Apologies to Cindy Lauper -

- but for some reason, every time I start making kebabs, I sing my own version of the classic masturbation song "She bop." Somehow I think my lyrics are probably far cleaner. They go something like "Ke-bab, she bab, and he bab/I bab, you bab and we bab/be bab be bab a loo ke-bab."

Since it's summer kebabs are frequently part of our weekly meal plan. There's something so summery about a stick filled with summer's freshest fruits and vegetables...and of course - meat. The easiest kebab marinade is teriyaki. Mostly because I don't have to make it - but with any storebought marinade, I always like to add a couple little twists to it.

Teriyaki Rosemary Kebabs

• 1 sirloin steak, cut into bite size cubes
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1/2 red onion, cut into chunks
• 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
• 2 Tbsp dijon mustard
• 2 Tbsp fresh rosemary

1. Place steak and veggies in large ziplock bag. Combine teriyaki, mustard, and rosemary and pour over steak and vegetables. Refrigerate 2 hours.
2. Place steak and vegetables alternately on skewer.
3. Heat grill pan over medium high heat and grill skewers 5 minutes per side.

Teriyaki Pineapple Kebabs

• 1 pork tenderloin, cut into bite size pieces
• 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
• 2 Tbsp canola oil
• 1/2 pineapple, cut into chunks
• 15 cherry tomatoes
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks

1. Place pork and teriyaki sauce in ziplock bag and refrigerate 1 hour.
2. Thread pork, pineapple, and vegetables alternately on skewer.
3. Heat grill pan over medium high heat and grill 15 minutes, until done - turning half way through.

Today I grabbed a late lunch with my friend Mertile. We missed Mertile's wedding because the inlaws were in town so I used this opportunity to surprise her with some gifts. Mertile is just as into cooking as I am, and before Thatdad died we had planned to get together once a month to cook with each other, alternating houses. Unfortunately, we were never able to start this plan of action - but that didn't stop me from outfitting her kitchen anyway! Mertile is one of my ridiculous number of pregnant friends. so we toasted her recent nuptials with ice tea and water, that didn't stop me from whipping up a celebratory drink in her honor once I got home. And nothing complements a summer dinner like a sweet and tangy pitcher of cosmos - right? I add grand mariner in mine for a little extra citrus.