As you can probably assume since my menu is late, I am thoroughly enjoying my summer vacation so far. I'm getting to spend lots of time with Corey before he leaves for college, and I couldn't ask for a better way to use my time. :)

We are preparing to leave for Corey's Presidential Scholars trip, so our house sitters are going to be in charge of the menu. Hopefully they will enjoy using our kitchen. :)

Here's what I have on the menu this week. Enjoy and have a great week! Be sure to follow me on Facebook to get fast updates from the blog. :)

Sunday - Bacon Wrapped Grilled Chicken Breasts, Corn, Green Beans, Strawberries, Salad

Monday - Grilled Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Hot Dogs, Green Beans, Salad, Strawberries

Tuesday - Grilled Bruschetta Chicken, Broccoli, Salad, Honey Lime Fruit Salad, Summer Strawberry Cooler

Wednesday - Chicken Fajitas, Corn, Strawberries

Thursday -Voodoo Pasta, Green Beans, Salad, Peaches

Friday - Housesitters' Choice

Saturday - Housesitters' Choice

For more menu ideas, visit orgjunkie.com.  

This is a nice treat on a hot summer day. It does have a lot of sugar, so it is definitely a treat to enjoy occasionally.

Ingredients:

1 48 oz. can pineapple juice
1 2 liter Strawberry Fanta Soda
1 bag frozen strawberries
1 12 oz. can pink lemonade concentrate, thawed

Directions:

In a blender, mix together the lemonade concentrate and the frozen strawberries. Blend until smooth.
Pour mixture into a large gallon pitcher. Add in the pineapple juice and most of the 2 liter of soda. Stir so all ingredients are mixed. Serve over ice and garnish with a fresh strawberry.

This is my son's original burger creation. He loves Tex-Mex stuff and he loves burgers, so he combined the two to make this fun recipe for the grill. When he wants them a bit spicier, he adds a small can of chopped green chiles to the meat before making the patties. Yum!

Ingredients:

1 pound lean ground beef, divided into four patties
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Salsa (here's our favorite, but you can always use store-bought if you prefer)
chopped lettuce
cheddar jack sliced cheese
hamburger buns (can use store-bought or make your own)

Guacamole Ranch Sauce:

1/2 cup reduced fat ranch salad dressing
1/4 cup Wholly Guacamole (or you can use half of a mashed avocado)
1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
Juice from 1 lime

1/8 t cumin 

(To make the sauce, mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl and refrigerate to let the flavors meld.)

Directions:

Form the ground beef into four patties. Sprinkle both sides of each burger with the taco seasoning. Grill to desired doneness.

Make Guacamole Ranch Sauce according to above directions.

To assemble the burgers, place a burger on a hamburger bun, top with cheese, salsa, and lettuce. Spread sauce on the bun top. Eat and enjoy!

Make this simple fruit salad with whatever fresh berries and fruits are available. The dressing gives it that extra special touch.

Ingredients:
16 oz. strawberries
8 oz. blueberries
8 oz. blackberries
3 or 4 clementines, peeled and sectioned
(or use whatever fresh fruit you enjoy)

1/4 cup honey
juice from 2 limes (about 2-3 T)

Directions:

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and lime juice. Clean the fruit and mix together in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the fruit and gently stir.

I made this simple salsa for Corey's graduation party. It was definitely a hit. I highly recommend it over store-bought salsas.

Ingredients:

2 15 oz. cans of Fire Roasted Tomatoes
1 4 oz. chopped green chiles
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1 small onion, chopped
Juice from 2 limes
2 jalapenos, seeded and chopped
1/2 t cumin
1/2 t oregano
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

Directions:

Add all ingredients into a large glass mixing bowl. Blend with an immersion blender. Cover and refrigerate for one hour to let flavors meld. Serve with tortilla chips.

Recipe adapted from For the Love of Cooking

Welcome to summer vacation - week 2! We had a wonderful week last week with no obligations other than lunch at the Governor's mansion. ;)

It was a great experience, and Corey got to sit next to the First Lady and had great conversations. Here's a picture of Corey with Governor Nixon and the First Lady.

This week Corey has summer registration at college, so we will have a house sitter for a few days. That means my menu is not very exciting, but I'm posting it for you anyway. :) Be sure to check out the new granola recipe I posted this week. It's pretty tasty.

Here's this week's menu. Enjoy and have a great week! Be sure to follow me on Facebook to get fast updates from the blog. :)


Sunday - Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and Strawberries (went hiking that day and just were not very hungry)
Monday - Eat out (had to run some late, unexpected errands)
Tuesday - Grilled Chicken and Feta Salads with Spinach and Spring Greens, Parmesan Roasted Vegetables, Strawberries

Wednesday -  Taco Burgers (didn't get to them last week), Grilled Zucchini, Salad, Strawberries
Thursday - House sitter's choice
Friday - House sitter's choice
Saturday - Turkey and Gravy from freezer, Green Beans, Salad, Applesauce


For more menu ideas, visit orgjunkie.com. 

Quick, easy granola recipe that is a great topping on yogurt or as a snack on its own.

Ingredients:

4 T creamy peanut butter
4 T honey
1/2 t cinnamon
1/2 t vanilla
2 c. oats

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with nonstick spray.

Combine peanut butter and honey in a glass bowl and microwave for 30 seconds. Mix well.

Stir cinnamon and vanilla into peanut butter mixture. Add oats and stir until oats are completely coated in the peanut butter mixture.

Spread out oat mixture on the prepared baking sheet bake for 8-10 minutes until granola is slightly browned.

Let cool until granola is crunchy.

Makes eight 1/4 cup servings.