Earlier this month, a group of our friends came over to help Vince and me test some new recipes. Local photographer, John Wollwerth, joined us and took these great photos! Thank you to our models Mark and Audra Alexander, Mike and Kim Clark, Steve Danko and Vince Covington.  And, a special thank you to Sue Merrill for the beautiful flowers! I have so many recipes and photographs that I'm going to share them in two parts. Be sure to pick up the next edition of Lowcountry Weekly to read Mexican Fiesta – Part II.

Keep it fresh! Good salads are only made with good ingredients and freshness is all-important when it comes to purchasing salad greens. Let your eyes guide you. Fresh greens look fresh. They won't have any leaves tinged with brown nor will they be wilted or slimy. Take a look around the produce section and you'll see leaves in many colors and textures ranging from pearly, pale Belgian endive to bright red and white radicchio. Greens also have a variety of flavors from robust and peppery arugula to sweet, nutty and mild lamb's lettuce or mache. 

Friday night is Steak Night at our house. We love to invite our closest friends over for a casual evening and then fire up the grill! A juicy rib-eye steak served with mashed potatoes and a fresh green salad is a delicious way to start the weekend!  When you’re in the mood for something a notch above your usual steak and baked potato, whip up these delicious and simple steak marinade and mashed potatoes recipes. The tasty marinade comes together in no time and flavors the meat beautifully without overshadowing it. The steaks can be grilled inside or out, or can be quickly seared to medium with a mere two or three minutes per side under the broiler.  Add a classic lettuce wedge salad,  dressed-up crescent rolls and grilled fresh South Carolina peaches to complete your meal. Enjoy!