What are the Best Gas Grills under $300?

Need to a great propane gas grill for less than 300 dollars?

If you have a three hundred dollar budget, you have room to get a really nice outdoor BBQ. Summer is coming and we are all dreaming of a shiny new outdoor grill on the patio, and I can't wait for a mouthwatering steak. A unit that is built to last, heats at all temps evenly, easy to clean and is perfect for summer evenings on the deck, broiling steaks and fresh vegetables for friends or family.

Check out these affordable propane BBQ Grills on Amazon

There are many appliances around this price point and they are definitely not created equally. It takes a long time to research these so here is an awesome shortlist of those worthy of the title Best Gas Grills under $300 in 2013. I have noticed, many were higher priced ($400-$500) models from last year and are a real steal now.

These are included based on sturdy construction, great cooking results, value and the best reviews from owners that not only like these outdoor cooking appliances, but love them! These are the top-selling, highest-rated barbecues. Enjoy!

Image is of our old bad old flare-up BBQ with a succulent Galloway beef steak on it (NathantheGreat).

Most popular Gas grills under $300

Although there are premium portable gas grills, three hundred dollars can get you a nice backyard BBQ that will last longer than the bargain ones. We had a little Charbroil BBQ surprise us with a long useful life for under $100, but you do get what you pay for. I can't wait to try the new IR outdoor barbecueing, we just got one with that for cooking succulent steaks.

Dyna-Glo Smart Space Livi...

Weber Ducane 31311001 Aff...

Char-Broil TRU Infrared U...

Broil-Mate 155154 Liquid...

Cuisinart CGG-240 All Foo...

Char-Broil Quantum Infrared Urban Gas Grill with Folding Side Shelves

"cooks quickly, keeps food juicy, absolute BEST grill for the money""

The Award winning Char-Broil Quantum Infrared Urban has a unique infrared cooking system that seals in flavor and juices and eliminates flare ups. Do not be intimidated by IR cooking technology. The resulting steaks are highly reviewed!

Both burners have their own temperature gauge above the control knob and works at the grate level for a true heat reading. Add wood chips directly onto the cooking grates for flavor with no flare ups. Starts easily and frustration free with a Surefire Electronic Ignition.

Char-Broil Quantum with Folding Side Shelves
The primary cooking grid is a 320 Square Inch infrared grilling area with a 125 sq in secondary cooking or heating surface. The compact Char Broil Quantum barbecue has wide range of cooking temperatures. The Stainless Steel lid and control panel, heavy duty folding side shelves, and an enclosed cart with stainless steel door are sturdy, and add convenience.

Top Char-Broil BBQs to buy for less than $300

These really are diverse designs from Char broil in this price range. The IR grills are the latest thing and have rave reviews from new users, and it sounds like the learning curve isn't too bad either. So whether you want a handsome stainless number or a kettle grill, they have them all, and top rated.

Char-Broil TRU Infrared U...

Char-Broil T480 4-Burner...

Char-Broil Classic 55,000...

Char-Broil AT360 530-Squa...

Broil King 934664 Monarch 40

"cooks beautifully, hot evenly heated grilling surface, very well made"

Broil King 934664 Monarch 40 with 10,000-BTU Side Burner has 350 square inches of porcelain coated cast iron cooking grids as the primary cooking area that are heated by a 35,000-BTU stainless-steel burner. The heavy grid retains heat and sears steaks, seafood, and veggies beautifully. With the warming rack, there 520 square inches of total cooking space.

Broil King 934664 Monarch 40
The Flav-R-Wave burner system vaporizes fat drippings, infusing authentic barbecue flavor through the food. The hood is an extra-thick, deep, rust-proof cast-aluminum oven. Other convenience accessories include the rotary ignition system and a stainless-steel Accu-temp thermometer. Also this premium barbecue has drop-down side shelves, with cooking utensil hooks and bins for condiments, for space saving between BBQs.

