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Interviews with

MARLA MERIDITH - familyfreshcooking.com

Family Fresh Cooking invites people to discover the wonderful world of cooking at home. Marla Meridith presents delicious whole food recipes made beautiful and accessible. She emphasizes a balance between great health, mindful eating and "everything in moderation." She believes the best way to nourish our minds and bodies is through satisfying meals with loved ones.


DARA MICHALSKI - cookincanuck.com

Cookin' Canuck, written by Dara Michalski, is packed with easy, innovative recipes. Dara believes that food is about more than just eating. It is the experience of cooking together and sharing the dishes with family and friends.

 

What's the most enjoyable thing about cooking outside on a grill
and why did you decide to host "Get Grillin 2011?"

Marla

Cooking on the grill offers lots of creative freedom, exceptional flavors and a reason to get outdoors to enjoy the fresh air! I wanted to host Get Grillin' 2011 to share my love of grilling with my online community. Life is so much more fun with shared experiences, outdoor BBQ's being one of them.

Dara

There is something almost magical about cooking and eating outside, particularly when surrounded by family and friends. With the sounds of the kids giggling as they run through the sprinkler, the ice cream truck driving by and the hummingbirds whizzing overhead at top speed, it is easy to shred the stresses of the day.

Marla and I decided to host Get Grillin' 2011 because we wanted to promote a feeling a community amongst bloggers and with our readers. Everyone loves to eat great dishes and many people like to cook. What better way to share recipes and ideas for summer grilling?

What is your favorite grilling memory?

Marla

My favorite memory is coming home from long days of high school and sitting down to a wonderful meal grilled by my dad. He would alternate between steak, grilled burgers (with cheese of course!) and BBQ chicken. My mom would make a giant salad to go with it. Meal time with friends and loved ones can never be underestimated. Precious memories & giggles are everlasting.

Dara

The day after my husband and I got married, my parents hosted a barbeque for the wedding party, family and close friends. My aunt, uncle and cousin and her husband insisted on taking care of the menu and every bit of cooking. Under the instruction of my cousin's husband, they produced a feast of sushi, green papaya salad, and many items straight from the grill, including a wicked version of chicken satay. It was a day of laughter and great food as we rehashed every moment of the wedding day.

Many people don't think of cheese as a "cookout" item
- why should they add cheese to their grilling menus?

Marla

Cheese is one of the most versatile ingredients out there. Not only is it great on juicy burgers but it is wonderful for all side dishes as well. From giant green salads to fruit and cheese platters to pasta salads. Cheese is a must have at cookouts.

Dara

Truthfully, I can't imagine a barbeque without cheese. We are fans of grilling pizza dough and slathering on toppings such as Brie with fresh vegetables and herbs. Of course, there is nothing better than a perfectly cooked burger set on a toasted bun, with melted cheese dripping down the sides (if I had my way, it would be Brie every time).

What are a couple of your favorite "summer dishes" that feature cheese?

Marla

Greek salads, roasted veggies with crumbled cheese, baked brie appetizer, mac and cheese, pasta salad with grilled veggies and cheese, grilled cheese, apple pie with a side of cheese. We love my Green Salad with Goat Cheese Pecan Balls & Raspberry Dressing.

Dara

Every summer, we plant a vegetable garden. Halfway through summer, the garden is exploding with summer squash, tomatoes, and basil, to name a few items. One of the greatest pleasures is picking a tomato, still warm from the sun, pairing it with cheese and basil, and drizzling it with fruity olive oil.

When entertaining in the summer, we look for simple crostini recipes to serve as appetizers. One of our favorites is a cheese fondue crostini. We simply throw leftover pieces of cheese (Brie and Saint Andre work well for these) in the food processor with a little white wine and garlic. Spread the cheese mixture on pieces of baguette and broil for an irresistible appetizer.

How has blogging improved / changed your cooking?

Marla

Blogging has encouraged me to think outside the box with my cooking. I love experimenting with new flavors and passing along healthy, creative, delicious ideas to my readers. It has also enabled my kids to become little helpers in my kitchen and my photography studio. They inspire me to come up with fit, fabulous food daily.

Dara

Well, first of all, it takes me a heck of a lot longer to cook anything because I take photos along the way. However, blogging has pushed me to explore many different ingredients and cooking methods. I try to come up with unique versions of classic dishes that taste great and are easy enough for the home cook to prepare.

What are you most looking forward to about hosting
the "Get Grillin 2011" event?

Marla

I am looking forward to teaming up with Dara to encourage people to cook & grill at home. It will be fun to share new recipes with our readers and to see what everyone else is grilling up for the summer! The fun thing about online events is there is always a party to go to :)

Dara

I am really excited to present this event with Marla and to see what great recipes people submit. Food is such a universally pleasing topic, so we hope Get Grillin' 2011 will be a great way to connect bloggers and readers.

 


Cheese Families
 
Types of Cheese Recipes
 
Cheese Recipe Index
 
 
 
 
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