Farm Fresh

chard, gourmet greens, lettuce, mizuna, parsley, turnips, green onions

What’s for Dinner?

I realize summer’s official start is not until June 21st. But for me, (and many others, I’m sure) it sure feels like it kicks off the minute school’s out for the year! Meals seem to morph a bit, not only with the change in the season and bounty, but also with the change in the rhythm and pace. More time for all-hands-on-deck meal preparation; more flexibility for impromptu picnics; more hot nights, where salads and sandwiches are the perfect antidote; more of a taste for a bit lighter fare, fare that can be served hot, warm, or room temperature; more parties and potlucks, where people enjoy sharing in what the season offers; and more grilling outside, plain and simple. And each week my gorgeous farm box from Sauvie Island Organics provides the grand impetus and inspiration for all of these simple summertime pleasures. Enjoy this week’s menu, just a taste of what this season brings to our dinnertime rituals…

Friday – school’s out pizza night!

kids’ choice pizza

Saturday – picnics o’ plenty

peanut sesame noodle salad with mizuna (Deb Perlman, Smitten Kitchen)
edamame

Sunday  – fathers’ faves

spaghetti with swiss chard & garlic chips (Deb Perleman, Smitten Kitchen)
grilled chicken & shrimp skewers (Bon Appetit)

strawberry shortcake (Cook’s Illustrated)

Monday – farm fresh frittata

frittata with green onions, parsley, & ricotta salata (Bon Appetit)
gourmet greens salad

Tuesday –  salad daze

taco salad (Cook’s Illustrated 30-Minute Meals)

Wednesday – BBQ bliss

grilled steak with chimichurri sauce (Serious Eats)
grilled lettuce (Simply Recipes)
grilled garlic bread (Epicurious)

Thursday – summer sammies

chimichurri, cheese & steak paninis (Joyful Healthy Eats)

pickled turnips  (SIO Farm Blog, Wk. 6 2012)

More Menu Musings…