The Monarch 20 device carries a limited lifetime warranty on the Therma-Cast aluminum oven, 5-year warranty on the stainless-steel burner and a 2-year warranty on the rest of the grilling appliance.

Best Portable Grills under $300

These are top quality grills that happen to be perfect for camping and Rving. Folding or retractable legs and even wheels makes these ultra-portable and easy to set up even without a pickernick table. I think the best picnics have tasty burgers, but don't forget the relish!

Weber 566002 Q 220 Portab...

Coleman 9941-768 Road Tri...

Pro-Iroda O-Grill 3000 Po...

Big Gas 3 Burner Grill Bl...

Napoleon PTSS215PI Freest...

Broil-Mate 155154 Liquid Propane

"excellent value for price, powerful and cooks well, good workmanship

Broil-Mate 155154 Liquid Propane Gas BBQ has a generous 700-Square inch of total cooking surface with 400 square inch of Porcelain coated cooking grids for broiling your prime rib.

Broil-Mate 155154 Liquid Propane Gas Grill, Black and Black Chrome
The 40000 BTU stainless steel dual-h burner and porcelain coated flav-r-wave cooking system give a wonderful sear and even heat.

Top Broil-Mate Gas barbecues on the market

Broil mates are decent barbecues and I think it is just a matter of deciding whether you want a side burner or not! If the kitchen is close, it may be easier to cook on the stove especially if it is windy where you live.

Broil-Mate 155154 Liquid...

Onward Manufacturing 4004...

Broil-Mate Model 155164 L...

Dyna-Glo DGP350NP-D Smart Space Living Two-Burner LP Gas Grill

"great quality for compact size, heats up quickly, nice even heat"

The Dyna-Glo DGP350NP-D Smart Space is a well designed and high quality compact backyard BBQ. It has 2 stainless steel "P" shaped main burners with 15,000 BTU's each, for a total of 30,000 BTU's. Two heavy gauge enameled steel heat tents prolong the life of your burners as well as vaporizes juices dripping out of the broiling food.

Dyna-Glo Smart Space Living 30,000 BTU 2-Burner Propane LP Gas BBQ
The 350 sq inches of heavy-duty enameled cast iron cooking grates retain heat to sear foods. Collapsible side tables for true space efficiency between uses, and this BBQ cooker moves around easily and the wheels lock in place when in use. This comes with a full length cover to protect this barbecueing equipment from the elements.

Best Rated Infrared Gas Grills around $300

I had read about IR technology on BBQs and am glad I tried it. I just bought a Napoleon propane grill with IR and it is awesome technology! Pork chops or steak are succulent and juicy and cook surprisingly fast and very tasty which is what it is all about in the end. We love it. Maybe it is time for you to give IR grilling a try.

Char-Broil TRU Infrared U...

Solaire Everywhere! Porta...

Char-Broil TRU Infrared P...

Char-Broil TRU Infrared 3...

Char-Broil 463436813 Perf...

Weber 566002 Q 220 Gas BBQ

"love this grill, heats up fast, fantastic"

The Weber 566002 Q 220 is a high quality barbecue with push-button ignition to make life easy, and has 280-square-inches of cooking area. An infinitely adjustable burner valve with a high-quality regulator allows a wide range of cooking temperatures.

The glass-reinforced nylon frame and a cast aluminum lid prolong the life and repel corrosion. For super easy cleaning, these barbecues have a porcelain-enamel cast-iron cooking grid and a handy drip pan.

Weber 566002 Q 220
The Weber Q220 Operates on a standard 14.1- or 16.4-ounce propane cylinder, but purchase accessories to convert to a 20lb lp gas tank for cheaper running costs. That is ideal for a permanent set up in a fixed location on the patio, garden, balcony or deck. This Weber portable barbecue is convenient to use use with 2 Tuck-Away work tables with built-in spatula and tong holders. 5-year limited warranty.

The highest rated portable grills, the Weber Q's

One day I will have one of these for the Airstream. These are solid little units that last forever! It is great to have the option of buying a well made Weber gas barbecue for a few hundred bucks.

