Date Night for Two with Kingsford Original

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #KingsfordFlavor #CollectiveBias

It’s hard to believe that it’s already July! The time has just flown by with get-togethers and trips leaving little time to just enjoy our surroundings and relax. One thing that we always say we’re going to do is stay home one night and cook dinner. Recently, I was at The Home Depot and saw the Kingsford Original Twinpack and decided it’s time to have that dinner.

That sweet scent of the grill is the best. With the cooler night air, it’s nice to just take it easy outside with some home cooking. The Home Depot is currently running a special on the Kingsford Original Twinpack – 2 bags for $9.88!!! Found in the camping/outdoor grilling section (right as I walked in) and huge in-store displays. The price is great too as The Home Depot is currently running a special that has nearly cut the cost in half! (The timing is perfect for this holiday weekend!)

Once I had the Kingsford Original charcoal, it was time to get the food in gear. We headed to the grocery store determined it was going to be our best, first home grilled dinner. We went home, ready to prepare delicious and easy portions to cook out. What’s great for cooking with charcoal is that you can take it essentially anywhere. A small grill in the back deck / patio or even venturing out to the park to enjoy the fresh air.

How to use the charcoal: If you’ve never grilled using charcoal before it’s incredibly easy. Place the briquets close together on the bottom of the grill (about 40 pieces). Light (with newspaper or lighter fluid) and let them burn for 10-15 minutes. They’ll be ready for cooking once the they are lightly covered in ash and gray in color. Ensure this is done prior to any food being placed on the grill. (There are directions to reference on the back of the bag.)

Charcoal is great because it allows you to control the heat. We kept the charcoal mostly on one half of the grill for high heat and allowed the other half to have a bit of a lower temperature. This is dependent on what’s being placed on the grill. The following items were prepared ahead of time – easy preparation and transportation to the grill.

Grilled potatoes is one of my favorites.
1. Chop potatoes into small bite-sized portions (the smaller the size, the quicker they will cook). 2. Season evenly with Montreal Steak seasoning, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and a couple small scoops of butter on top.
3. Don’t be afraid to get your hands in there to mix them around. Wrap / seal in aluminum foil. These will take a little longer so be sure to throw these on the grill first.

This grilled corn on the cob is also my favorite. Who am I kidding, I was all about the veggies! 1. Prior to placing the corn on the cob on the grill, soak in water for 10 minutes. This will prevent the corn from drying out (unless you’re going for popcorn). The corn will also take some time so place shortly after the potatoes and rotate frequently.
2. Check the corn by opening the husks and checking the tenderness. This will be the best corn you’ve ever had. Pretty sure, I surprised Spencer with this one. He loved it!

The grilled zucchini and asparagus were easy as well.
1. Slice, drizzle on the olive oil and sprinkle with season salt (on one side).
These will be the quickest items that we cooked so only give them 8-12 minutes so so. Ensure they’re rotated while on the grill.

The steak! We picked up this great steak and it was really fit for two people. Seasoned with season salt and/or fajita seasoning and thrown right on the grill.
The tip to grilling steaks is to not touch them very often. Let them sit and cook to your preference on one side and flip. Remember, they’ll continue to cook once taken off the grill.
The best in our opinion is medium-rare, and Chef Spencer aced this one.

This was the perfect date night for us after ending a busy weekend. Sometimes it’s nice and relaxing to just make the meal yourself and stay closer to home, enjoy your surroundings and the ones you are with. We’re already planning the next grilling night!

Are you now in the mood to grill? What’s your favorite grilled dish? Head on over to your nearest The Home Depot store to pick up Kingsford Original Twinpack. (Click here to find the store nearest you.)
Find more creative recipe inspirations here.

Hook ’em Horns – A Personal Tour of UT Austin

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There’s nothing more exciting than experiencing somewhere new with someone who absolutely loves what (or where) you are about to enjoy. We recently were in Austin for the weekend and during our time in the city, I received a tour from one of UT’s biggest fans and alums.

We started our morning early (to beat the heat if we’re being honest) and began our tour. First thing, we walked by the football stadium and Texas War Memorial just outside the stadium. This memorial is dedicated to all of the American Veterans in all wars. This memorial is vast, it’s incredible to see all of the names. Honestly, I never knew this was here but what a great tribute at a location where thousands come every year.

Having attended a much, much, much smaller campus, UT’s campus was both a fascination and a confusion. This campus is huge and walking around touring the buildings took us well over an hour. If I had provided a tour of my campus, it would’ve taken maybe, 20 minutes. The best example is the size of classrooms. Although, not all classrooms are this size, my trusty tour guide made sure to bring me into a room that he knew would blow my perspective. This is a large lecture hall. I’m quite certain, my entire college graduating class could’ve fit in this classroom (and I would’ve known the majority of them).

