (2-3, 2.88) against LHP Michael Thomas (1-0, 1.23). First pitch is slated for 6:15 p.m. CT at AT&T Field. Following the game, the Blue Wahoos will return home to open a five-game homestand with the Jacksonville Suns.
story by Kevin Burke
Mattie (Bush) Reid
May 27, 2013
Mattie (Bush) Reid, 74, passed away on Sunday, May 26, 2013, at her home in Century surrounded by her family. She was born on March 27, 1939, in Flomaton to Rural and Perry Lee (Heaton) Bush.
Mattie married the late Rev. Wallace Reid in 1968 in Century, they were happily married for 40 years. Mattie was a member of Calvary Assembly of God Church in Clio, AL; however, she actively attended Gospel Light Temple in Century.
Mattie was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Wallace Reid; her parents Rural and Perry Lee Bush; two sisters, Caroline Virginia Bush and Mamie Rowland; two brothers Eugene Bush and Jim Bush; one son, Rickey Pritchett, Sr.; and one grandson, Christopher Bell.
Mattie is survived by her children, Claudia (PeeWee) Richard Turberville II of Semmesm, Joy (Daryl) Simpson of Century, Joe (Myra) Reid of Century, Elaine Purvis of Pensacola, Margaret Jackson of Century, Tammy (Aaron) Hodge of Cantonment, Joy (John) Guessford of Gulf Breeze, Robin Salter of Flomaton, Lonnie Purvis of Flomaton, Amanda (James) Merritt of Blue Springs, AL; Glen (Tammy) Reid of Bluff Springs; two sisters, Fannie Wright of Century and Bert (Joe) Huss of Jay; 30 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren.
Mattie was an ordained minister. She enjoyed singing, writing songs, sewing, and traveling. Possessing a true servant’s heart, Mattie faithfully cared for family and friends through delicious cooking and baking from scratch including cake decorating. She had a passion for the elderly. She enjoyed many years advocating for seniors at the Escambia County Council on Aging. She helped seniors live healthy, safe and independent lives. One of her proudest accomplishments was successfully advocating for the senior citizen center built in the industrial park. She was an alumni of the organization Volunteers in Service to America.
Commemorative services will be held at Eastside Chapel Funeral Home in Atmore. The family will receive visitors at the funeral home on Tuesday, May 28, 2013, from 6 p.m until 9 p.m.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May, 2013, at 1 p.m. Interment will follow at the Byrneville United Methodist Church Cemetery.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Randy Stewart
May 27, 2013
Mr. Randy Stewart, 48, passed away on Saturday, May 25, 2013, in Fairhope. Mr. Stewart was a native and lifelong resident of Perdido. Mr. Stewart was an employee with the City of Bay Minette. His mother, Merle Levine “Sis” Stewart, precedes him in death.
Survivors include his father, Woodrow Stewart of Perdido; one son, Allan Stewart of Perdido; one daughter, Kala Stewart of Perdido and two sisters, Belinda Elizabeth (Wayne) Fails of Brewton, and Gina Stewart (Jesse) Reynolds of Ft. Benning, GA.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, May 28, 2013, at 2 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel with Sis. Helen Stewart, Rev. Wayne Fails and Rev. Jesse Reynolds officiating.
Burial will follow at the Dean Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Danny Ray Taylor, Larry Peacock, Rev. Tony Floyd, Sammie Thomley, Kenny Hayles and Rev. Wendell Hadley.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC is in charge of all arrangements.
Resident Holds Home Invasion Suspect At Bay With Shotgun
May 26, 2013
A Brewton man held a home invasion suspect at bay with a shotgun early Sunday morning until deputies could arrive and make an arrest.
The suspect, identified as 20-year old Glenn Phillips of East Brewton, was allegedly walking along Travis Road about 2 a.m. when he came to a house, kicked in the door and entered, according to Escambia County (AL) Chief Deputy Mike Lambert.
A dog inside the home cornered Phillips, giving the resident time to retrieve his shotgun and call 911. The victim held Phillips on the floor with the shotgun until deputies arrived and arrested Phillips without incident.
Lambert said Phillips was not armed.
