One of my absolute favorite things about the summer is grilled food.  Veggies, meat, fruit, bread... it all tastes better when it's toasty warm with a smoky flavor.

Lately, I've been mildly obsessed with kabobs.  I mean, popsicles, candy apples, marshmallows... who doesn't love food on a stick?  So this July Fourth, instead of grilling the traditional burgers and dogs, we are whipping up some scrumptious lanced treats for people to nosh.

Below are some of my favorite marinades, and combos for roasting up an amazing Independence Day meal.  Don't feel like pre-loading the skewers?  Make it a DIY kabob party by setting out lots of options for people to get creative. And stabby.


Basic Instructions:
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes
- Whisk together marinade
- Marinate meat for at least 2 hours
- Thread skewer with desired meat, veggies and fruit
- Grill 8-10 minutes on medium-high, turning several times

Meat Marinades


Honey Dijon Marinade 
Great with chicken. Combine marinated meat with cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, potatoes, and onion.

3 Tbsp. Dijon Mustard 
3 Tbsp. Honey
2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
1 tsp. Balsamic Vinegar
1/2 tsp. Red Pepper Flakes
Black Pepper

Spicy Orange Marinade 
Great with beef. Combine marinated meat with onions, broccoli, mushrooms, and orange segments.
 
1/2 cup Orange Juice (with pulp)
1 tsp. Lime Juice
2 Tbsp. Chili Sauce
2 tsp. Minced Garlic
1 tsp. Red Pepper Flakes
Black Pepper

Sweet Teriyaki Marinade 
Great with pork or portabella mushrooms. Combine marinated meat or 'shrooms with bell peppers, sliced sections of corn on the cob, onions, zucchini and pineapple.  

4 Tbsp. Soy Sauce
1/4 cup Brown Sugar
2 tsp. Minced Garlic
1/2 tsp. Ground Ginger
1 tsp. Sesame Seeds
Black Pepper

Rosemary Plum Marinade 
Great with chicken or shrimp.  Combine marinated meat with onions, bell peppers, zucchini, plums and peaches. 

1/2 cup Plum Preserves
2 Tbsp. White Wine Vinegar
1 tsp. Soy Sauce
2 tsp. Minced Garlic
2 Tbsp. Fresh Minced Rosemary
Black Pepper