Perhaps the most iconic building on campus is the UT tower. Inside, you will find elaborate details in the ceiling and outside the Life Sciences library with marble floors and stairs. Outside, looking down thru the South Mall, you will find the State Capital building is directly to the south. Surrounded by the “six-pack” (six buildings surrounding the mall), there are various statues of historical leaders including Jefferson Davis, Woodrow Wilson and George Washington. It’s an incredible view on a historical campus. We even got to see a bride and groom greet each other on the tower steps for the first time before their wedding.

Here are a few more photographs from our walking tour…

One of the best ways to experience a new place is to experience it with someone who absolutely loves it. You’ll see the best of the best, hear endless stories of their experience and be brought to some locations that only the locals would know about. You won’t just get to see the cover on the book, you’ll really get into the nitty gritty what makes this such a special place.

Have you had an opportunity to experience somewhere new (to you) with someone who absolutely loved where you were at?

Our Austin Recap – Food & Brews

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Hello Friends!

This past weekend, we headed to Austin for a mini reunion, great food, exploration and a lot of fun! I have to admit, all of my adventures should be credited to my trusty tour guide. We had so much fun and such happy bellies. It was the perfect blend of relaxation, adventures and having fun!

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Once we arrived, we wanted to just relax for a few. Lucky for us, there is a great little bar nearby from where we were staying. The Crown & Anchor Pub was perfect for us. A great selection of microbrews (including many of Austin’s finest). Each night has three beers on special, really fast and friendly service and apparently their burgers are a huge hit. Even enjoy $11 pitchers. Atmosphere – your pub with a ton of pictures and memorabilia on the walls, sit on high stools or at a regular table, there’s room for everyone inside or out on the covered patio (dogs welcome).

Friday’s dinner hit the spot after a traffic filled drive down SB35 at Mandola’s Italian Market. There’s something to be said when you ask what some favorites are and you’re told “between me and my family we’ve had everything and we’ve never been disappointed”, you know it’s going to be good! Spencer picked his “usual”, Tortellini Moda Mia and I opted for Shrimp Scampi. Add a glass of wine (you at least need a glass) and it was perfection in it’s finest. Full bellies, big smiles and a great evening. This is also an Italian Market so leave some time to check out what else they have to offer.

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Menu Description: Tortellini Moda Mia (Classic pasta stuffed with chicken, pork, mortadella, prosciutto, ricotta and Parmigiano, in a cream sauce with peas & mushrooms). Mandolas-7850

Menu Description: Shrimp Scampi (Large gulf shrimp sauteed in butter, garlic, white wine and fresh lemon juice, served with Fettuccine Alfredo).

Saturday morning left what I had been super excited about – a tour of the University of Texas. We walked campus for about two hours, let’s just say we worked up an appetite. Spencer went 2 for 2 in the food department. Sandwich shops are the best but when you find a great one that understands the art of making a great sandwich, you stick with it. Fricano’s Deli finds the perfect freshly made bread to sandwich filling ratio. Two important key’s of info – get the sour dough and make sure it’s grilled. Your sandwich will be crispy on the outside and gooey melted cheese and greatness on the inside. (Great on prices.)

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Menu Description: Turkey Special (Turkey, cucumber, sprouts, avocado & provolone on your choice of bread.

Speaking of the University of Texas – does Cain and Able’s ring a bell to any of Texas grads? A pure college bar and an extensive line-up of brews. This is a great haunt especially if it’s game day (I’ll have to check that out this fall). I’m not sure which I enjoyed better, the bar or the unending college stories that goes with this place. Either way, can’t go wrong.

Everything’s bigger in Texas right? Well, even around the biggest, you can still find a tiny gem. Let me introduce you to the Tiniest Bar in Texas. Found down on 5th and Bowie, have a seat and enjoy a cold one. Hungry? There’s a small food park connected. Friendly people, great brew variety and relaxation at your fingertips.

If we haven’t had enough adventures, more awaited on Sunday. Austin is full of great art and murals. Perhaps you’ve seen a few. We headed on over south of the Colorado River to find Jo’s Coffee for the beloved I Love You So Much wall. Didn’t disappoint for a quick picture.

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We then headed directly across the street to grab a scoop of Amy’s Ice Cream. Pick a flavor, add a topping(s) and be ready to bring a little coolness to your summer day. Our picks were Mexican Vanilla with cookie dough and Blackberry with rainbow sprinkles. Hit the spot! Each time I go to Austin and get to know it a little bit more, it seems a little smaller and a little more familiar. I suppose it helps that I’m welcome with so many other Subaru’s on the road. The food and beverages are great, the people are wicked friendly and it’s all about taking it easy. Life is good folks, life is good!

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Have you had a chance to check any of these locations out? Which are your favorites?