Mastering Summer Grilling: Heart-Healthy Recipes & Flavorful Cookouts with Mazola Corn Oil
Summer is synonymous with the sizzle of the grill, the aroma of delicious food, and gathering with loved ones. As the 4th of July approaches, families nationwide are preparing for epic outdoor cookouts. For me, grilling is more than just cooking; it’s a cherished summer tradition, especially when the indoor kitchen feels too hot. There’s an undeniable joy in creating flavorful dishes outdoors, whether it’s slathering a chicken with an herb-laden marinade, rubbing pork with a spicy blend, or perfectly seasoning fish or beef before it hits the hot grates. The versatility of the grill allows for endless culinary creativity, transforming simple ingredients into memorable meals that capture the essence of the season.
Unlock New Flavors: Partnering with Mazola for Your Best Summer Grilling
This summer, I’m particularly excited to explore a variety of new flavors and spice blends for our outdoor gatherings. I’ve had the fantastic opportunity to partner with Mazola Cooking Oil, a brand I trust, to bring you more than just recipes. Our collaboration aims to share invaluable grilling tips, clever tricks, essential health information, and even an exciting giveaway filled with fantastic grilling essentials!
Diving into Mazola’s Summer Grilling Favorites section has been an absolute delight. I discovered a treasure trove of recipes that are either perfect as they are or offer fantastic starting points for personal culinary tweaks. Imagine a Grilled Bloody Mary – how incredibly fun and inventive is that for a refreshing summer drink? And for dessert, a Grilled Banana Split sounds like the ultimate sweet treat, adding a smoky depth to a classic. These innovative ideas showcase how versatile grilling can be. I highly recommend heading over to their site and downloading the free eCookbook. It’s an excellent resource to keep handy whenever you’re looking for fresh inspiration to make your summer cookouts extraordinary.
My Journey to Heart-Healthy Eating: A Personal Perspective
Some of you who follow me on Instagram might already know that I recently broke my ankle, which put a temporary halt to my exercise routine. Just before this setback, I had committed to watching my diet more closely and started exercising regularly. While my treadmill sessions are on hold for a few more weeks, my commitment to mindful eating remains stronger than ever. Prioritizing heart-healthy meats and an abundance of vegetables is incredibly important to me, especially given my family history.
I lost my beautiful mom to heart failure at the young age of 45. Now, at 46, not a day goes by that I’m not reminded of the crucial importance of a healthy heart. This personal experience fuels my dedication to making healthier choices. Furthermore, a couple of years ago, I was diagnosed with hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure. About four years prior to that, my doctor informed me that my blood sugar levels were right on the borderline for Type 2 diabetes. These health insights have been powerful motivators, shaping my approach to food and wellness.
While I’m still on my journey to achieve my ideal weight, my eating habits have dramatically improved. I’m far more conscientious about the ingredients I use, and unlike my past self, I now meticulously read food labels. This habit has been eye-opening. For instance, did you know that while popular oils like coconut oil and palm oil are cholesterol-free, they are actually quite high in saturated fats? This was a surprising revelation for me. The simple act of substituting unsaturated fats for saturated fats can significantly help reduce the risk of heart disease. This information was truly music to my ears, confirming that small, informed choices can make a huge impact on long-term health.
The Health Benefits of Mazola Corn Oil: A Smart Choice for Your Kitchen
This is where Mazola Cooking Oil truly shines. Mazola Corn Oil is made with plant sterols, making it a 100% cholesterol-free source of unsaturated fat. What’s even more impressive is its low saturated fat content, with only 2 grams per serving. This is a stark contrast to many other cooking oils on the market. Choosing fats and oils with 2 grams or less of saturated fat per tablespoon is a key step in maintaining a heart-healthy diet. This highlights the importance of being diligent when reading food labels and not blindly following food trends without thoroughly examining the nutritional information.
Plant sterols are naturally occurring compounds found in plants that can help reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the body. By incorporating foods rich in plant sterols, like Mazola Corn Oil, into your daily diet, you’re making a proactive choice for your cardiovascular health. It’s an easy and effective way to lower cholesterol and support overall well-being. For a wealth of detailed information about plant sterols, healthy eating, smart ingredient substitutions, and much more, be sure to explore Mazola’s dedicated Health & Wellness section on their website. It’s a fantastic resource for anyone looking to make informed choices about their cooking oils and diet.
And if you’re active on Facebook, don’t forget to check out Mazola’s Facebook page. They consistently share valuable health news, practical cooking tips, and a plethora of inspiring recipes that can help you transform your meals into healthier, more delicious experiences.
Pork Chops al Pastor: Your Go-To Recipe for the 4th of July!
As the 4th of July festivities draw closer, I’m seriously considering preparing this fabulous recipe for Pork Chops al Pastor. It’s a dish that perfectly balances spicy and sweet notes, bursting with authentic Mexican flavors that are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The vibrant taste, combined with the smoky essence from the grill, makes it an ideal centerpiece for any summer celebration. If you’re looking to try something truly special and flavorful, this recipe is a must-make. Just scroll down and click on the little printer button below to get your copy!
What will you be grilling for the 4th? Are you still weighing your options for the perfect main dish?
Pork Chops al Pastor on the Grill
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
Salsa
- 2 cups about 1 pound fresh pineapple, slices OR large chunks
- 3 tablespoons diced red onion
- 1 tablespoon minced jalapeno pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
Marinade
- 5 to 6 about 2 ounces dried guajillo chiles
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon Spice Islands® Ground Cumin
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons Mazola® Chicken Flavor Bouillon Powder jar
- OR 1 Mazola® Sobrecitos™ Chicken Flavor Bouillon Packets
- 1 tablespoon Mazola® Corn Oil
- 4 center-cut loin pork chops 4 ounces each, boneless and butterflied
Before You Begin
Instructions
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Preheat grill to medium.
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Grill pineapple wedges on oiled grates 2 to 3 minutes per side or until grill marks appear. Remove from grill, cover with foil and cool five minutes. Chop wedges into 1/4-inch sized pieces and place in mixing bowl. Add onion, jalapenos, cilantro and salt; stir to combine. Place salsa in refrigerator until ready to serve.
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Remove stems and seeds from dried chiles and break apart. Heat water to boiling; add chiles and cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until softened. Drain chiles, reserving 2 tablespoons of the cooking liquid. Combine the reserved liquid, chiles, lime juice, garlic, cumin, brown sugar, bouillon and oil in blender or food processor. Puree marinade until smooth.
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Place pork chops and marinade into resealable plastic bag. Marinate for 15 minutes or in refrigerator overnight.
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Remove pork chops from marinade; discard marinade. Grill pork chops on oiled grill grates 4 to 5 minutes per side or until an internal temperature reaches a minimum of 150°F. Remove from grill; tent with foil five minutes to retain juices. Divide salsa evenly between pork chops. Serve immediately
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
Ready for Your Best Summer Grilling Yet?
As we embrace the joy of summer and the excitement of outdoor cooking, remember that making delicious meals can also align with your health goals. With Mazola Corn Oil, you’re not just choosing a cooking oil; you’re choosing a partner in creating heart-healthy, flavorful dishes that everyone will love. From vibrant marinades to perfectly grilled proteins, the possibilities are endless.
I hope this journey into healthy grilling and the delectable Pork Chops al Pastor recipe inspires you to fire up your grill and experiment with new tastes. Don’t forget to explore Mazola’s resources for even more ideas and join their community on Facebook for ongoing inspiration. Happy grilling, and here’s to a summer filled with fantastic food and lasting memories!