Phillips was booked into the Escambia County Detention Center in Brewton on a charge of burglary.
Photos: Dancing At The Movies
May 26, 2013
Dozens of performers delighted hundreds of people Saturday night during the 18th annual Heather Leonard Danceworks recital at Northview High School.
“Dancing at the Movies” featured dance performances with favorite movie songs, like the “Beauty and the Beast” theme song, “Woody’s Roundup” from Toy Story, the Footloose theme song, “Glory Days” from The Incredibles, “Touch the Sky” from Brave and “Footloose”.
For a Facebook photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Gas Prices: Memorial Day Travel Not Too Hard On The Wallet
May 26, 2013
Memorial Day weekend travel is about the same on the wallet this year as compared to 2012.
According to the AAA Fuel Gage Report, the average cost of a gallon of regular unleaded in Escambia County was $3.40 Saturday, up four cents over a month ago. Last year, a gallon of unleaded gas averaged $3.39 per gallon on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend.
In Molino, the gallon of gas was $3.39 at Highway 29 and Highway 97, while a gallon of gas was $3.35 at Highway 29 and Muscogee Road in Cantonment. Gas was at about $3.36 a gallon Saturday in Atmore.
AAA Travel projects 34.8 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from home during the Memorial Day holiday weekend, a 0.9 percent decrease from the 35.1 million people who traveled last year. The anticipated decline in holiday travel is predominately due to a decline in air travel of eight percent, fee fatigue among travelers and a waffling economy. The Memorial Day holiday travel period is defined as Thursday, May 23 to Monday, May 27.
“AAA is forecasting Memorial Day travel to be slightly lower this year due to an to an up and down economy, the impact of the end of the payroll tax holiday on working families and a 30-year low in the percentage of working age people in the workforce,” said AAA President and CEO Robert L. Darbelnet. “Additionally, economic growth in the first quarter was strong, but the impact of the sequester is now beginning to be felt resulting in reduced economic growth expectations. These and other variables are expected to result in few travelers this holiday. ”
Approximately 31.2 million people plan to drive to their destination, an increase of 0.25 percent from the 31.1 million who drove last year. Almost nine out of ten holiday travelers (89 percent) will take to the nation’s roadways during the Memorial Day weekend, keeping automobile travel in the traditional lead as the dominant mode of holiday travel transportation.
A survey of intended travelers found that gasoline prices would have no impact on plans for 62 percent of travelers. Of the remaining 38 percent of travelers who said gas prices would impact their travel plans, 27 percent plan to economize in other areas. Eight percent are planning to take a shorter trip and three percent will travel by an alternate mode of transportation.
Since national gas prices peaked at the end of February, motorists nationwide have felt welcome relief at the pump. However, current gas prices are in line with this time last year and not expected to have an effect on travel plans.
Woman Injured In Highway 4 Bratt Crash
May 26, 2013
One person received minor injuries in a single vehicle wreck Saturday morning in Bratt.
The accident happened on West Highway 4 just east of North Highway 99 about 11 a.m. The elderly female driver of an eastbound Geo Prizm apparently lost control, ran off the roadway and struck a couple of culverts before sliding across the roadway.
The driver was transported by private vehicle to an area hospital. The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. Further details, including the woman’s name and condition, have not been released.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Wildfire Prompts Road Closures, Evacuations
May 26, 2013
The second major wildire in as many days shut down a portion of southwestern Escambia County Saturday, forcing the temporary evacuation of several homes.
The brush fire consumed about 80 acres in all in the area of Blue Angel Parkway and Highway 98. Homes along Aleron Avenue, Rudder Lane, Foster Mills Lane and Rustic Road were evacuated for several hours. Residents were able to return to their homes by nightfall.
An emergency shelter was set up at the Perdido Bay United Methodist Church, but no one needing shelter showed.
There was no structure damage from the fire reported.
Pictured top: A Florida Forest Service helicopter dropped 300 gallons of water at a time on a wildfire in southwestern Escambia County Saturday afternoon. Pictured below: The fire consumed about 80 acres and forced evacuations of several homes. Reader photos by Kim Spring for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
