Meals at a glance...

We're entering finals week and the last full week of sports practices.  We all cannot wait for summer to arrive!  Events this weekend in town remind me once again how important it is to slow down and enjoy the little things.  I want to play outside after school with my younger boys and have time to make healthy yet simple meals.  This week I'm trying a few new recipes that I found in my previous issues of Good Housekeeping , Eating Well and Shape magazine.

Our week ahead:

Monday:  Spaghetti with Lemon & Ricotta--trying to keep our Monday's meatless.  I use either whole wheat spaghetti or brown rice spaghetti for some added protein.  A mixed green salad will be on the side with arugula, cucumbers, and a lemon vinaigrette.

Tuesday:  Roasted Salmon and Beets with Herb Vinaigrette and Red Potato Salad--sounds like a complicated meal but it's not.  This should take about 15 minutes to prep the salmon and beets.  Slice the beets thinly and roast a few minutes before adding the salmon on top.  The potatoes can be boiled in the morning while I help the kids get ready for school and then sit in the fridge for the day.

Wednesday:  Cumin Spiced Roasted Chicken and Vegetables--easy meal to make and throw into oven!

Thursday:  Panini Sandwiches--chiabatta bread with pesto, fresh mozzarella, and leftover chicken.  Salad and fruit on the side.

Friday:  Odds & Ends--leftovers and picnic style finger foods--great way to clean out the fridge before heading to the market!  Fun to be creative and find new ways to fix food.

Saturday:  End of season party--making a red quinoa, black bean, corn and avocado salad to bring to party as well as a green salad and heavenly bars.

Sunday:  hosting end of year soccer party--pizza and salads--keeping it very easy and ordering pizzas!

Last week I made Caesar salad and had some requests for the dressing.  This is my father-n-law's recipe and my kids love it!

Caesar Dressing
4 T olive Oil,
2 T Canola
Marinate 3-4 diced garlic cloves in the oil for at least 4 hours
Add: 1T Dijon Mustard
1t lemon juice
2T red wine vinegar
1 egg yolk or 1 egg beater
1t anchovy paste
dash of honey
1/3 c grated Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste
Beat with electric mixer to emulsify.

Enjoy!
Best,
Donna