MAKE SUMMER SIZZLE

Cape Girardeau, MO 06/02/2010 -- As the economy continues to affect summer spending this year, families are looking for creative ways to make the most of the season, without sacrificing fun in the sun or emptying their wallets. This season, focus on grilling as the quicker, healthier and energy-saving alternative to cooking indoors. The Pampered Chef Test Kitchens offer these expert tips to help grill masters everywhere make summer sizzle.

Heat it up Pre-heat the grill to prevent food from sticking. The rule of thumb is to carefully hold your hand five inches above the grates. For a "hot" fire, you'll be able to keep your hand over the grill for two seconds, or for a "medium hot" flame about four seconds.

Stay out Use the grill more often in the summer months to keep home energy costs low. By keeping the stove off and cooking outdoors, air conditioners don't have to work so hard to keep the indoor temperature comfortable.

Be prepared Have your tools, food and seasonings on hand before you start. Things could burn when running back and forth from the kitchen. Also, in case of emergency, have baking soda nearby, not water, to control grease fires.

Make 'em crunch Keep the lid up for smaller, delicate veggies to keep them from losing their crunch and becoming soggy. Put the lid down for veggies that benefit from a little steam, like winter squashes and potatoes.

Save the sauce for last It's a common mistake to put the sauce on at the beginning, but it can often result in a charred flavor. Wait until the last few minutes to brush on sauces and the end result will be a flavorful glaze, instead of a burned mess.

Grill something new "Summer-ize" dinner with grilled fruit, like pineapple or mangoes, or try more delicate foods, like asparagus, meatballs or even grilled Caesar salad. Try The Pampered Chef's great citrus shrimp recipe - it's sure to make this summer sizzle.

Citrus-Butter Shrimp Toss

While the rice pilaf cooks in the microwave, prepare and grill the shrimp and asparagus. Everything will finish cooking around the same time.

Asparagus Pilaf

¼ medium yellow onion

1 tbsp butter

1 cup uncooked jasmine rice

1¾ cups chicken broth

½ cup water

½ tsp salt

8 oz fresh asparagus spears, trimmed

Shrimp

1 lb medium uncooked shrimp (41-50 per pound), peeled and deveined, tails removed

1 tbsp plus 1 tsp Citrus & Basil Rub, divided

2 tbsp butter

1 garlic clove, pressed

3 tbsp chopped jarred pimento peppers

1 Prepare grill for direct cooking over medium-high heat. For pilaf, chop onion with Food Chopper; place onion and butter into Rice Cooker Plus. Microwave onion mixture, uncovered, on HIGH 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds. Add rice, broth, water and salt to cooker. Microwave according to package directions.

2 For shrimp, in Stainless (2-qt.) Mixing Bowl, toss shrimp with 1 tbsp of the rub. In Classic Batter Bowl, combine butter, remaining 1 tsp rub and garlic. Microwave butter mixture on HIGH 1 minute or until butter is melted; add pimentos and mix well.

3 Brush BBQ Grill Tray with vegetable oil; preheat on grill 3 minutes. Add shrimp and asparagus. Grill, covered, 4-6 minutes or until shrimp is opaque, turning occasionally. Remove shrimp from tray to butter mixture and toss to coat. Grill asparagus spears an additional 1-2 minutes or until cooked but still slightly firm. Remove asparagus from tray.

To serve, cut asparagus on a bias into 1-in. pieces; toss with rice. Serve shrimp over pilaf.

Yield: 4 servings

Nutrients per serving: Calories 330, Total Fat 11 g, Saturated Fat 5 g, Cholesterol 235 mg, Carbohydrate 23 g, Protein 33 g, Sodium 1070 mg, Fiber 2 g

For More Information

For more information about The Pampered Chef, hosting a Cooking Show or purchasing products please call Carol Nunnery, Andvanced Director for The Pampered Chef, at 573-334-5857 or visit her website at www.pamperedchef.biz/carolnunnery

About The Pampered Chef®

The Pampered Chef is the premier direct seller of high quality kitchen tools and part of Berkshire Hathaway. At in-home Cooking Shows, guests see and try products, prepare and sample recipes, and learn quick and easy food preparation techniques and tips on how to entertain with style and ease - transforming the simple to the spectacular. For more information call 1-800-266-5562 or visit www.pamperedchef.com.

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