Tasty Seasonings for Grilled or Roasted Vegetables

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Grilled or Roasted Vegetables

Try tasty seasonings for grilled or roasted vegetables to expand your menu.

Grilled or roasted vegetables may not yet be in your menus. If your family thinks adding vegetables means more taters (fried or with gravy) and green beans loaded with onion and bacon, you are challenged to prepare a variety of leafy green and yellow vegetables that will actually be consumed.

Grilled or roasted vegetables are the rage right now; and, if seasoned right, can look quite appetizing even for the most finicky households. Roasting or grilling provides opportunity to explore herbs and seasonings and perk up our old standbys.

Our taste buds deserve more than salt, pepper, and grease.

Standard seasoning is a dash of salt, some pepper, and perhaps bacon grease. Health conscious families cringe at adding grease and many people have to forgo the salt, or at least most of it. Many of us are not accustomed to using our herbs and spices on vegetables unless they are in a stew or casserole.

Here is a small list of some herbs and spices I have found to add zest and variety especially to grilled or roasted vegetables.  For salads, add freshness with parsley, mint or chives.

  • Garlic – a widely used herb and will compliment many vegetables if used in moderation.
  • Basil – an aromatic green leaf, member of mint family. Basil is especially good with tomatoes.
  • Celery seed – ground or whole, has a strong celery flavor. Too much can create a “hot” spice effect.
  • Marjoram – gray green herb from mint family. If you like oregano in your stews and main dishes, marjoram is a milder version of that flavor and useful in vegetable and pasta dishes.
  • Parsley – delicate sweet flavor. Chopped fresh parsley livens up a plate of roasted veggies.
  • Rosemary – very aromatic leaf resembling pine needles, strong flavor.
  • Nutmeg – sweet, aromatic kernels of nutmeg fruit. Used often in desserts and breads, nutmeg can be a fun way to liven up vegetables. Just a small shake will have your family wondering what that fantastic taste is.
  • Some good combinations: basil, thyme, and rosemary for a Mediterranean fare; or coriander with garlic and ginger for Oriental or Mexican dishes.

As you cook more with herbs, you will determine what flavors your family enjoy and learn to use more or less accordingly. Use them sparingly so not to overpower the distinct flavors of each vegetable.

As with any food item, fresh is best. Consider growing your own herbs in small pots or a flower-box at your windowsill and be prepared to tantalize your taste buds.

If you do not grill, loosely arrange layers of vegetables brushed with olive oil in a shallow pan and bake. Before serving drizzle with a mixture of balsamic vinegar and herbs. To enhance flavor, return dish to oven for a few minutes before serving.

I’m hungry, heading for the kitchen. Meet you there with a cup of java!

Hugs,

Doing your shopping yet? Consider  My Mother My Child with Discussion Guide

For some exciting short stories and poems from myself and other writers I recommend Creative Collections

6 Keys to Easing Strained Relationships

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6 Keys to Easing Strained RelationshipsTreasure what you have now; be ready for change.

My husband was my greatest encourager during the years we were caring for Mother. He was always ready to help me physically, emotionally, and spiritually. He carefully guided me through each decision but let me make the final call.

We had spoiled each other—we enjoyed talking, playing, and working together. At first Mother’s care was minimal and my husband and I continued our daily routines. I never realized how our relationship suffered as I gradually spent more time and energy on her needs and less on his. Although this shift was inevitable, I learned some simple tips that made the changes easier. Perhaps these tips will help you in your situation.

Become aware of your specific needs; then act.

#1. Take time to ask your family or friends how the current situation affects them. Do they feel slighted? Are there needs they have you can still provide? Do they feel left out?

#2. Realize you cannot go back to the way it was; life does not stay the same for anyone. The commitment to care for someone means your life and those around you will change.

Grow better or bitter, the choice is ultimately yours.

My husband is precious, but he does not prepare meals, do laundry, or make the beds. That wasn’t an issue with the two of us; or with the children home. After Mom came, I did, however, catch myself envying those whose husbands could help in that way. Note: the Lord has a way of reminding us what really matters, and it’s not that sink of dirty dishes!

#3. Refuse to dwell on what you cannot change. Live in the present and make the most of it. Be open to new ideas, new ways of doing things. If you are set in your ways like I am, this can be a difficult step, but well worth the journey. I remind myself daily, it is people and not things that are important.

#4. Develop a new plan. What is it that you can do to encourage those around you? Does it seem you are pushing them away because of your busy-ness? Can you change your schedule to accommodate some of their needs as well?

#5. Accept help when offered, even when you know the task will not be done “right”. This was difficult for me. I learned it was okay if the towels were folded incorrectly or dishes and groceries were put in the wrong places.

#6. Find a smile and see it reflected time and again on those around you. I am always amazed at the difference a simple smile makes. Try it on yourself—right now. Face a mirror with your eyes closed, smile real big and look at yourself. (Did you chuckle?)

There will always be changes in our lives. Parents, kids, grandkids, other family and friends move in and out of our lives seeking love and nurturing. With God’s help we can learn to look up instead of down and enjoy the journey.

Hugs,

(Information for this article was taken from my book, MY MOTHER MY CHILD.)

Caregiver Alert: A Little Happy Goes a Long Way

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a little happy goes a long way

Today, let us count some happy!

We are bombarded with heavy news: he said, she said, they did …! We need encouragement. I am gonna get outa this rut and find some happy. I promise, p-r-o-m-i-s-e, you will find some happy too!

Five reasons to be happy today.

#1 I’m happy because I can read. Seriously? Yes! Last week we had casserole with hot, hot peppers in the chopped tomatoes because I didn’t take time to read the label. We don’t do hot peppers!  What about those shoppers that brave the stores and cannot read labels?

#2 I’m happy because I can open my door and breathe in fresh, clean air. No raging war outside my door, no fires, no starving wee ones on the corners.

#3 I’m happy because I chose to care for Mother, hubby, family. Not everyone has someone to care for. God entrusts us with loved ones; then He enables us to care for them and love on them, even when the road gets rough at times.

#4. I am happy because I have a bed to crawl into, a chair to rest in, a refrigerator with good food and fresh water to drink. Many, many, many do not!

#5 I am happy because I have friends to write letters to and friends who share their burdens and joys with me. Friends like you, dear ones, who make my life happy by simply sharing in it.

And, I have a Friend, Jesus, I can talk to everyday. He shares my joys, my sorrows, and knows my deepest needs. I pray you know Him, too. He can make the heaviest day a happy one as we learn to leave our burdens with Him.

Have a great week.

Check out my articles in a new book from Springfield Writer’s Guild: Creative Collections. Short stories and poems are a great way to find a little happy when time is short and you need a pic-me-up.