T.H.E. (Trying Hard Everyday) TEAM ~ Week 19 ~ WELCOME!!

lulu- veggie grilling. Love it!! I have several different ideas for ya but my absolute favorite thing to do is to make veggie kabobs using onions, whole mushrooms, zucchini, tomatoes and 1/2 steamed mini potatoes or just whatever veggies you favor and get creative with the seasoning.

Here are a couple things Ive done to season them up a bit. I usually wash the veggies and give them a light spray with nonstick spray, then sprinkle on the seasoning then let it sit for about 20 minutes or so to act like a little marinade. (that way I dont have to use alot of oil) And since its not meat, I use whatever is in the dish to brush or drizzle on the veggies a couple minutes before they are done.

Lipton Onion soup mix dry & a little garlic salt (just sprinkle it on... awesome on zucchini & taters!)

Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing mix dry & a little salt (good on everything vegetable & on chicken)

A sprinkle of lemon pepper, garlic powder and lawrys seasoning salt. (good on everything vegetables) This is a favorite do ahead when I find meat on sale. I rinse the meat and sprinkle on the seasoning then freeze it in a ziplock back. When ready to make it, pull it out and defrost it and it will marinade in the seasoning as it defrosts. You can slap it on the grill or bake it in the oven. VERY good with chicken and steaks!

3-4 cloves of fresh crushed garlic & 1 cup olive oil. (Brush it on as it cooks) This recipe is good for about 3-4 pounds of meat or veggies. I like to sprinkle with a little bit of garlic salt also but you can leave that off. It still tastes good.

IF you like spicy... try this texan rub... its awesome on seafood, beef, chicken, pork AND veggies. but I'll warn ya... its a hot one, so use sparingly on whatever you use it on. The recipe makes 1 1/2 cups and I usually make it up and store it in an airtight container in my spice cupboard so I have it on hand when I want it. It will keep for several months.

1/2 cup course salt
1/2 cup cracked or course ground black pepper
1/4 cup paprika
3 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons Cayenne pepper ( or use 1 if you want it to kick but not be spicy, spicy)
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme

Mix it all together and store away from heat and light.

Also, another of my favorites for all types of meat and veggies is this next one. You can store covered in the cupboard and use it the same way as the recipe above. This ones not hot or spicy but be careful not to use too much as it will taste a bit too salty if you use too much (IMO). It has a sweet and smoky flavor to it.

2/3 cup packed brown sugar
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup paprika
1/4 cup seasoned salt
1/4 cup onion salt
1/4 cup celery salt
2 tablespoons fresh ground black pepper
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons mustard powder
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon cayanne pepper

Mix together and use to sprinkle veggies. Can be used as a dry rub for meats (only do 1 side).

April & Cyndee- Thats exactly the point I made the the case worker on the phone. I told her if she wanted the darn money then to do her job and collect it from him. Boy was she not happy with me!! Oh well.. she can kiss my butt. Hes the one not paying when he should and they are the ones who cant do simple math!

Aparently what happened was... he was 2 months behind.. march & april...so they sent out a bank garnishment at the end of april for those 2 months. Around mid may i got march, april & what I thought was part of may's child support. It turns out that I should have gotten march & april, but that the money that they applied to may, was applied to my account by mistake as it didnt actually come from him or the bank draft.

The really messed up part is, that 2 days ago I called the case worker to find out when or IF they were going to get the rest of the may payment since it is now past due. She said "hmmm I'll have to look into it." Next thing I know Im getting a notice from them saying that the amount paid to me for May (which wasnt even 1/2 the support I get each month) was applied to my account by mistake and that they want me to send them the money until he actually does pay.

Yeah right, like thats ever gonna happen!!! She is supposed to put out another bank draft after the first which will include May, June & July. Which would be great. I just have to hope and pray he has enough money in that specific checking account to cover the 3 months.. otherwise I get screwed again.

(sigh)