On a whim, I bought some leeks because I heard they were good on the grill. Actually, the tagline might have been “great on the grill!!!!” I didn’t look into how to cook them, and they weren’t good. These guys were tough and stringy. My post-grill research indicates that there are a lot of steps to grilling leeks and making them edible. I think I’ll stick to pureeing them in soups from now on.
Everything else grills up beautifully: portabella strips, red bell peppers, corn, and – grilled separately, and first – my favorite: asparagus. I feel like someone on a cooking show trying not to make eating the delicious food look ridiculous.*
Besides grilling up the veggies, I decided to break out something I’ve had for years and never actually used. It’s a rainbow cat harness and leash. Our three cats are all indoor-only, but we treated the bravest two of them to a walk around the backyard over the weekend. Athena went first, and she overcame the indignity of wearing the harness as soon as she realized she was outside.
Twinkie was distressed that we didn’t take him out. He was less accepting of the harness, but once we got it on him, he was more eager to explore. Poor cat hadn’t been outside since he was four months old. I took this photo through the glass door while he whined.
I’m sure this is something we’ll be doing a lot more of. Yes, grilling, and taking the felines out.
*I know it doesn’t help that I’m wearing a gross t-shirt with the neck cut out. I don’t like things around my neck. This is yet another work gift, and I blurred out my company’s logo, leaving a blotch that looks like a grease stain.
sorry to hear about your leeks! i've never tried those on the grill before, but maybe some leek-grilling professionals would know how it's done :) all i know thats great on the grill is corn and zucchini!
ReplyDeleteyour cats are super cute :)
I would never have thought to grill leeks, and now I never will! But they are delicious, and pretty versatile. I've had them raw on top of salads like scallion, almost, which was pretty tasty!
ReplyDeleteThe cat leash thing is great!! I would love to take my kitty out on one of those. One of my friends actually tried to do something like that for her two cats because they are "morbidly obsese" but they did not like it at all.
Too bad about the leeks. I love to bake leeks, but I've never tried grilling them, but it sounds like something I'd like to try. Grilled asparagus...yum! Grilling is such a great way to enjoy summer produce.
ReplyDeleteIt's great your kitties will go out on the harness...I've talked to others who've tried it, but was not so successful. I'm sure they love their outdoor excursions, very cute!
Oh, sweet kitties! A note about the asparagus . . . be sure to use a really good salt with that...my fave is HimalaSalt pink salt from Sustainable Sourcing (here's their website so you can check it out! https://secure.sustainablesourcing.com ). And I love your pict of your cat in the window--very cool effects!
ReplyDeleteSo many ways to make use of a backyard. Glad to see you're enjoying the warm weather.
ReplyDeleteAhhh, the cat harness! I know Dorian would flip out if I took her outside, but I've had cats before that have loved taking walks and exploring. As for the grilled veggies, at least you gave the leeks a try. They do sound like such a good idea!!
ReplyDeleteLauren, yes, grilled corn is my favorite!
ReplyDeleteFF and Jes - the cats are now whining to get outside. They love it! I think it's hilarious. If we ever move away from this busy street, I'll be happy to let them wander leash-free.
Rose - I bet you can grill the leeks properly. Can I challenge you do show me how it's done?