What to Cook for Dinner this Week
So – Summer is here. And I’m thinking, what happened to you, Spring? You were here for about five minutes, seemed like. But you’re gone, just like that, and we’ve been launched into full-on sunshine and eighty-degree days. The world is lush and green and vibrant and that weird winter that felt like it was straight out of Narnia is finally gone. Not a trace of it left, thank goodness.
Welcome, summer.
If we had a grill here (sadly, it’s still in storage in Michigan), I’d be firing it up. But the oven and broiler will have to do for a bit. Food is one way we usher in summer around here, and Virginia is in business already with local strawberries and salad ingredients abounding. I’ve even cheated a bit and bought watermelon at Trader Joe’s because, well, my girl is a watermelon junkie. She can put it away like no one else I’ve ever met.
Anyway, here’s what I’m cooking up this week. Join me?
Monday: Memorial Day. If you haven’t planned a picnic or barbecue yet, now is the time. Burgers, hot dogs for the kiddos, potato salad, Jell-O, corn on the cob if you can get it, watermelon, strawberry shortcake. Go big or go home, basically.
Tuesday: Pasta with Chicken and Pesto Cream Sauce. Caesar salad. Because yes, there’s basil at the farmers market here already. By the way, my new favorite pasta shape for this recipe is cavatappi.
Wednesday: Smoky Sweet Potato Hash with Eggs. Add a salad for more balance.
Thursday: Mediterranean Turkey Burgers and Sweet Potato Fries. With a side of fresh veggies (baby carrots, bell pepper strips, broccoli florets, etc.) and some Greek yogurt mixed with ranch seasoning.
Friday: Takeout Night. Or Pizza Night. Or Leftovers Night. Whatever you need it to be in order to get out of the kitchen for a night.
Saturday: Brats and Macaroni Salad. Because what’s summer without macaroni salad? Or some brats, for that matter.
Sunday: Slow-cooked Short Ribs, my mama’s Cucumber Salad, and Roasted Asparagus. Cut the ribs into pieces that will fit into your Crock-pot, layered, drizzling barbecue sauce over each layer. Add a little water to the bottom of the pot. Cook on high for four hours, or low for six to eight hours. We won’t discuss that weird thing about how asparagus makes your pee smell funny.
Weekend Breakfast: Blueberry Boy Bait. Because it makes a divine breakfast.
Happy Memorial Day weekend!
