Creative Independence Day Skewers

by: RonitTreatman

Mon Jul 02, 2012 at 19:17:18 PM EDT

What should you serve the non-meat eaters in your circle for the Fourth of July barbecue? This year, surprise them with a delicious, satisfying meal of marinated vegetables and grilled cheese skewers.

Sheep's milk cheese is good for grilling.  It can withstand very high heat without melting.  When you grill it, it develops a delicious golden crust and a firm salty texture.  You can mix your choice of vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, squash, eggplant, pepper, onion, and mushrooms in a marinade to infuse them with flavor.  Below is a recipe for a homemade marinade from Israel that will keep the inside of your vegetables moist when you grill them.

More after the jump.

• 1-cup extra virgin olive oil
  
• 6 limes, juiced
  
• Salt to taste
  
• Black pepper to taste
  
• 1 onion, minced
  
• 6 cloves of garlic, minced

1. Whisk all the ingredients in a bowl.
   
2. Mix in the desired vegetables with the marinade.  
   
3. Cover with plastic wrap.
   
4. Refrigerate for one hour.

Sheep's Milk Cheese-Vegetable Skewers

1. Soak some bamboo skewers in water.
   
2. Dice your sheep's milk cheese.  Trader Joe's sells a wonderful sheep's milk feta from Israel called Pastures Of Eden Israeli Feta Cheese.  This cheese works really well in this recipe.  You may also order Israeli specialty cheeses online.
   
3. Thread the bamboo skewers with the marinated vegetables and cubed cheese.
   
4. Grill over low-medium heat for 5-7 minutes.