We had the most beautiful weekend. It was pretty sunny and warm and I realized just how much I missed it. I mean, I knew I missed it, but I really missed it! I could probably be outside every day if my allergies could take it (I was confined to the indoors Saturday afternoon after participating in a walk/run 5k) and eat grilled food, and enjoy those long summer nights where daylight fades slowly. Gosh, I love all of that extra light – as I write this, it’s 8:29 pm and still completely light out. It’s beautiful!
In addition to doing a lot of recipe testing since we’ve been home from our trip, I’ve been on a mission to declutter the house. I didn’t get much of a chance to do this in early spring, but I’m “all in” now. I’ve been tackling the hallway closet and the kids rooms and at this moment, my dining room table is full of Goodwill items to donate – I haven’t even started on the garage yet, oh my! I’m currently in a place where I feel like we have a lot of stuff that just isn’t getting used and my new theory or method is, if I haven’t used it in 6 months, it goes! (Editor’s Note: assuming holiday decorations must get an exception here.) I feel like that is a pretty safe length of time. I know what I’ve used and what I haven’t. Have you started any late spring deep cleaning yet?
All of this talk of cleaning has made me hungry! Here’s what’s on this week’s menu:
Buffalo Chicken Burgers with Blue Cheese Mayo
These tangy, tasty buffalo chicken burgers are a serious taste explosion – just make sure you’ve got enough blue cheese mayo to go around!
Chipotle Fish Tacos
Chipotle fish tacos are creamy, spicy, crunchy, smokey, and fresh - they really have it all. They have become a summer grilling mainstay for our family!
Oriental Chicken Salad
Oriental Chicken Salad is light, yummy, and full of crunch - a perfect summer salad! It's an easy way to feed a crowd - or make sure there will be seconds!
Barbecue Baby Back Ribs
Looking for an easy, approachable way to try grilling your own barbecue baby back ribs? Try this simple recipe!
BBQ Chicken Skewers
BBQ chicken skewers are full of juicy moist chicken, crisp bell peppers, and saucy, sweet pineapple. This easy meal is perfect for hot summer days when you don't want to heat up the house.
Smoky Grilled Potato Wedges
This recipe for smoky grilled potato wedges is a fun and flavorful alternative to French fries that compliments any grilled meal!
Grilled Blueberry French Toast
Made on the grill or the campfire, this Grilled Blueberry French Toast is smoky & decadent, but still fresh and sweet, thanks to the blueberries and syrup!
Orange & Ginger Blackberry Smoothie
What's creamy, tasty, and healthy, made with nonfat frozen yogurt and delicious Oregon blackberries? This Orange & Ginger Blackberry Smoothie!
During the summer, I love a big salad entree. Tonight we made our Mediterranean Caprese Salad as a side and it was incredible! Truly one of my favorite salads, ever! If you love summer salads too, check out this Salad board from Pinterest! You will find all kinds of delicious salads that are sure to wet your appetite!