Wow, what a night! We had multiple fires set yesterday behind our neighborhood in the Santa Monica mountains by a transient arsonist, who we think they are still looking for. The fire department did an impressive job in trying to contain most of the fires, but one fared up around 4:00 p.m. yesterday and last I heard, burned 750 acres. The mountain ridge behind our house, glowed all evening, until morning when the fog set in and a light drizzle fell from the skies. I felt like I napped instead of slept, keeping one ear open for the telephone call to evacuate. That being said, it seems like all is well this morning and last I heard the wind shifted, and headed away from homes during the night. So with one eye open, let’s talk meals and cooking, and celebrating life, and being able to unmask ourselves in public, if we’ve been vaccinated.
The weather has been grey and cooler all week, but I think there is sunshine on the horizon towards next weekend. I haven’t quite yet got into grilling, but I’m thinking about it. I started off the week with a creamy salmon pasta dish that’s just splendid, followed by some hardy steak fajitas for Taco Tuesday. I went with a couple of comfort food dishes for the remaining part of the week – a slow-cooker lentil and chicken dish that’s packed with flavor, one of my favorites – my shrimp & grits, and hot dogs with a vegetarian chili for Friday. Saturday is about baking this blueberry lemon loaf that’s so good, I bet you might need to make two. Have a deliciously fun week!
Monday – A great way to start the week with a salmon pasta dish that’s super creamy and tasty. The anchovy acts as the salt, giving the sauce the right balance of flavor. It’s a must try recipe!
Salmon & Zucchini Bucatini with Anchovy Butter – Recipe!
Tuesday – This is the way you kick-up Taco Tuesday! Easy skillet steak fajitas with peppers & onions and a big squeeze of lime. That’s how!
Hanger Steak Fajitas – Recipe!
Wednesday – This is an oldie, but a goodie recipe. The lentils become the sauce in this dish by which the fork-tender chicken rests, after a few hours in the slow-cooker. A great weeknight night meal option.
Slow-Cooker Chicken & Lentils – Recipe!
Thursday – I’m in love with the south, especially Charleston where this dish is made super spectacularly. However, if you can’t get there this week, try this weeknight version – it will rock your world in a matter of minutes.
Shrimp & Grits – Recipe!
Friday – I don’t eat many hot dogs, but there are some days where you just crave one topped with a hardy chili. Try this vegetarian version for a healthier slant on tradition. The dogs can be meat, or veggie – you choose.
Three-Bean Vegetarian Chili Dogs – Recipe!
Saturday – Something with coffee or for dessert with friends this weekend. The blueberry lemon combination is scrumptious, so just make it – you won’t regret it.
Lemon Blueberry Swirl Bread – Recipe!
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