summertime, and the eating is good. lots of dinners at the pool and hanging outside after dinner in the early evening dusk. love this time of year…

SUNDAY //

Dinner at the Pool

MONDAY //

Oven Fried Sweet Tea Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
notes: this was hands-down my favorite recipe of the week. I made my own buttermilk with whole milk and a Tbsp of lemon juice. Left off buffalo sauce on some of the chicken, for the little kids. Went with gorgonzola instead of blue cheese (just a taste preference). The Greek Yogurt Ranch  w/ the cheese mixed in is a MUST. We served on TJ’s mini slider buns for the kids, topped with a few leaves of arugula. James and I had it bun-less and it was just as amazing. This is one I’ll be making all summer long.

On the Side :
Homemade Oven Fries : sliced up russet potatoes, tossed with olive oil, s+p, baked at 425 for 30+ minutes.

Blackberry Arugula Salad w/ Citrus Vinaigrette
notes: this salad was such a great accompaniment to the chicken sandwiches. Some sweet tangy to the spicy. Used orange juice for the dressing.

TUESDAY //

Tacos Picadillo
notes: Love this recipe for a quick easy taco tuesday. I skip the whole crisping tortillas part, and like to add black beans to make the meat go further.

On the Side : Chips + Guac, Oven Roasted Corn

WEDNESDAY //

Teriyaki Pork Bowls w/ Coconut Rice + Lime Slaw
notes: I used a pork loin for this, and honestly wish I had gone with the shoulder or butt roast she recommends. The pork was a little dry, even with the teriyaki sauce. I also halved the brown sugar, and wish I had gone with the 1/2 cup. Overall, I was a little underwhelmed with this recipe. The combination of ingredients seemed like such a win, but it was less flavorful than I would have liked. Will probably try again, but doctor it up next time…

THURSDAY //

Date Night : Madelyn made One Pot Pesto Chicken Tortellini + Vegetables
notes: this was a hit with the kids and Madelyn was able to pull it together pretty easily. Win.

FRIDAY //

Homemade Pizza for Kids
Grilled Lemon Herb Mediterranean Salad for Adults
notes: the marinade for the chicken was great. I ended up going with a balsamic dressing instead of the reserved marinade. Love the fresh flavors here, and it was a very satisfying dinner salad.

SATURDAY //

Dinner at the Pool