Kebabs stretch meat - and your dollars - into full meal

Grilled skewers of marinated meat and vegetables make a savory treat for a barbecue. They also are great for eating on a budget.

Marinating meat not only adds flavor, it also tenderizes. And that lets you take advantage of less expensive cuts of meat, such as beef and pork sirloin or lamb shoulder.

Adding vegetables to the skewers stretches the protein and makes each a complete entree.

These coffee and black pepper beef kebabs cost about $2.50 per serving and can me made with lamb or pork as well. To finish the plate, serve on a bed of couscous or orzo pasta.

COFFEE AND BLACK

PEPPER BEEF KEBABS

Start to finish: 2 hours 15 minutes (15 minutes active)

Servings: 4

1 cup chopped shallots

3⁄4 cup cider vinegar

1⁄2 cup olive oil

1⁄4 cup molasses

2 tablespoons instant coffee

11⁄2 tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

11⁄2 pounds top sirloin beef, cut into 11⁄2-inch cubes

16 medium button mushrooms, cleaned and stems trimmed

16 cherry tomatoes

2 small red onions, cut into wedges

1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and cut into 1-inch pieces

In a medium bowl, stir together the shallots, vinegar, oil, molasses, coffee, pepper and mustard. Add the meat and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours.

In a shallow dish, cover eight 10-inch bamboo skewers; set aside to soak. Heat a gas grill to medium-high or prepare a charcoal fire.

Assemble the kebabs, alternating meat and vegetables. Brush everything with marinade. Grill for 3 minutes. Turn, brush with additional marinade, then grill for another 3 minutes for medium, or until done to your liking.

Nutrition information per serving (values are rounded to the nearest whole number): 592 calories; 241 calories from fat; 27 g fat (9 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 114 mg cholesterol; 35 g carbohydrate; 50 g protein; 3 g fiber; 215 mg sodium.