With Memorial Day just around the corner, I thought I would take this opportunity to share a few of my most favorite BBQ recipes. These dishes are easy to make, fun to pass around, and delicious to eat.
BBQ Shrimp Kabobs
Ingredients
· ½ cup bbq sauce
· 2 pounds jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
· 2 large onions
· 1 Pineapple
· 2 large red peppers, cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
Directions
Cut each onion into eight wedges. Cube the pineapple. On eight metal or soaked wooden skewers, alternately thread the shrimp and vegetables and pineapple. Grill kabobs, covered, over medium heat for 3 minutes on each side or until shrimp turn pink. While shrimp are on the grill be sure to braise each side with the bbq sauce.
Pesto Pasta Salad
Ingredients
· 1 (16 ounce) package bowtie pasta
· 1 cup fresh basil leaves
· 1/4 cup grated Ramano cheese
· 2 cloves garlic
· 1/4 cup olive oil
· 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
· 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
· 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into strips
· salt and pepper to taste
Directions
1. Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the bow tie pasta and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain.
2. Place basil, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, and garlic into a blender or food processor; cover and chop to a coarse paste. Add the olive oil in a slow, steady stream. Continue processing until a soft paste has formed. Set pesto aside.
3. Combine the cooked pasta, tomatoes, 3 tablespoons Parmesan, mozzarella, and pesto in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Cover bowl, refrigerate to chill for 45 minutes, and serve.
S'More Pie
Ingredients
· 1 (9 inch) graham cracker crust
· 1 (7 ounce) jar marshmallow cream
· 1 (3.9 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
Directions
1. Spread marshmallow cream in the graham cracker crust. Prepare chocolate pudding according to package directions and pour over marshmallow cream. Refrigerate for 1 1/2 hours.
Now that you have a few recipes for you menu, sit back and relax. Enjoy the day with my 3 favorite F': Family, Friends, and Food! Don't forget the sunscreen and have a wonderful holiday weekend!
Jennifer Allen
3337 S Airport Rd W Ste 2
Traverse City, MI 49684
(231) 929-7900 (P)
(231) 929-2780 (F)
The summer months are fast approaching and the mercury is rising. To most home owners this means cranking up the AC and their energy bills as well. But there are a few energy saving tips to reduce your utility bills without leaving you sweltering!
1. Turn up that dial: Increasing your thermostat by just 5 degrees can save you up to 20% on your energy bills! Also, stop cooling your house when you are not there. Turn your AC off or turn it to a higher temperature while at work or away for the day.
2. Invest in a ceiling fan: Open the windows and let your ceiling fan circulate fresh air through your home. The newest models run virtually silent and can use as little as a light bulb's worth of energy. Not to mention how nice it is to enjoy a summer breeze instead of stale re-circulated air.
3. Make the most of your window dressings: Drapery and blinds can ad a sophisticated touch and privacy to any home; but are you really getting the most out of them? Think about drawing the shades during peak sun times in your home. Be conscious that certain rooms will get sun in the morning and others will in the afternoon. Blocking some of the daily sun will help maintain the cool air in your home.
4. Get out of the kitchen: A great way to make the temperature rise in your home is cooking. The heat generated by your stove, range, and microwave can really make a difference in your energy bills. Consider grilling or eating more cold foods like salads and sandwiches. The weather is nice anyway, why not have a picnic?
By putting a few of these practices to use, you'll notice a big change in your energy costs. You'll feel great when you are saving green by living green!
Jennifer Allen
We just got word last week that Century 21 Northland will be volunteering as greeters on July 4th for the 2010 National Cherry Festival! The National Cherry Festival is such a fun week of entertainment for the whole family. Our staff is excited to be a part of it!
Each year the festival hosts numerous events that keep locals and tourists coming back. Some of those events include: the million dollar hole-in-one golf contest, the cherry pit spit, family sand sculpture contest, Cherry Royale Parade, and a fireworks finale! Daily, there are midway rides, tons of food vendors, bingo, a beer tent, and the Bayside Music Stage. A few of the acts this year include: Los Lonely Boys, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, and "1964" a Beatles Tribute.
In addition to all of the annual Cherry Festival events, The Blue Angels are coming back this year! They will do several shows over the course of the weekend. What a better stage than the clear blue skies overlooking West Bay!
