The Texas Hill Country is known for its rich culinary traditions, and one of the most revered traditions is grilling. The art of preparing meat over an open flame has been passed down through generations and refined by home cooks and professionals alike for hundreds of years. The result? A unique and flavorful style of cooking featuring charred-but-fresh flavors and tender, juicy meats. The sizzling sounds and mouth-watering aromas of the grill are sure to tantalize the taste buds and make any summer gathering a hit. So let's grab the tongs, fire up the grill, and get cooking!
Grilled Pineapple Margarita
A unique and delicious twist on the classic cocktail that's perfect for summer. To make this drink, chunks of fresh pineapple are grilled until caramelized and then blended with tequila, lime juice, and triple sec. The result is a sweet and smoky flavor that perfectly complements the tangy lime and tequila. Garnish with grilled pineapple wedges and a sprinkle of chili powder for an extra kick.
Ingredients:
1 pineapple, peeled and sliced into rounds
1/4 cup lime juice
1/4 cup tequila
2 tablespoons triple sec
1 tablespoon honey
Salt for rimming glasses
Directions:
1. Heat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Grill pineapple slices until lightly charred, about 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Remove from grill and dice.
4. In a blender, combine diced pineapple, lime juice, tequila, triple sec, and honey. Blend until smooth.
5. Rim glasses with salt, if desired, and pour the margarita over ice.
Honey and Pepper Jelly Chicken Sandwich
This is a perfect combination of sweet and spicy flavors. The chicken is juicy and tender, coated in a glaze made from honey and pepper jelly. The sandwich is then topped with candied jalapenos and red onion, adding a sweet and crunchy texture. The cream cheese adds a creamy and tangy touch that balances the heat. This sandwich is a delicious and unique option for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Lost Buddy Garden Salt
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup Pepper Jelly
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Cream cheese
Candied jalapenos
Sliced red onion
Directions:
1. Heat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, pepper jelly, olive oil, and garlic.
4. Brush chicken with pepper jelly mixture.
5. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve on a toasted bun with cream cheese, candied jalapenos, lettuce, and onion.
Corn on the Cob and Red Beans Salad with Cotija Cheese
This recipe combines sweet corn on the cob with savory red beans and tangy cotija cheese for a delicious and filling salad. The Lost Buddy Rub on the corn makes this the only side that you will ever need, toss it with red beans, cilantro, and lime juice, then top with crumbled cotija cheese. Enjoy the flavors of fresh vegetables and cheese in every bite!
Ingredients:
4 ears of corn, husks removed
4 tablespoons olive oil
Lost Buddy Dry Rub
1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
1 can of drained red beans
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 lime, cut into wedges
Directions:
1. Heat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush corn with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill corn for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until lightly charred.
4. Remove kernels from the cob, mix with red beans and olive oil, and sprinkle with cotija cheese and cilantro.
5. Serve with lime wedges.
Grilled Peach Sundae
Even on a hot summer day, the grilled peach adds a warm, caramelized flavor to the cool, creamy ice cream, creating a perfect balance. The sundae topped with pecans and a drizzle of caramel just makes it feel like a hill country treat. The combination of flavors and textures creates a satisfying and indulgent dessert that leaves you feeling content and happy. Enjoying a Grilled Peach Sundae is the perfect way to treat yourself at the end of a long day grilling.
Ingredients:
4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Vanilla ice cream
Caramel sauce
Chopped pecans
Directions:
1. Heat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon.
3. Sprinkle the sugar mixture over the cut sides of the peaches.
4. Grill peaches cut-side down for 3-4 minutes until lightly charred.
5. Serve peach halves with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, and a sprinkle of chopped pecans.
A Culinary Journey
Jared's passion for cooking began in the Hill Country, working in various restaurants around Boerne. Seeking adventure, he took off to Colorado to live in the mountains and to work at Rex's family of restaurants and French bistro Bon Vivant nestled 11,000 feet above sea level. He also traveled to Vermont to hone his catering skills at Basin Harbor Club, where he contributed to numerous events and weddings, including one with over 900 guests.
Now home in Texas, Jared creates unforgettable experiences for diners in the comfort of their own homes. As your personal chef, Jared is committed to crafting meals that will leave you and your guests raving for years to come.
Learn more at yourculinaryexperience.com and lostbuddyspices.com.