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
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.
Featured Recipe: Bold Burger Stars During Grilling Season
May 26, 2013
Today’s featured recipe from food writer Janet Tharpe is a bold burger with kicked up toppings.
Charity Cabaret Benefits Tate Senior Fighting Cancer
May 26, 2013
A packed house at the Pensacola Little Theatre enjoyed some great entertainment Saturday night, all while helping Halee Boyd — a Tate High School senior who is fighting a rare form of cancer.
The “Hope 4 Halee Charity Cabaret” was hosted by Tori Patton, a junior in the International Baccalaureate program at Pensacola High School as her community service project. Patton and Boyd have been friends for years, both members of the Pensacola Children’s Chorus at one time.
Performances included several talented students and a set from the Broadening Education Thru Arts program.
Pictured top: A performance during the Hope 4 Halee Charity Cabaret Saturday night at the Pensacola Little Theatre. Pictured: Halee Boyd and her mom Mardi at the benefit event. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Highway 164 Signs: You’re Awesome Sandra
May 23, 2013
Handmade signs lined Highway 164 just off Highway 29 Wednesday, and balloons were flying from many mailboxes — prompting several readers to contact us and ask why.
The signs were lining the route home for Sandra Morris of McDavid, diagnosed with cancer on October 4, 2012. On Wednesday, she completed her final round of chemo. Friends and relatives, part of “Team Sandra” planned the special welcome home.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Academy Class Of 2013 Graduates
May 23, 2013
The Escambia Academy Class of 2013 graduated Thursday night at the school’s Bachelor Field in Canoe, Ala.
The Cougar’s valedictorian was Caitlyn Elizabeth Bruley and salutatorian was Elizabeth Page Lancaster.
Members of the Escambia Academy Class of 2013 are:
- Paige Elizabeth Allen
- David Reid Bell
- Dustin Lee Bishop
- Allison Taylor Brooks
- Caitlyn Elizabeth Bruley
- Andrew Blake Clark
- Alexander Clayton Dall
- Andrew Evan Daughtry
- Hannah Morgan Fountain
- Michael Dwane Glick
- Charity Elizabeth Hacker
- Brandy Michal Helton
- Elizabeth Page Lancaster
- Prentiss Jarrod Leachman Jr.
- Dustin Aaron Mack
- Kelsey Brooke McGhee
- Sydney Lauren McGhee
- Suhag Sevantilal Patel
- Joshua Lawrence Peebles
- Blakeley English Quimby
- Chelsey Lynn Ramer
- Luke Russell Roberson
- Nora Breann Rolin
- Austin Earnest Ryan
- Andrew Jordan Sasser
- TehronDevonteStallworth
- Michael Shane Thompson
- Nicholas Austin Thompson
- James Michael Wimberley
- Sarah Elizabeth Wooten
Northview Thanks Poarch Creek Indians, Students Win Bikes
May 22, 2013
Northview High School took a moment to stop and say “thanks” Tuesday to the Poarch Band of Creek Indians for their ongoing support of the school, and employees from Century Correctional Institution gave away a few bicycles just to add to the excitement of the event.
During this school year, notable contributions from the Poarch Creeks to Northview, including items in a $56,594.66 grant, were use of their buses, minor sports uniforms and equipment, laptops, projection mounts, contributions to different groups for expenses to attend the Class 1A State Championship football game in Orlando, and two “workhorse” copiers. Visitors to the school will see the PBCI logo affixed to the copiers and technology items.
“On behalf of the entire Northview Chiefs’ family, I would like to thank the Poarch Band of Creek Indians who have been overwhelmingly supportive,” NHS Principal Gayle Weaver said Tuesday. “All of us are most appreciative. Their contributions and support enabled the students to have an enhanced quality education.”
During Tuesday’s Poarch Creek appreciation event at Northview, five students received new bicycles courtesy of Century Correctional Institution. The winning students were chosen from those nominated as “most improved” in particular areas, including behavior, grades, attendance and class participation.
Winners were seniors Zach Bradley and Demontra Mitchell, junior Matt Cayson, sophomore Jessica Brewton and freshman David Godwin.
Pictured top and inset: Northview students and faculty showed their appreciation to the Poarch Creek Indians on Tuesday. Pictured below: Bicycles were award to Jessica Brewton, David Godwin, Matt Cayson, Zach Bradley, Demontra Mitchell. Pictured bottom (courtesy photo): The bicycles for “most improved” students were donated by Century Correctional Institution employees and delivered by Lt. Matthew Jackson, Sgt. Dale Henderson and Warden John Whitehurst. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
On The Hill: Molino Teen Serves As House Page
May 22, 2013
A young man from Molino recently spent a week serving as a page in the Florida House of Representatives. Mitchell Singleton, an eighth grader at Ernest Ward Middle School, served as a page for Rep. Clay Ingram.
