Zucchini Bake

2 medium-sized zucchini, sliced in half-moon slices
2 medium-sized yellow squash, cut in half-moon slices
2 tsp. basil
2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. thyme
3/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup Parmesan
Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350º.  Grease an 8x8 baking dish; set aside.

In a mixing bowl, combine ingredients and put in baking dish.  Bake uncovered for 25 - 30 minutes.  Remove from oven and sprinkle more cheese on top if desired.  Bake 10 - 15 minutes longer, or until cheese is browned and zucchini is cooked.

Seven-Layer Bean Dip

2 cans refried beans (can use homemade version HERE)
2 ripe avocados
1 tsp. lime juice
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. onion powder
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 can olives, sliced
1/2 onion, diced
2 Roma tomatoes, diced

In the bottom of a 9x13 pan, spread refried beans in a flat layer; set aside.

In a food processor or stick blender, combine, avocados, lime juice, garlic and onion powder.  Spread on top of refried beans.  Spread sour cream on top of avocado layer (covering completely so avocados don't turn brown).  Sprinkle cheddar cheese, olives onions and tomatoes on top.  Refrigerate several hours before serving.

Serve with tortilla strips.

Gravy made from Drippings

3 Tbsp. butter
3 Tbsp. flour
2-4 cups drippings or broth
Salt
Pepper

Melt butter in pan. Slowly whisk in flour until a roux (or paste) forms. Whisk in drippings over medium heat until desired consistency and thickness. Season with salt and pepper.

Potato Salad

Red potatoes

Eggs

Dill pickles

Mayonnaise

Onion Powder

Garlic powder

Salt

Pepper

Instant Pot Method:

Place the desired number of potatoes in an instant pot using the bottom rack and 1 - 2 cups of water.  Add eggs on top of potatoes.   Pressure cook for 5 minutes and quick release.  Place eggs in an ice water bath and let potatoes cool on the counter.

Stovetop Method:

Boil potatoes in a large pot of water until fork tender - do not over cook.  Approximately 20 - 30 minutes, depending on size.  Drain and let cool.

Place eggs in a small pan and cover with cold water.  When water boils, remove from heat and cover with a lid.  Let sit for 10 minutes.  Then place eggs in an ice water bath to cool.

Dice potatoes, eggs and pickles and put in a large salad bowl.  Add mayonnaise (enough to coat), garlic, onion powder, salt and pepper to taste; mix well.  

Refrigerate several hours before serving.

Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches

2 chicken breasts*
Barbecue sauce
Buns

Place chicken in cock-pot, pour barbecue sauce over chicken, enough to coat.  Cook on high for 4 - 6 hours; shred.

Place shredded chicken on buns.  Top sandwich with coleslaw found HERE if desired (highly recommended!).

*chicken breasts may be frozen, adjust cooking time accordingly.

Rice Pilaf

4 Tbsp. butter
6 clothes garlic, minced
2 cups rice, uncooked
5 cups chicken broth, divided
1 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. lemon juice

Preheat oven to 375º.

In a saucepan or skillet, melt butter over medium heat.  Add garlic and rice and cook until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes.  Stir in 2 cups of broth, salt and pepper; bring to a boil.  Pour mixture into a large casserole dish, cover and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove from oven and add remaining 3 cups of broth, stir, cover and bake for another 15 - 25 minutes, until water is absorbed and rice is tender.  Stir in lemon juice and fluff with a fork.

Mesquite Salmon

1 Weber Mesquite Marinade Mix seasoning packet
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup olive oil
2 lbs. salmon filets

Combine marinade mix, water and oil in a resealable plastic bag; mix well.  add meat, turning to coat.  Seal bag; marinate in refrigerator for 15 - 30 minutes.  Remove meat and discard remaining marinade.

Preheat oven to 350º.

Place filets in a hot, oven-safe frying pan*, on medium heat.  Brown filets on each side.  Frying tip:  When flesh is loose from pan, it's browned and ready to flip.

Place frying pan in oven and finish cooking for 5 - 7 minutes.  Do not overcook.  Fish is cooked when it flakes.

*If an oven-safe frying pan is not used, transfer filets to baking sheet before baking.