Weber 426001 Q 300 Portab...

Weber 386002 Q 100 Portab...

Weber 566002 Q 220 Portab...

Weber 516501 Q 120 Portab...

Weber 396002 Q 200 Portab...

I'd love to hear from you!

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How to Cook Healthy

Cook Yourself Healthy

In today's world of fast food and busy schedules, many Americans are struggling to eat healthy meals and maintain a desirable body weight. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out how to achieve both of these goals.

You need to create a balanced diet of healthy fats, healthy carbohydrates, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. An emphasis on plant proteins makes a healthy diet. You need to remake your plate.

Winner

How-to & DIY Contest

December, 2009

Giant Squid Challenge

Eat More Whole Grains

Helps keep your blood sugar stable

Try to eat at least one serving of whole grains at each meal. Whole grains can help keep your blood sugar stable and lower your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. People with Type 2 diabetes need to eat whole grains to maintain a lower, more stable blood sugar. Whole grains are more difficult to digest and aren't absorbed until they are further down the intestinal tract. This keeps blood sugar from peaking and waning.

To get started:

• choose bread with 100% whole wheat listed as the first ingredient

• toss a handful of barley into soups

• check labels of crackers and other grain-based foods to see if they have more than 2 grams of fiber per serving

• for cold cereals, look for 4 grams of fiber per serving.

Whole Grain Recipes

Squash-Quinoa Soup

Sesame-Ginger Wheat Berry Salad

Squash-Quinoa Soup

Whole Grain Recipe

Makes 6 servings. Prep: 15 minutes. Cook: 17 minutes.

Ingredients

• 12 oz. skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1/3 cup finely chopped shallot or onion

• 2 tsp. olive or canola oil

• 2 - 14-ounce cans reduced sodium chicken broth

• 1 - 5.5 oz. can apricot nectar

• 1 lb. butternut squash, peeled, halved, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes

• 3/4 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained

• 1 tsp. ground cumin

• 2 small zucchini, halved lengthwise and cut into 1-inch pieces

Directions

1. In saucepan cook chicken and shallot in hot oil over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or until shallots are tender, stirring occasionally. Add broth, apricot nectar, squash, quinoa, and cumin. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered , 5 minutes. Add zucchini. Cover and cook 10 minutes more or until squash and quinoa are tender. Season to taste with salt and ground pepper.

Sesame-Ginger Wheat Berry Salad

Whole Grain Recipe

Makes 4 servings. Prep: 15 minutes. Cook: 45 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1-1/4 cups water

• 1/2 cup wheat berries

• 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained

• 1/2 medium mango, seeded, peeled, and chopped

• 3/4 cup thin bite-size carrot strips

• 1/4 cup mango chutney

• 2 Tbsp. rice vinegar

• 2 tsp. toasted sesame oil

• 1/4 tsp. ground ginger

• Salt (optional)

• 1 small head napa cabbage, coarsely shredded

Directions

1. In saucepan, combine water and wheat berries. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 45-60 minutes or until tender. Drain liquid. Stir in black beans, mango, carrots, chutney, vinegar, oil, and ginger. Season with salt, if desired. Serve with napa cabbage.

Nutrition facts

Calories 226, total fat 3 g, saturated fat 0 g, monounsaturated fat 1 g, polyunsaturated fat 1 g, cholesterol 0 mg, sodium 332 mg, carbohydrate 45 g, total sugar 14 g, fiber 8 g, protein 9 g..

Use Plant Oils

Help Prevent Heart Disease

The use of healthy oils like olive oil, canola oil, soy oil, and peanut oil is essential to cooking yourself healthy. Research has shown that 2 tablespoons of olive oil a day can help prevent the inflammation that contributes to heart disease and other chronic health problems.

When cooking, don't let the oil smoke. This damages its nutritional value and the flavor. Strive to eliminate products containing hydrogenated oils and trans fats. Become a label reader. Also, start substituting olive oil for butter whenever possible. Experiment with flavored olive oils for variation.

