Thursday, May 31, 2012

Summer Cookout

We had been at the beach house all weekend and nothing sounded better than having our own little cookout and spending the evening at home. I ran by a local market to pick up the freshest vegetables and headed to the grocery store for all the essentials. What was on the menu, might you ask? Nothing better than charcoal grilled hamburgers, cucumber and tomato salad AND fried green tomatoes. Yep.

So the fried green tomatoes were sort of an afterthought after I saw them at the veggie stand. We usually have them a few times each summer and so far we had not devoured any. I used this recipe to fry up that delicious goodness. Have you ever had a fried green tomato?
 Don't cringe until you try one.


In times past, I have served mine with pimiento cheese. It just doesn't get any more southern. But, I had an itch to try something new and I have to say it was absolutely divine. In fact, I served both in case nobody liked my new version, but in fact everyone preferred it! All you have to do is add goat cheese crumbles and a spoonful of pepper jelly to the top of your tomato. Truly amazing.


I also made another southern staple, the Cucumber + Tomato Salad. Lucky for us, Stephen had his first cucumber fresh from the garden ready to eat that night.


I used Paula Deen's Cucumber, Tomato and Onion Salad Recipe and it did not disappoint. I added a little more apple cider vinegar because too much is never enough for this salad.


When we sat down for dinner I was thoroughly excited. Stephen's parents joined us at the last minute and also brought over some macaroni and cheese.


This menu might be making an appearance again sometime soon- it was that good! Especially for a weekend night when it is time to indulge. What is on your summer cookout menu? Do share! 

Thank you for your sweet comments and messages yesterday- y'all are the best! 
Hope you have a great Thursday- xo.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

I LOVE cucumber and tomato salad, growing up we had it every night in the summer. My mom always made it with italian dressing, but I will definitely be trying Paula's recipe!

Sarah said...

My mouth just watered at the sight of that burger and mac n' cheese. OMG yum!! My mom makes a cucumber, onion, & tomato salad too. It's so good!!

Ashley {styleash} said...

There's a hot dog place in Chicago that uses green tomatoes. But, I've never had them fried- must try !

pam {simple details} said...

I'm so ready for good 'ole burger on the grill. Your entire menu looks like one to copy, for sure!

Morgan Neal said...

I'm definitely goin to try to pick some green tomatoes up now! Love them!

Jill @ ACharmedLife said...

that cucumber salad looks amazing!!! so healthy yet sooo yummy :) XO!

Samantha Green said...

yumm, the fried green tomatoes sound amazing. we don't tend to do that here in england but i might just introduce them at our next BBQ :) xx

henning love said...

sounds like a wonderful meal! i think i have tried fried green tomatoes at one point in my life but with goat cheese and pepper jelly sounds yummy! those burgers look good

Laura said...

It all looks delicious!

Laura xo

Allyson McGuire said...

These all look so good!

Hilliary Meisner said...

Cucumber and tomato salad is a favorite! SOunds like a fun time!

Alexandra Bee Blog said...

Simple meals like that are sometimes my favorite--I love summer cook outs!

Mrs. Type A said...

fried green tomatoes are my favoriteeeee :)