This coming week will be a rough one, with some intense (virtual) meetings scheduled at work. I also managed to make it through the weekend accomplishing the following: painted a living room, went to church, bought a couch for my basement, weeded my very weedy yard, gave the pup a bath, went for a long bike ride, created a new budget, and had dinner with my parents. Notice something that is not on this list? Grocery shopping. Fingers crossed I make it there tomorrow, otherwise this noble meal plan may turn into a week of take-out. So, if the Lord is willing and the creek don’t rise, here’s what I’m cooking for dinner this week:

• Monday – Garlic & lemon shrimp with roasted peppery green beans & chickpea salad
• Tuesday – Slow cooker bbq pulled pork with slow roasted eggplant & coleslaw
• Wednesday – Take out! This week is going to need a good midweek night without cooking.
• Thursday – Tacos/taco salad with a medley of topping choices. I’ll see where my whim takes me at the grocery store in that regard. Keep an eye on my instagram account to see what we end up with.
• Friday – Pan roasted salmon with crisp roasted potatoes (sweet & Yukon) & simple salad
• Saturday – Grilled steaks, roasted vegetables, PIE, probably cherry, maybe blueberry, maybe both.
• Sunday – TBD, as always

Other note: You may notice that the meals noted here are without reference to a cookbook or recipe. When I know a week is going to be particularly stressful and busy, I tend to plan for meals that I can cook without much thought or labor. I love trying new recipes and cookbooks, learning new techniques, using new ingredients. But that day is not this day (name that reference).

Projects for the week:

• Black raspberry…something. I got a pint of them from my CSA. They are marvelously delicious, but a little seedy for just snacking. I’m looking at some bar or cobbler recipes, for a sort of crumbly, fruity mess of deliciousness. Slating this in for after my meetings because baking after a stressful week is the BEST!
• Pie – I’ve been wanting to make a cherry or blueberry pie since the 4th of July but haven’t had the time. Also plotted for this week. See note about baking above. 🙂

What are you making this week? Anything you’re excited about? Anything new or fun? I’d love to have you share!

Mangia!