Healthy Cooking from Amazon

Cook Yourself Healthy

Olive Oil Desserts: Delicious and Healthy Heart Smart Baking

by Micki Sannar

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Cooking Light Complete Cookbook: A Fresh New Way to Cook (Book & CD-ROM)

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Pamela Smith's Healthy Living Cookbook

by Pamela Smith

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The New Mediterranean Diet Cookbook: A Delicious Alternative for Lifelong Health

by Nancy Harmon Jenkins

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The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook

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Eat More Fruits and Veggies

Adds Color and Texture to Your Meal

Fill up half of your plate at each meal with fruits and vegetables. Salads are a great way to accomplish this.

Boiling your vegetables robs them of their nutrients and flavor. Try them sauteed in extra virgin olive oil, chopped garlic, and, perhaps, a dash of hot pepper sauce. Or steam your veggies with several whole peeled garlic cloves. The flavor will permeate them beautifully. Drizzle or brush a little flavored olive oil over them instead of butter.

Salad Recipes

Turkey Spinach Toss

Salsa, Black Bean, and Rice Salad

Turkey Spinach Toss

Salad Recipe

Makes 4 servings. Start to Finish: 20 minutes.

Ingredients

• 2 - 8 oz. turkey breast tenderloins, halved horizontally

• 1/4 tsp. coarsely ground black pepper

• 2 Tbsp. butter or olive oil

• 2 oz thinly sliced deli ham, cut into bite-size pieces

• 1/2 cup orange juice

• 2 - 9-10 oz. pkgs. fresh spinach

• 1 orange, cut into wedges

Directions

1. Season turkey with pepper. In very large skillet heat butter or oil over medium-high heat; add turkey. Cook12 minutes or until no longer pink (170F); turn once.

2. Remove turkey from skillet. Slice into strips; cover and keep warm. Add ham to skillet; cook and stir 1 minute or until heated and starting to crisp. With slotted spoon remove ham from skillet. Add juice and bring to boiling.

3. Add spinach, half at a time, to skillet; cook 1 minute or until just wilted. Add orange wedges with the second batch of spinach. Using tongs, remove from skillet; divide among plates. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Top with turkey and ham. Drizzle with remaining juices from skillet.

Salsa, Black Bean, and Rice Salad

Salad Recipe

Makes 6 servings.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked long grain rice, chilled

• 1 - 15 oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained

• 2 cups chopped tomatoes

• 1 cup chopped yellow or red pepper

• 1 cup frozen whole kernel corn, thawed

• 2 green onions, thinly sliced

• 2 Tbsp. snipped fresh cilantro

• 1 cup picante sauce or salsa

• 4 oz. Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeno peppers, cut into 1/4 inch cubes (optional)

• Lettuce leaves

• 1/2 cup fat-free or reduced fat sour cream

Directions

1. In large bowl, stir together chilled rice, beans, tomatoes, sweet pepper, corn, onions, and cilantro; add picante sauce or salsa. Toss to coat, Stir in cheese, if using.

2. Line six salad bowls or plates with lettuce leaves. Top with rice mixture. Serve with sour cream.

Chicken Mango Salad

From Kelly Kartman (my daughter)

Ingredients

• 2 Grilled Chicken Breasts, cut up or shredded, or 1 large can chicken

• 3-4 Celery sticks, chopped

• 1 medium apple, cored and chopped

• 1-2 ripe mangos, peeled and cubed

• Sweet onion, finely chopped (optional)

• 1 small package chopped walnuts (optional)

Sauce

• 1 cup low-fat mayonnaise or salad dressing

• 4-5 Tablespoons cider vinegar

• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

• Sugar, to sweeten to a sweet-n-sour taste

Mix all ingredients in large bowl. Make sauce and add to chicken mixture to cover. Chill for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Serve on bed of greens or just out of the bowl with your favorite crackers.

