Reality Rocks

Snackin’ With Sarah Sellers: ‘Idol’ Top 4 Results Viewing Nosh

By | Reality Rocks – Thu, May 10, 2012 3:26 PM EDT

Season 10's Sarah SellersDiehard "American Idol" viewers will remember Sarah Sellers as the geek-chic food blogger who made it to Hollywood Week last year. (Watch her Season 10 audition here.) Sarah has since continued her food-blogging, and has been cooking up scrumptious snack suggestions for any "Idol" viewing party and posting them here in Reality Rocks each week. She was also my special guest on a special South By Southwest version of "The Day After" in Austin recently, which you can watch HERE!

So last night, the top four Idols sang songs from my own home turf, California. And for tonight's result show viewing snack, Sarah was "inspired by the 'healthy' California lifestyle. It's quick and easy, and definitely guilt-free! My husband and I actually ate the entire plate for dinner, sooo tasty!"

Veggie Kebabs in a Balsamic Glaze
Ingredients:

▪     8 cremini mushrooms, stems removed
▪     1 squash, 8 1" pieces
▪     1 zucchini, 8 1" pieces
▪     1/4 red onion, 8 circular cuts
▪     1 red bell pepper, 8 circular cuts
▪     olive oil
▪     8 small mozzarella balls
▪     1 tbsp butter
▪     1 shallot, minced
▪     1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
▪     8 wooden skewers

To assemble the veggies, remove the stems from the mushrooms and slice the squash and zucchini into 1" circular cuts. Using a 1" cutter, make 8 round cuts for the bell pepper and onion. If you don't want to make the circles, just cut the veggies into bite-size chunks.

Heat an outdoor grill or inside grill pan to medium-high. If you're using an outdoor grill, soak the skewers in water for 15-20 minutes. Skewer the veggies starting with a mushroom, squash, zucchini, and onion, then top with the bell pepper. Brush with the olive oil and grill until the veggies are tender with a nice bite, rotating until you get those beautiful grill marks all the way around.

While the skewers are grilling, heat the butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Sauté the shallot until softened. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the balsamic vinegar. Cook until slightly thickened and reduced.

Remove the skewers and place a mozzarella ball at the end of each. Place on a large platter and top with the balsamic glaze.

Bon appétit!

Check out Sarah's food and music blogs at http://sarahsmusicalkitchen.com

--------------------

Related links:

More recipe ideas on Yahoo! Shine

More "American Idol" on Yahoo! TV

Follow me on Twitter

News for You

  • Mom: RI theater threw out disabled girl over noise

    NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (AP) — A woman says she and her 5-year-old developmentally disabled daughter were thrown out of a theater during a "Beauty and the Beast" performance because the girl was making giggling and humming noises she makes when she's happy.

  • Deen says she used slur but doesn't tolerate hate

    SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) — Celebrity cook Paula Deen said while being questioned in a discrimination lawsuit that she has used racial slurs in the past but insisted she and her family do not tolerate prejudice.

  • AP PHOTOS: The career of James Gandolfini

    James Gandolfini, who won three Emmy Awards for his indelible role as mob boss Tony Soprano in HBO's "The Sopranos," died while on vacation in Italy at age 51. While Tony Soprano was a larger-than-life figure, Gandolfini was exceptionally modest and obsessive — he described himself as "a 260-pound Woody Allen." HBO called the actor a "special man, a great talent, but more importantly a gentle and loving person who treated everyone, no matter their title or position, with equal respect."

  • 'The Voice' Winner: Who Did the Experts Choose?

    By Jethro Nededog LOS ANGELES (TheWrap.com) - NBC's "The Voice" will crown another winner on Tuesday night's finale. Season 4's three finalists - Daniellle Bradbury, Michelle Shamuel and The Swon Brothers - battled it out for the title on Monday's performance finale episode. Before the performances, coaches Blake Shelton, Adam Levine, Shakira and Usher performed The Beatles' "With A Little Help From My Friends." The Top 16 then got together for the second group performance of the night on Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros' "Home. ...

  • Cher credits luck for her lengthy career

    UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. (AP) — Cher is no stranger to tabloid fodder.

  • Palace sheds some light on Kate's baby plans

    LONDON (AP) — With Prince William and the former Kate Middleton expecting their first child in mid-July — and much of the world interested in the birth of a future monarch — the royals' office has released some of the couple's plans, although many details are still being kept private. Kate has made several public appearances recently but is expected to keep a low profile in the final weeks of her pregnancy. Here is the latest news about the infant who will, upon entering the world, be third in line for the British throne.

Show More