Cola is the surprise marinade ingredient in these tasty Meat ’n’ Potato Kabobs from Quick Cooking magazine. Total preparation and grilling time is just 30 minutes.

Meat ‘n’ Potato Kabobs
Preparation and cooking time: 30 minutes

1 pound boneless beef sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
11⁄2 teaspoons steak seasoning, divided
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 cup cola (regular or diet)
3 small red potatoes, cubed
1 tablespoon water
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1 medium sweet orange pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 teaspoon canola oil
1 cup pineapple chunks

Sprinkle beef cubes with 1 teaspoon steak seasoning and garlic; place in a large resealable plastic bag. Add cola. Seal bag and turn to coat; set aside.

Place the potatoes and water in a microwave-safe dish; cover and microwave on high for 4 minutes or until tender. Drain. Add the tomatoes, orange pepper, oil and remaining steak seasoning; toss gently to coat.

Drain and discard marinade. Alternately thread the beef, vegetables and pineapple onto eight metal or soaked wooden skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water at least 30 minutes to prevent fires).

Grill, covered, over medium-hot heat or broil 4 to 6 inches from the heat for 4 minutes on each side or until meat reaches desired doneness (for medium-rare, a meat thermometer should read 145 degrees F; medium, 160 degrees F; well-done, 170 degrees F).

Makes 4 servings.

Nutritional information per serving (1 kabob prepared with diet cola): 251 calories; 7 g fat (2 g saturated); 63 mg cholesterol; 311 mg sodium; 3 g fiber; 24 g protein.

Recipe from: Taste of Home; www.tasteofhome.com.