A Week At A Time – Meal Ideas!

It’s been a hot one here in Santa Ynez the last few days and the week ahead looks about the same. Cool summer foods or recipes you can make in a Slow-Cooker or on the stove top are on my list of meal ideas this week. Summer is in full swing — that’s for sure.

Monday is a great night to eat salad and this Italian Chopped Salad with Oregano Vinaigrette has outstanding taste and will remind you of your favorite Italian bistro. The chunks of cheese and salami highlight the greens, both bitter and sweet. Tuesday is taco night for me and these Slow-Cooker Chicken Tacos are simple enough and you won’t heat up the kitchen using a slow cooker. Cheesy Corn Cakes are on the menu for Wednesday because I just spotted the first fresh ears of corn at my local grocers this week. Sweet corn with ooey gooey cheese make this recipe deliciously easy for a casual meal during the week. On Thursday, Skillet Pork Medallions in a Lemon Tahini Sauce is such a cinch and super tasty. You slice a pork tenderloin crosswise into 1-inch pieces and sear them first in a pan. The sauce is a quick mix in the same skillet and loaded with earthy citrus notes — super with pork. TGIF and it’s cocktail time — Watermelon Lavender Slurpee — because we all know slurpee’s make summer that much better. Saturday’s are for baking, but I think we should make ice cream instead. It just so happens to be my favorite dessert and this Honey Cheesecake Ice Cream has been a hit for years. Have a fun and healthy summer week ahead.

*may contain commissioned links

Monday