Farm Fresh

carrots, cilantro, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, kale, onions, potatoes, zucchini, tomatoes

What’s for Dinner?

Really?  The last long weekend of summer vacation?!?  Sad but true, for our household at least.  As I said in June, ages and incredible amounts of veggies ago, meals are just different in the summer.  The local bounty has changed, to be sure, as have the rituals.  We’re full into summer squash and beans and corn and tomatoes and Walla Walla sweets…all of the things we waited patiently for the entire year.  The rhythm and pace have also changed; let’s savor every final moment of this summertime bliss.  One last long weekend, and an easing into the school year and the fall that comes with it.  Let’s savor the all-hands-on-deck meal preparation; the impromptu picnics; the hot nights, where salads and sandwiches are the perfect antidote; the bit lighter fare, fare that can be served hot, warm, or room temperature; and the parties and potlucks, where people enjoy sharing in what the season offer.  Don’t forget the outdoor grilling, a perfect “hurrah!” in commemoration of summer.

Friday – grilled pizza fest

caramelized onion, kale, & corn flatbread (Deb Perleman, The Smitten Kitchen)

Saturday – height of summer pasta

rigatoni with eggplant puree (Deb Perleman, The Smitten Kitchen)
gourmet greens salad

Sunday –  pack it up!

grilled new potato salad (Field of Greens)
wheat berry salad with zucchini & mozzarella (Mark Bittman)

blackberry bars

Monday – labor day bbq

kale, carrot, & avocado salad (Whole Foods Market)
baked beans (The New Basics Cookbook, Julee Rosso)
oven-baked french fries (The New Basics Cookbook, Julee Rosso)
grilled hamburgers/veggie burgers

Ruby Jewell ice cream sandwiches

Tuesday – off to school

power breakfast:
blueberry kale smoothie (On Food and Baking)
carrot coconut morning glory muffins (Eating Well)

lunchbox delights:
carrot sticks, cucumber rounds, & kale chips (Eating Well)
turkey cucumber wraps (Whole Foods Market)
zucchini oat chocolate chip cookies (Nestle Toll House)

dinner:
OUT – kids’ choice!

Wednesday –  taco Wednesday

black bean tacos with roasted veggies (Vegetarian Times)

Thursday –  cream-of-the-crop summer sammie

tomato, mozzarella, & basil paninis (Ina Garten, Barefoot Contessa at Home)
crudites, chips, &  sweet onion dip (Martha Stewart)

More Menu Musings…