But the most exciting thing about the National Cherry Festival is seeing people fall in love with Traverse City. There is no place like it! After all of the excitement of the festival dies down, and the crowds go away, it is still easy to see why Traverse City is a wonderful place to invest in real estate. So if you are looking to relocate or perhaps just purchase a nice vacation retreat, contact the experienced real estate agents at Century 21 Northland. For more information about the 2010 National Cherry Festival, check out their website at http://visit.cherryfestival.org/
Jennifer Allen
3337 S Airport Rd W Ste 2&3
Traverse City, MI 49684
231.9297900 (p)
231.929.2780 (f)
Now that we are getting into the spring and summer months, your pets will be spending a lot more time outside. There are a few things you can do to make your yard a fun and safe place for that precious pooch.
The first thing to consider is some sort of fence. There are a few different options. The key is to make sure that your pet is secure in your yard. This will keep your pet safe and your neighbors happy. The Invisible Fence is an option, but this can be pricey, and some dogs will break through. Your other fencing option is a good old-fashioned fence. The important thing to keep in mind is containment. This means your fence will have to be deep enough in the ground so that fido can't tunnel under. Also, you'll want to consider how high to make your fence, so that your wonder dog can't leap over it. Other things to consider are the gaps and spaces in your fence. Make sure that there are no areas where your dog can escape or get their head or limbs stuck in.
Once your pet is secure, it's time to prevent dangers inside the yard. I'm not sure about your pet, but my basset hound will eat or roll in just about anything. And there are a ton of beautiful plants that are actually poisonous to your pooch! Certain ferns, lilies, and even shrubs can cause serious reactions in your pet. Make sure not to plant any of these in areas where your pet will be spending time. For a list of some of these dangerous plants check out http://www.dogpack.com/health/poisonplants.htm. Another thing your pet will need to be protected from the sun and over-heating. Providing at least one shaded area in your yard will allow your pet to spend more time outside. Also, keeping a fresh bowl of water out is another great idea. Just be sure to change that water regularly and keep it clean.
Now your yard should be all set for your four-legged family members to enjoy. But if your yard does not have enough space or you are looking to upgrade, contact one of our wonderful Century 21 Northland agents. They would love to help you find a home that is perfect for you and your pets!
Jennifer Allen
3337 S Airport Rd W Ste 2
Traverse City, MI 49684
231.929.7900 (T) 231.929.2780 (F)
Now that we are getting into the spring and summer months, your pets will be spending a lot more time outside. There are a few things you can do to make your yard a fun and safe place for that precious pooch.
The first thing to consider is some sort of fence. There are a few different options. The key is to make sure that your pet is secure in your yard. This will keep your pet safe and your neighbors happy. The Invisible Fence is an option, but this can be pricey, and some dogs will break through. Your other fencing option is a good old-fashioned fence. The important thing to keep in mind is containment. This means your fence will have to be deep enough in the ground so that fido can't tunnel under. Also, you'll want to consider how high to make your fence, so that your wonder dog can't leap over it. Other things to consider are the gaps and spaces in your fence. Make sure that there are no areas where your dog can escape or get their head or limbs stuck in.
Once your pet is secure, it's time to prevent dangers inside the yard. I'm not sure about your pet, but my basset hound will eat or roll in just about anything. And there are a ton of beautiful plants that are actually poisonous to your pooch! Certain ferns, lilies, and even shrubs can cause serious reactions in your pet. Make sure not to plant any of these in areas where your pet will be spending time. For a list of some of these dangerous plants check out http://www.dogpack.com/health/poisonplants.htm. Another thing your pet will need to be protected from the sun and over-heating. Providing at least one shaded area in your yard will allow your pet to spend more time outside. Also, keeping a fresh bowl of water out is another great idea. Just be sure to change that water regularly and keep it clean.
Now your yard should be all set for your four-legged family members to enjoy. But if your yard does not have enough space or you are looking to upgrade, contact one of our wonderful Century 21 Northland agents. They would love to help you find a home that is perfect for you and your pets!
Jennifer Allen
3337 S Airport Rd W Ste. 2
Traverse City, MI 49684
231.929.7900 (t) 231.929.2780 (f)
Established and opened our office in March 2006. Agent/Owner Brad Platt is very excited to be living in northern Michigan again. He grew up in Houghton Lake, moved to Vail, Colorado where he had hi
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