It’s hard to believe that 20 years ago, I was birthing my first kid into the world. As of today, Miss Melanie Elizabeth Rubin is no longer a teenager.

I don’t want to brag, but I must say she’s grown into a strong and healthy young lady who appreciates real food. Part of that stems from back when she was 9 and  she became violently ill after eating McDonalds. Part of it is a result of both her mom and dad spending extra time and money to buy, prepare and eat real food as a family.

Being a summer baby, Mel had numerous backyard birthday parties. Many included water slides, sprinklers and water balloons. This year, for her birthday, she’ll be having some friends over to eat and celebrate on the backyard trampoline. Instead of water fun, she’s set up loads of candles and Tiki torches to light up the backyard.

As for food, she whipped up a menu just the other day that will keep both her parents cooking.

Melanie’s Birthday BarBQ Menu

Grilled Chicken Thighs with Honey Mustard Sauce

Corn on the Cob

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

Black Bean, Corn & Red Pepper Salad

Chocolate Wafer Refrigerator Cake

I’ll post recipes later. Right now, I’ve got work to do!