Weeknight Rescue//Week 28//Summer

I think I probably say this every year, but how are we nearly at fourth of July?? Regardless, I’m seeing great stuff at the market these days, so I’m going all in with a summer menu. I’ve got a peach salsa, a tomato tart, and an all-time favorite summer dessert…my mom’s Ice Cream Pie.

GRILLED PORK CHOPS W/ PEACH & PECAN SALSA

I bought a flat of the first peaches of the season this week, so immediately set my mind to making these chops. I love the sweet-savory combo of peaches and pork chops. Serve them with steamed corn or homemade corn bread and a simple salad. Delicious!

FRESH SUMMER VEGETABLE PASTA

This is making it’s seasonal debut this week, but is a longtime staple in our house. It’s a barely cooked “sauce” featuring summer’s triple threat: tomatoes, zucchini, and corn. Feel free to use any shape of pasta you like with an arugula or green salad on the side.

CILANTRO LIME YOGURT-MARINATED GRILLED CHICKEN

I am crazy about the yogurt marinade for this chicken. It’s full of flavor and makes what can be a tough cut of chicken very tender. Serve it with any favorite summer sides, either grilled vegetables, this Corn and Avocado Salad, this Warm BLT Potato Salad, or whatever else fits your mood.

LAMB SLIDERS WITH HERBED YOGURT SAUCE

My daughter Rosie is crazy for these flavorful sliders, which I serve with salad greens or sometimes tucked inside warm pita bread.  Swap in another ground meat for lamb if you like and serve this Colorful Quinoa Tabbouleh on the side.

TOMATO ZUCCHINI TART WITH OLIVE OIL CRUST

I’ll be making this savory tart on repeat now that tomatoes are coming into season. It’s a press-in-the-pan style crust, which means it’s easier to make than most. The recipe calls for whole-grain flour and olive oil, which also means it’s a healthy bet for a weeknight supper or to fancy up a weekend lunch.

CROUTONS ON THE GRILL

Now that barbecue season is in full swing, here’s another thing to add to your grilling line up. Thread cubes of bread on a skewer and get them good and crispy. They make a crunchy snack or are excellent for summer salads.

EASY ICE CREAM PIE WITH CHOCOLATE CRUST AND TOFFEE BITS

This is the ice cream pie my mom would bring out during the summer months when company came. It was always a huge hit and is now something I often make for summer gatherings when I’m in the mood for something decadent and crazy good. It’s just five ingredients, requires no baking, and can be assembled and stashed in the freezer under 20 minutes.