Get family involved in making kebobs

It's that prime time of year for outdoor eating. Get the whole family involved in this family-style twist on classic kebobs. Once the ingredients are skewered and the grill is hot, you'll only be minutes away from a mouthwatering meal.

First, start with the simple marinade. If you have fresh herbs growing in a patio or backyard garden, assist your child in picking a child's-size handful of parsley, thyme and rosemary. When you come inside, combine the following in a bowl:

1/4 cup minced fresh parsley

1 to 2 teaspoons chopped thyme and/or rosemary (if fresh herbs aren't available, use 1/2 teaspoon dried herbs)

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1/2 cup olive oil

1 garlic clove, minced

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Pour marinade in a large, zipper-style plastic bag with 1 1/2 pounds top sirloin beef cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes.

Marinate 2 hours, refrigerated.

Meanwhile, peel and cut 1 large red onion into large chunks.

Core and seed 1 red, 1 green and 1 yellow bell pepper. Cut into 2- inch chunks.

Gather 4-6 metal or wooden skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for a half-hour before using, to prevent burning.

To assemble the kebobs, set out all the ingredients in front of you and your school-age child. Thread onion, vegetables and meat on skewers, alternating as you go. Leave a small space between each item. Use a cherry tomato at one end as a "stopper." Brush lightly with olive oil.

Grill or broil for about 10 minutes, turning skewers occasionally. Pierce meat to check the interior to be sure it is done.

Serve kebobs with pita bread and a creamy dressing.

Instead of preparing a traditional fruit salad as a side dish, keep the "food on a stick" theme and let one of your school-age kids skewer chunks of fresh cantaloupe, pineapple, watermelon and kiwi on short wooden skewers. Strawberries look especially appealing on either end of the stick. Dip the fruit in small dishes of fruit- flavored yogurt.

Write Donna with your questions and ideas at www.donnasday.com. ? Donna Erickson Dist. by King Features Syndicate

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