A Note from Karen Keim

Have you smelled a waft of air from a nearby grill yet this spring? A smell that made your mouth water and stomach growl? A smell that creates visions of deliciousness in your mind? Fortunately, I sometimes smell that type of breeze as I drive in my own driveway. 

We are a grilling family. We grill out every week, rain or shine or even snow, except when we’re not home. We have an outdoor space for grilling that is directly outside of the kitchen and is covered. When grilling year-round in Ohio, this type of design layout just makes sense.

Our gas grill serves us well. We will try about anything grilled …meats, vegetables, potatoes, fruits, pizza, bread. The grill flavor makes almost anything taste good. Of course, we do have our favorites.

Our top pick is steak made with a marinade recipe that was in the cookbook that came with our very first grill years ago. We have enjoyed it often for Father’s Days, Christmases, birthdays, and even extended Keim family vacations. Here is the recipe in case you would like to try it sometime.

Steaks and Kabobs Marinade

·       1 ½ cups salad oil

·       ½ cup wine vinegar

·       1 ½ tsp. dried parsley flakes

·       1/3 cup fresh lemon juice

·       2 cloves garlic, crushed

·       ¾ cup soy sauce

·       ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce

·       2 Tbs. dry mustard

·       2 ¼ tsp. salt

·       1 Tbs. coarse, freshly ground pepper

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Makes about 3 ½ cups. Marinade can be drained from steaks or chops for a second use. Store tightly covered indefinitely in the freezer, or in the refrigerator for one week.

There are five of us in our family, and we all like our steak cooked differently. My personal preference is medium rare, with sautéed mushrooms on top. Others in the family like their steak with sautéed or grilled onions, and A1 drizzled on top. We often grill asparagus or broccoli as a side dish. It’s a delicious and healthy choice, since it’s seasoned with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grilled in a basket for 5-10 minutes. It comes together in no time! That is enough to fill us, and, if the dog is lucky, he might even get a little taste, but just a little one.

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This summer is a great time to visit Keim. Don't miss our Father’s Day Sale, June 14-19 which includes 20% off freedomRail Garage Storage Solutions. Enjoy the warmer weather, the longer daylight hours, and celebrating the special men in your life!

From my home to yours,