Variation:

Replace mango with small, well drained cans of mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple.

Salad Accessories

OXO Good Grips 2-Piece Wooden Salad Server Set

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OXO Steel Salad Spinner

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2-Tone Wood Salad Bowl With Serving Utensils – 12" dia.

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Kuhn Rikon Salad Spinner

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Wooden Salad Bowl Set, 7-Peice, Mahogany

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Eat More Fish

Great Source of Omega-3

People who eat fish have healthier hearts than those who don't. Stock your freezer and cupboard with salmon, tilapia, haddock, black cod, herring, and sardines.

Most people tend to overcook fish. Measure the thickest part and cook 10 minutes per inch (for baking). When grilling or pan-frying, cook it until it just loses its glassy look. You want your fish to be light and flaky, not dried out. If you think it's done, it probably is.

Fish Recipes

Steamed Cod with Gingery Mushrooms
Tilapia Puttanesca
Italian-Style Fish

Steamed Cod with Gingery Mushrooms

Fish Recipe

Prep: 15 minutes. Cook: 8 minutes plus 4-6 minutes per 1/2 inch thickness of fish

Ingredients

• 1 lb. fresh or frozen skinless Alaska or gray cod, or tilapia fillets

• 1/2 tsp. ground ginger

• 1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh ginger

• 2 tsp. canola oil

• 8 oz. fresh shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and halved

• 1 large red sweet pepper, seeded and cut in rings

• 1/2 cup sliced green onions

• 1/4 cup dry white wine or reduced-sodium chicken broth

• 2/3 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth

• Thin strips green onion (optional)

• Very thin slices fresh ginger (optional)

Directions

1. Thaw fish, if frozen. In a bowl combine the 1/2 tsp. ground ginger, 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. black pepper. Sprinkle on fish; set aside.

2. In skillet cook the 1 Tbsp. fresh ginger in hot oil over medium-high heat 15 seconds. Add mushrooms, pepper, and 1/2 cup onions. Cook 5 minutes or until mushrooms are tender, stirring occasionally. Remove skillet from heat; add wine. Return to heat. Cook and stir until wine is almost evaporated. Add chicken broth; bring to boiling.

3. Place seasoned fish on vegetables in skillet. Reduce heat; maintain gentle boiling. Cook, covered, 4-6 minutes for each 1/2 inch thickness of fish or until fish flakes easily when tested with fork. Serve fish and vegetables topped with onion strips and fresh ginger. Spoon cooking liquid over all.

Tilapia Puttanesca

Fish Recipe

Prep: 25 minutes. Start to Finish: 25 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. fresh or frozen skinless tilapia fillets

• 1/8 tsp. salt

• 1/2 medium red onion, cut in wedges

• 1 Tbsp. olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 - 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes

• 2 tsp. dried oregano, crushed

• 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper

• 1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives

• 1 Tbsp. capers, drained (optional)

• 2 Tbsp. coarsely chopped fresh Italian (flat-leaf) parsley

Directions

1. Thaw fish, if frozen. Rinse; pat dry with paper towels. Sprinkle with salt. Set aside.

2. In large skillet, cook onion in olive oil over medium heat 8 minutes or until tender; stirring occasionally. Stir in garlic, undrained tomatoes, oregano, and crushed red pepper. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes.

3. Add olives and capers to sauce. Top with tilapia fillets, Return sauce to boiling; reduce heat. Cook, covered, 6-10 minutes or until fish flakes when tested with fork. Remove fish. Simmer sauce, uncovered, 1-2 minutes more to thicken. To serve, spoon sauce over fish. Sprinkle with parsley.

