Balmy Days of Spring...

And let's not forget the star-filled nights begging to be enjoyed with a loved one by your side...or in my case, my two cats! I can pretend, however...I do have a wild imagination! Enough of that, it's time to share with you a couple of recipes. The weather here on the mountain is beyond description...almost...at the moment. Spring has sprung these past couple of days and it's truly a time when everyone's fancy, not only 'a young man's', turns to....food! This glorious weather is ideal for dragging out the barbecue that has laid dormant throughout winter...come on! Dust it off and fire it up!

Beef Kebabs: Combine 1/3 cup brandy or dry sherry, 1/3 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 cloves garlic, minced, some chopped fresh coriander (cilantro) and 1/2 teaspoon or so of grated fresh ginger in a large flat dish. Mix well. Add 500g quality rump or sirloin, cut into 1 inch cubes. Coat well. Let it sit for at least an hour...overnight is even better. Cut 1 green capsicum (pepper) into 1 inch squares and one medium onion into 1 inch pieces. Thread beef, capsicum, onion, whole button mushrooms and pineapple chunks onto skewers. Grill over pre-heated barbecue (high heat) until the meat is done to preference. Turning kebabs and basting occasionally.

Mustard Grilled Salmon Salad: Brush 500g salmon fillet, cut into 4 pieces, with 2 tablespoons of a dressing made from: honey and seeded mustard and a squeeze or two of fresh lemon juice. Place on heated grill. Toss sliced red capsicums, 1 zucchini sliced, 1 or 2 yellow squash and 1 tablespoon of the honey/mustard dressing. Place vegetables on the hot plate and toss frequently for about 10-15 minutes until crisp-tender. Only turn the salmon once and cook it until it flakes easily with a fork. Meanwhile, cook some fine pasta...a chilli or sun-dried tomato linguine would be good. Cook the pasta al-dente. When cooked, drain well. Mix pasta and about 1/4 cup of the honey/mustard dressing. Add grilled vegetable and toss to coat. Arrange salad greens on 4 plates. Top with pasta and vegetable mix, then salmon. Drizzle with remaining dressing and sprinkle with fresh dill.

Okay...pick out a wine of your choice...put some suitable music into your player...light some candles...and I'll leave the rest to you!