Goodwill Grill for Cheap Frills

I don't get inspired to cook very often, (ask my husband), but while I was at Lowe's looking at project books, this cookbook was on the same rack as 'repairing toilets' books.  I've always loved Southern Living cookbooks, if not to cook, just to read through and look at the photos.  Everything looks so yummy and they don't call for weird ingredients. I had never seen this cook book before so I bought it immediately to add to my collection.

I found several easy recipes that I wanted to try immediately because they looked so easy and quick to prepare.  I wasn't disappointed. 

I have to show you something I purchased at my favorite thrift store, Goodwill. Not only do they have a great selection of clothing and jewelry, you would not believe all the fun household items they have too.  I had heard so much about the George Foreman grill, and this one happened to be on the shelf for $3.  It looked brand new, so I was a little skeptical as to why someone donated it.  I took it to the service desk and plugged it in and it worked perfectly, so I bought it.

It's the little baby grill, but for a family of two, it's the perfect size.  Here is what I prepared from the Southern Living cookbook. 

I soaked a huge chunk of salmon in just lite soy sauce and brown sugar for a couple of hours, drained it, then grilled it for about 8 minutes.  So easy and fast....not to mention healthy.

I also made this fabulous bread out of two frozen bread dough loaves.  Recipe is in the cookbook. Super easy and wonderful and QUICK. All you do is smash the loaves nearly flat, put some dimples in the top with your knuckles, spread olive oil on top, put some thin slices of red onion rings, sprinkle evenly with some fresh rosemary, freshly grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, course salt, freshly ground pepper, and then bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes.   

Along with the salmon, there was a recipe for Orange-Ginger Couscous. It too was super easy and delicious.  Here's the recipe.

This whole meal probably took a total of 40 minutes from start to finish and it was wonderful.  I had to take a photo of it all together. 

I don't usually prepare desserts, but one of my best friends served this wonderful lemon sorbet.  It is very light and refreshing with just a little kick of Amaretto Liqueur. YUM!!  Thanks Sidney!

Just scoop some lemon sorbet in to a dish, throw in some fresh berries and fresh mint, then douse with the Amaretto.

You never know when I'll be inspired to cook, but when I do, I make sure it's easy and tasty.  Check out this cookbook.  There are lots of great looking recipes.

Have a nice weekend!