Italian-Style Fish

Fish Recipe

Start to Finish: 20 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds fresh or frozen white-fleshed fish fillets, 1/2 to 1 inch thick

• 1/4 tsp. salt

• 1/8 tsp. black pepper

• 2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms

• 1 Tbsp. cooking oil

• 1 - 14.5 oz can Italian-style stewed tomatoes, undrained

• 1 - 10.75 oz can condensed tomato bisque soup

• 1/8 tsp. black pepper

• 4 1/2 cups hot cooked linguine or other pasta

• 1/3 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Thaw fish, if frozen. Preheat broiler. Rinse fish; pat dry with paper towels. If necessary, cut fish into six serving-size pieces. Measure thickness of fish. Place fish on the greased unheated rack of a broiler pan. Turn any thin portions under to make uniform thickness. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

2. Broil about 4 inches from the heat just until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. Allow 4-6 minutes per 1/2 inch thickness of fish. If fillets are 1 inch thick or more, turn once halfway through broiling.

3. Meanwhile, for sauce, in a medium saucepan cook mushrooms in hot oil until tender. Stir in undrained tomatoes, tomato bisque soup, and pepper. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture is heated through.

4. Spoon pasta onto plates; top with some of the sauce, fish fillets,and remaining sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

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Eat More Nuts and Legumes

Good for Appetite Suppression

Nuts and legumes are underutilized foods that are excellent sources of fiber. Nuts also counteract high cholesterol. Studies show that women that eat more nuts and peanut butter had a lower risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.

Legumes also provide healthful protein. They are rich in fiber and contain minerals such as folate, magnesium, and iron. It is recommended to cook with beans, lentils, or other legumes instead of meat, at least once a week.

Recipes with Nuts & Legumes

Kale, Lentil, & Chicken Soup
Fast Chicken & Rice with Almonds
Pork Skewers & Peanut Sauce

Kale, Lentil, & Chicken Soup

Nut & Legume Recipe

Prep: 25 minutes. Cook: 10 minutes + 10 minutes + 5 minutes.

Ingredients

• Nonstick cooking spray

• 1 cup chopped onion

• 1 cup coarsely chopped carrots

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 6 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth

• 1 Tbsp. snipped fresh basil or 1 tsp. dried basil, crushed

• 4 cups coarsely chopped fresh kale (about 8 oz.)

• 1/4 tsp. salt

• 1/8 tsp. black pepper

• 1 1/2 cups cubed cooked chicken (about 8 oz.)

• 1 medium tomato, seeded and chopped

• 1/2 cup dry red lentils

Directions

1. Coat an unheated large nonstick saucepan with nonstick cooking spray. Preheat over medium-low heat. Add onion, carrots, and garlic to hot saucepan. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes or until vegetables are nearly tender, stirring occasionally.

2. Add chicken broth and dried basil to vegetable mixture. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in kale, salt and pepper. Return to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.

3. Stir in chicken, tomato, red lentils, and fresh basil. Cover and simmer for 5-10 minutes more or until kale and lentils are tender. If you substitute brown or yellow lentils, you'll need to increase the cooking time per package directions.

Fast Chicken & Rice with Almonds

Nut & Legume Recipe

Start to Finish: 10 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 - 8.8 oz. pakage cooked brown or white rice

• 1/2 cup frozen peas

• 1 pound chicken breast tenders, halved crosswise

• 1 Tbsp. cooking oil

• 1/4 cup bottled stir-fry sauce

• Packaged oven-roasted sliced almonds

Directions

1. Stir peas into rice pouch. Heat in microwave according to package directions.

2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook and stir chicken in hot oil over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes or until no longer pink. Stir rice mixture into skillet. Stir in stir-fry sauce; heat through. Sprinkle each serving with almonds.

Pork Skewers and Peanut Sauce

Nut & Legume Recipe

Makes 6 servings. Prep: 25 minutes. Broil: 10 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. boneless pork (such as loin or tenderloin), cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces

• 1 small red sweet pepper, seeded and cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces

• 1 cup 1 1/2 inch pieces fresh pineapple

• 5 Tbsp. water

• 2 Tbsp. creamy peanut butter

• 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh pineapple

• 1-2 tsp. finely chopped serrano pepper

• 1 small clove garlic minced

• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce

Directions

1. Preheat broiler. Alternately thread pork, sweet pepper, and pineapple on skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak in enough water to cover for 30 minutes. Broil 4-5 inches from heat for 10-12 minutes or until pork is just slight pink in center, turning once halfway through.

