Picture a Day - Day 176

Hurray! Summer is here! (ignoring the fact that it turned cold and rainy overnight)

A time for late nights spent chasing fireflys, cold drinks on hot days, camping out in front of the pool and lots of grilling.
So of course that means meat prices are going to soar because everyone will want to be flocked around the grill asking what's so good (cursed supply and demand).

But have no fear, marinade is here!

I actually learned this one from my Mother-in-Law. It's a favorite of my husbands so I gave it a few tries using the meat du jor (flank steak) but I've started to branch it out to anything that's tough or has little to no marbling.

Basically this makes any steak you normally would never let near an open flame just perfect for that quick sear.

First you need a cut of meat that was a bit on sale. You'll want to score it. Then just mix all this together:

1/2 cup Italian dressing
2 TBSP brown sugar
2 TBSP soy sauce
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp garlic

I know, it looks like such a weird combination but it gets this very interesting and specific flavoring. It's a little sweet from the brown sugar and a little salty from the soy sauce, but the Italian dressing gives it a more meaty flavor.

I generally just make it the night before, then in the morning before work flip the meat over once and when we come home toss these puppies out on the grill.

That's how I secretly turn a cheap piece of meat into something almost dinner party ready. And sadly that's about the only recession tip I have. Unless you want me to try and turn your drapes into a big pile of fabric on the floor. I can probably handle that.