Marvelous Marinades
by Amy Hunt

Marinades are great in the summer because they're quick, add flavor, and can tenderize your food! Plus they are so easy to make, but make all the difference in the world when it comes to flavor

• It's always a good idea to start with natural fruit acid. Citrus juices help break down the protein. Orange juice and papaya juice work well, and lemon and lime are great for fish.

• Add a little sweetness! Some good additions are honey, brown sugar, sweet soy sauces or even maple syrup.

• Add some herbs or spices. Dried herbs are always handy to have around. Art enjoys using freshly ground black pepper or minced garlic. And if you need a little spice in your life, add some chiles for a picante flavor!

• Don't add too much oil to your marinade—it can add unnecessary fat that can make your food catch on fire! It's also smart to go easy on the sugar and sodium. Too much sugar can caramelize

and make your food burn, and too much sodium can spoil the taste of your food.

Lime Honey Marinade

1/2 cup lime juice
5 medium garlic cloves, minced or pressed\
1/3 cup oil
1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup cilantro, finely chopped
1 jalapeño pepper, finely chopped
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon cumin

Mix all ingredients together. Marinade meat for several hours or overnight and grill. This versatile marinade works well for chicken, fish, shrimp or even pork. Marinade your meat, then simply grill it for an easy meal.

Mustard Marinade for Country Style Ribs

1/3 c. Dijon mustard
2 tbsp. red wine vinegar
1/4 c. olive oil or salad oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. thyme
1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp. pepper

In small bowl combine mustard and vinegar. Beating constantly with a wire whisk, add oil, a few drops at a time. Then beat in garlic, thyme, Worcestershire sauce and pepper. Pour over country style beef ribs in a shallow pan. Let stand for about 2 hours. Lift ribs from marinade and grill 4 to 6 inches above hot coals, 20 to 25 minutes.

* DVO welcomes your kitchen hints and cooking or nutrition questions! Email us and we'll post your hints and Q/A's in upcoming newsletters! *