“My experience working as a page for the Florida House of Representatives gave me a perspective of government that most people don’t get to see. I was able to be in the chamber and work with the representatives first hand,” Mitchell said.
Pages and messengers are students who work one week at the Capitol during the 60-day Regular Session. Each of Florida’s 120 representatives may sponsor one page (ages 12-14) and one messenger (ages 15-18).
Being selected to serve is considered an honor and privilege. Pages and messengers assist the representatives and their staff during the Capitol’s busiest time of year while observing state government in action.
The page and messenger program is a long-standing tradition in the Florida House, with journals making mention of them as far back as 1865. Singleton and each page and messenger will have their name appear in the official Journal of the House as an official record of their time spent serving in state government.
Pictured top: Mitchell Singleton, serving as page in the Florida House of Representatives, in the desk of Speaker pro tempore Marti Coley during a mock session. Pictured inset: Singleton with Gov. Rick Scott. Pictured below: Singleton (just left of center) with his House page group. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Hadley, Baggett Awarded Gandy Memorial Scholarships
May 22, 2013
The Gandy Memorial Scholarship, established by the Gandy Family at Poplar Dell Baptist Church in Byrneville, recently honored two local seniors with $500 scholarships. Both students were selected based on their involvement in church and community activities and grade point averages. The Gandy Memorial Scholarship was established several years ago in memory of J.L. Gandy, Louise Gandy, Solon Gandy and Elmira Gandy Crapps who were longtime and active members of Poplar Dell.
Haley Hadley, a graduating a senior at Flomaton High School, is the daughter of Eric and Teresa Gohagen. She has been a member of various clubs, including Future Business Leaders of America, BETA and FFA. She has been a member of the Flomaton High School marching band for six years and has also participated in Chamber Ensemble Band and Jazz Band for three years. She has been a part of District Honor Band, All State Honor Band and SEUS Honor Band. After graduation, she plans to attend the University of South Alabama where she will study pharmacy.
Northview senior, Corry Baggett, is the son of Garry and Vicki Baggett of Bratt. Corry is involved in FFA, Rho Kappa Historical Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He was a starting linebacker for the Northview Chiefs Class 1 A State Football Champions, a former regional weightlifting qualifier, Pensacola Sports Association’s Scholar Athlete for weightlifting, a MIRA Award recipient for woodworking, a Boys State representative, and is a dual enrollment student with Pensacola State College and Tallahassee Community College. Corry plans on attending Pensacola State College this fall and then transferring to the University of West Florida or Troy State, where he will complete his business degree.
Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino Park Students Collect Over A Half Million Pop Tabs
May 21, 2013
Molino Park Elementary School students collected over a half million pop tabs — those little pull tabs off the tops of aluminum drink cans — to benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Northwest Florida.
MPES students collected 377 pounds of the pop tabs this year that have been delivered to the Ronald McDonald House. The money from recycling the tabs are used by the facility to help pay their utility bills for the 26-bedroom house on Bayou Boulevard.
Ronald McDonald House Volunteer Services Manager Ariana Murray and Director of Marketing Susan Brady presented the pop tab trophy for the medium size school category Monday afternoon at Molino Park. Molino Park’s 377 pounds of pop tabs were more than were collected by any of the other 64 schools that participated.
During the presentation, Brady invited students and faculty that had stayed at any Ronald McDonald house to join her on the stage. Three staff members and eight students said they had an experience with the Ronald McDonald house in Pensacola and other cities due to premature babies, spinal issues, brain tumors and open heart surgery.
According to the Ronald McDonald House, there are 1,430 tabs per pound — meaning Molino Park’s 377 pound donation would contain an estimated 539,110 tabs. Monday, Molino Park Principal Alice Woodward challenged each of the students to collect a pound of pop tabs over the summer for an early start on earning next year’s trophy.
Pictured top: Ariana Murray from the Ronald McDonald House and Principal Alice Woodward with a group of Molino Park Elementary School students and staff personal touched by Ronald McDonald House. Pictured inset: April Pawless (left) and Melanie Dix delivered 377 pounds of pop tabs from Molino Park Elementary to the Ronald McDonald House recently. Pictured below: Molino Park’s 1st place pop tab trophy. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
