Tri Tip Marinade

To diehard backyard grill-happy girls and boys, the only change in your game from one season or weather-system to the next is whether you'll be eating the grilled goodness indoors or al fresco.

Recently we feasted on a couple of grilled tri tips (one in Feb and one in early March) thanks to my sweet Sis who snuck them into our freezer on her last visit. It was cold and rainy both times we wanted to cook them, but we just tucked the old Weber under the eaves and we were good-to-go.

Zucchini Casserole

When you're blue...and there's nothin else to do, whip up some lovin and pop it in the oven. ~m gaughen

This is an old family favorite given to us by Donna B. We may adapt it from time to time, but never too far off the original. Some times, like this time, I mixed the ground round with ground turkey. I always use 1/2 tsp of cinnamon and increase the cheese. Mom's told me that she has added white raisins on top of the meat, but under the cheese mixture..."it adds a more middle eastern flavor."

Guinness Roasted Chicken And Mushroom Dressing

I don't consider myself creative...until I step foot in a kitchen or look through cooking magazines, thumbing through the countless options to delight the taste buds, and then it's like opening Pandora's box. I just can't stop! While visiting friends recently, I found myself pondering the age-old question of 'what's for dinner' as it was my treat and pleasure to cook a meal for them. When this happens, rarely can you go wrong with Martha. The January 2011 issue of Martha Stewart Living featured The New Roast Chicken...but I still found myself tweaking the ingredients! Sorry Martha. The two main recipes I adapted mine from were:

• Inside-Out "Stuffed" Chicken With Mushroom Dressing
• Beer-Can Roasted Chicken With Fig-Jam Pan Sauce

Cranberry Scones

I know, you're shocked. You're probably thinking, "How can this be? You made something that didn't have strawberries in it?!' Well I should just tell you now to save you all from future shock. I do in fact know how to cook food that doesn't involve strawberries, like say my fabulous grilled cheese sandwich that would blow your mind! And of course these absolutely delicious cranberry scones. Now, why did I feel like making scones? Because I've gotten into the habit of drinking tea - the hot kind - and it made me feel very British (especially while reading Harry Potter). So when I was making a batch of okay-tasting cookies my mommy mentioned that we had dried cranberries in the cupboard. My mind went back a few years - the summer of 2008 I believe - to a day spent at the beach where one of my friends brought scones. Now, what could be more British than tea and scones? I'm not sure. So thus is the reason why I've made this little treat.