Rainy Summer in Michigan

Remember Michigan Spring? If you need a reminder, check my post from March. Well, summer in Michigan isn't that much different sometimes. There are these strange days when it's 75 and sunny, but those are just weird and make me feel all happy and bubbly inside. All sarcasm aside, Michigan is a beautiful state which I am proud to be a resident of, however this rainy summer has put a cloud over my pride. There is no weather that will stop me from cooking. It is officially summer, I am officially grilling...with an umbrella. The chicken in this recipe is worth the sopping wet t-shirt and jeans that I was wearing in 60 degree Michigan summer.

This is where the magic happens.

Blueberry BBQ

I made chicken thighs in a blueberry BBQ sauce, some Mustard and Dill Yukon potatoes, and grilled asparagus.

BBQ

1/4 cup of A1 sauce

1/4 Worcestershire sauce

1/4 ketchup

2 tablespoons of American Spoon Blueberry jam

1 tablespoon of brown sugar

2 teaspoons paprika

1 teaspoon dried dill weed

1 teaspoon dried minced garlic

1 teaspoon dried minced onion

freshly ground pepper to taste

1. Mix ingredients.

2. Add thawed chicken thighs.

3. Marinate for at least 2 hours for best results but can be used as a glaze during grilling.

4. Grill with sizzling flavor for around 10 minutes, depending on your grill. Just check for no pink in the chicken.

Dill and Ground Mustard Potatoes

About 1 pound of small Yukon Gold Potatoes (baby potatoes)

1 tablespoon ground mustard

1 tablespoon of sour cream

2 teaspoons of dried (or fresh..yum!) dill

1 tablespoon of olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

1. Cut potatoes in large chunks and boil until cooked all the way through.

2. Mix the rest of the ingredients.

3. Pour dressing on potatoes and serve.

Grilled Asparagus

1 Bunch of Asparagus

1 tablespoon of olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

Do you know how to easily get rid of the woody portion of the asparagus? The best way possible it to hold the asparagus in your with the tip in one hand and the bottom in the other. Bend the asparagus forward and let it "Snap!" in order to get rid of the woody portion. This is one of my favorite things to do, especially after a long day that has been frustrating. : ) Go ahead and snap some asparagus to get rid of some of that stress.

1. Mix the asparagus in the olive oil, salt and pepper.

2. Grill very quick until you get some nice char marks. No more than 5 minutes.

This dish was so perfect for this rainy day. The BBQ chicken was sweet, tangy, and perfectly smokey. The potatoes were a comforting canvas for the chicken while the asparagus reminded me that it was really summer with it's fresh green earthy flavor. I hope that no matter where you are, weather will not stop you from grilling in the summer.

Rain or shine, pleasant eating!