Low Calorie BBQ Alternatives

Long ago and far away, middle eastern soldiers developed a way of cooking that is still in use today. Back then they used their swords to hold pieces of meat and veggies while they cooked them over an open fire. Today with swords in short supply we use skewers made of metal or bamboo. If using bamboo or wood skewers it helps to soak them in water first so they don't catch fire, thereby turning the kebob into pieces of charcoal.

Also, we are more likely to use various kinds of meat, fish, lamb, beef, pork and any of a number of veggies. There are even dessert kebobs. It helps to plan what kind of kebob you are going to have so your guests can have a variety of items to choose from. Select foods which go well together then wash, tenderize or marinate them.

When the fire is almost ready arrange the food on platters, get your skewers ready and put out the bowls of sauce. You can put veggies and meats together on one skewer or arrange the skewers so each one is cooking a certain meat or vegetable. Remember to push the foods together to keep them from slipping.

It helps if you have a guide to general preparation. Cut most meats and fish into 1 to 1 1/2 inch cubes. Marinate the less tender cuts of meat and lean sea food several hours ahead of time. You can also wrap them in bacon or salt pork before skewering. To make sure all the food on one skewer will be done at the same time, select only firm fruits and vegetables. Leave very tender fruits and vegetables unpeeled. Cut soft or fast cooking foods in large pieces and harder or slow cooking foods in smaller pieces. Put the skewered foods in a hand grill (if you have one) to barbeque a quantity with ease. And last, but not least....barbecue kebobs over a very hot fire and turn often.

APPETIZER KEBOBS: make a conversation piece for any outdoor party or picnic. Weave a piece of bacon between each piece of food, thread chunks of pineapple, squares of crisp green or red peppers and jumbo size olives onto skewers. Barbecue until bacon is crisp.

PICKLE ON A STICK: Spread thinly sliced Canadian bacon with your favorite cheese spread. Wrap meat around a small sweet pickle or strip of dill pickle. Thread several wrapped pickles, crosswise, onto a skewer; brush with melted butter. Barbecue kebobs close to coals until heated and lightly browned.

ORIENTAL KEBOBS: 1 pound each boned leg of lamb and top sirloin of beef. (2 pounds of meat makes about 8 servings.) 1 (20 oz.) can pineapple chunks; 1 recipe Teriyaki Marinade; 1 (9 oz.) jar jumbo size pitted ripe olives, drained. TERIYAKI MERINADE: 3/4 cup canned pineapple juice (from pineapple chunks); 2 Tbsp. soy sauce; 2 Tbsp. lemon juice; 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 1 small bay leaf; 1/8 tsp. ground cloves. Early in the day cut the meat into 1 1/2 inch cubes. Drain juice from can of pineapple and set aside the chunks; use juice for preparation of teriyaki marinade with soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, bay leaf and cloves. Marinate cubes of meat in teriyaki marinade for several hours at room temperature. Drain the meat and reserve remaining marinade. Alternate meat, pineapple and olives on skewers. Brush skewered foods with marinade and grill for 15 minutes, turning frequently until meat is done to your liking.

DESSERT KEBOBS: ORANGE BANANA KEBOBS: Peel navel oranges and cut, crosswise, into 1/2 inch thick slices. Peel very firm bananas and cut into slices 1 to 1 1/2 inch thick. Brush banana slices with light corn syrup and then roll in finely chopped peanuts. String alternate slices of orange and bananas on skewers. Grill over coals just until peanuts are toasted. Serve hot.

THREE FRUIT KEBOBS: Drain canned pineapple chunks and jumbo size maraschino cherries; set aside. Cut unpeeled wedges of firm avocado pear. Mix together in a bowl a little orange juice, honey and a dash of cinnamon. Alternate pineapple, cherries and avocado wedges on skewers. Brush kebobs with honey mixture. Grill over hot coals just until avocado is hot, turning and brushing frequently with more honey mixture.

Now with all these interesting food ideas there is no excuse for not having a kebobbing good time for your party!