2. Meanwhile, for sauce, in a small saucepan combine remaining ingredients. Heat over very low heat until melted and nearly smooth, whisking constantly. Serve with pork skewers.

Cooking Utensils

To Cook Healthy

Cuisinart 66-12A Chef's Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized 12-Piece Cookware Set

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T-fal A821SA94 Initiatives Nonstick Inside and Out Dishwasher Safe 10-Piece Cookware Set, Black

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Lodge Logic L10SK3 12-Inch Pre-Seasoned Skillet

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T-fal A8058962 Specialty Nonstick Thermo-Spot Heat Indicator 14-Inch Jumbo Wok Cookware, Black

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16 inch Traditional Cast Iron Wokset

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Beef & Lamb Recipes

Ginger Beef Lettuce Wraps
Lamb Chops with Tomatoes

Ginger Beef Lettuce Wraps

Beef Recipe

Makes 12 wraps. Prep: 20 min. Marinate: 4 hrs. Cook: 7 min. Freeze: 30 min.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. beef flank steak or boneless beef top round steak

• 1 medium yellow or green sweet pepper, seeded, cut in bite-size strips

• 1 small zucchini, trimmed and cut in thin bite-size strips

• 1/2 medium red onion, cut in thin wedges

• 1/3 cup ginger beer or ginger ale

• 3 Tbsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 tsp. cornstarch

• 2 tsp. canola oil

• 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh ginger

• 12 Bibb or leaf lettuce leaves (about 2 heads)

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves

Directions

1. Trim fat from beef. For easy slicing, wrap and freeze beef 30-45 minutes or until firm. Thinly slice beef across grain; place slices in self-sealing plastic bag. In a second self-sealing bag combine sweet pepper, zucchini, and onion.

2. For marinade, in bowl combine ginger beer, soy sauce, and garlic. Divide marinade between beef and vegetables. Seal bags; turn to coat each. Refrigerate 4-6 hours, turning bags occasionally. Drain marinades into bowl. Stir in cornstarch; set aside.

3. Heat oil in large nonstick wok or extra-large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add ginger; stir-fry 15 seconds. Add vegetables; stir-fry 3-5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Remove vegetables. Add half the beef to wk. Stir-fry 2-3 minutes or until beef is slightly pink in center. Remove beef. Repeat with remaining beef. Return all to wok, away from center. Stir marinade mixture; add to center of wok. Cook until bubbly. Toss beef and vegetables to coat. Remove from heat.

4. To serve, divide beef and vegetables among lettuce leaves, top with cilantro, and roll up.

Lamb Chops with Tomatoes

Lamb Recipes

Start to Finish: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 1-inch thick lamb loin chops

• Salt and pepper

• 1 8.8 oz. pouch cooked long grain rice

• 4 medium plum tomatoes, cut up

• 4 green onions, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1 Tbsp. snipped fresh oregano

• 1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar

Directions

1. Season chops with salt and pepper. Grill over medium coals 12-14 minutes for medium-rare, turning once halfway through grilling.

2. Meanwhile, microwave rice according to package directions. In food processor combine tomatoes, green onions, and oregano; process with on/off turns until coarsely chopped. Transfer to bowl; stir in vinegar. Season with salt and pepper. Arrange chops on rice; top with tomato mixture.

Drink Alcohol in Moderation

Reduce Risk of Heart Disease

Multiple studies have suggested that a glass of wine or a cocktail with your meal can lower the risk of heart disease. In this way, alcohol is a way to cleanse the palate and help digestion. Moderation is the key to these benefits.

Men can enjoy two drinks per day, women can have one. More than that increases the risk for other diseases, like breast cancer.

Do You Cook Healthy?

Share Your Recipes Here!