Farm Fresh

beets, bell peppers, cilantro, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, gourmet greens, jalapeños, lettuce, onions, poblano peppers, tomatoes

What’s for Dinner?

Really? The last weekend of summer vacation?!? Sad but true. 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 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 new season that comes with it. Let’s celebrate 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 – picnic, rainy day style

chilled melon mint soup (Deborah Madison, Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone)
corn salsa and chips (Jamie Oliver)

zucchini and goat cheese tart (Tartine and Apron Strings)
beet salad with goat cheese & walnuts (Jennifer Segal, Serious Eats)
chicken rice salad with cilantro (Chicken Rice Salad)

peach and berry crisp (Deborah Madison, Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone)

Saturday – retro revival

stuffed peppers, Mexican style (Cooks Illustrated, The New Best Recipe)

Sunday –  sweet summer’s end pizza night

sweet onion pizza (Better Homes and Gardens)
gourmet greens with balsamic vinaigrette (Mark Bittman, NYT)

Monday – grilling, rain or shine

tacos with grilled chicken, poblanos & onions (Food and Wine)
green salad with cilantro-lime vinaigrette (CI, The Best 30-Minute Recipe)
mexican beans

Tuesday – off to school

power breakfast:
mixed berry & beet smoothie (Martha Shulman, NYT)

snack-in-a-snap:
cucumber, lettuce, tomato wraps (Whole Foods Market)

dinner:
OUT – kids’ choice!

Wednesday –  height of summer pasta

rigatoni with eggplant tomato puree (Deb Perleman, The Smitten Kitchen)
butter lettuce salad

Thursday –  finger food, btsn

cucumber rounds, pita chips, baba ganoush (Katherine Deumling, SIO Blog)

More Menu Musings…