Menu Plan Monday ~ Week of August 15, 2011
Last week was my first week at Whole Foods. It was fantastic. It was knowledge-intenstive. It was fun. It was exhausting.
I think when the kidlet goes back to school I’ll be better about cutting her some slack because man oh man, getting into a new routine with new peers and a new set of responsibilities takes a lot of energy. I feel into bed each evening and was asleep almost before my head hit the pillow. Even so, it was a great week and I’m rarin’ to go for all that this next week will bring me. This coming week is our last week of summer before school starts. We’ll be finishing some last minute school shopping and throwing a bit of a celebration commemorating what was a great summer for the whole family. We have one night out planned abut otherwise I’m committed to getting back into the dinner at home routine.
The Plan
I’m only raiding my freezer stash once this week and I’m testing two or three new recipes for the blog. I’m also looking forward to having friends over this weekend to share summer memories with. We’ll end the week with a special steak dinner that will hopefully offer an auspicious start to the school year.
- Monday: Bison hot dogs, crisp veggies with yogurt dip
Whole Foods has an amazing meat counter with house-made sausages, marinated meats, and more. They also have house-made buffalo hot dogs that I’m excited to try. We’re big fans of buffalo because it’s lean and full of protein and this will be a new way to add it to our weekly meals. Raw veggies and spicy dip of yogurt and za’atar (a middle easter spice mix) is a healthy alternative to chips and dip. - Tuesday: Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Cherry Salsa, sauteed spinach tossed with whole wheat pasta
I’ll use the last of my summer cherries in the elegant yet quick dinner. Leftover pork and extra raw spinach will be great in a salad for lunch on Wednesday. - Wednesday: Girl’s Night Out
We’re mostly done with back to school shopping but we have a few odds and ends to pick up. We’ll do that and have a last girl’s night out before summer is over. - Thursday: Pulled pork sliders, tomato and cucumber salad, brussels sprouts
I’ll raid my freezer stash for this dinner because I know my motivation will be flagging as the week ends. The kidlet can make the salad and dinner will be on the table in no time flat. - Friday:Balsamic Chicken Legs, potato gratins with Hatch chiles, grilled corn
This dinner starts a 3-day celebration of the end of summer. I’ll grill up chicken legs that will marinade overnight and put together a very easy potato dish I’m testing for the blog. Corn, grilled, chicken and Hatch chiles, if that doesn’t scream summer I’m not sure what does. - Saturday: Summer Grilling Party
We’re having friends over to say good-bye to summer. I’ll use one of my own menu plans to make this party easy because I have a 10 mile run to start my day with and will most certainly need a nap before everyone arrives. - Sunday: Steak, grilled artichokes, pasta with brown butter and parmesan
We’ll look forward to the start of school with a simple steak dinner out on the porch
How are you celebrating the closing of summer on your menu plan this week? Please share in the comments.
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