Gentle Readers, this has been a whirlwind summer for The Practical Cook and the Juniors. We have often found ourselves lacking the sheer stomach space to consume all we want to try. Not a bad problem to have, I know. However, it has also meant a real lack of kitchen time. I think I’ve cooked in other people’s kitchens more than my own!
The magic quadrant of pancakes from #projectpancakes
Not a bad skill to acquire. Last night’s #projectpancakes was a huge success, as you can see. We field tested a couple of mixes with add-ins for a tough crowd. And there was bacon. That was less of a hard sell. Wright’s Hickory Smoked, the victor from Bacon Madness, again reigned supreme.
Underline your panckaes with bacon. For emphasis.
However, I find myself lacking inspiration. I resubscribed to Everyday Food, on my iPad. Let’s see how that format goes, if I use and enjoy it as much. So here’s what I’ve got for the week. Would love to hear from you all, what you’re cooking and eating these days. I also wonder if I’m going to be able to get up at 6 AM again before too long–schooltime draws near!
Totally counts as a vegetable. Cucumber gimlet for the win!
But alas, back to the late days of summer. Here’s what’s on the menu this week:
Weekly Menus: 8/5/2012
And the four-square grocery shopping list:
The still lean Four-Square Grocery Shopping List: 8/5/2012
Which all translates into:
Sunday: Italian
We’re being treated to a 3-course meal featuring pork. Part of my ongoing quest to learn to cook Italian courtesy of the cantankerous Waldorf.
Monday: Eggplant something
This will be Turkish (broiled and pureed, a smoky base) or Italian (oregano/thyme plus a hit of red sauce and mozzarella) in nature. TBD.
Tuesday: Leftover surprise
This may change because now we need to do some field research this week. So it may be Mexican and leftovers may be lunch.
Wednesday: Field Research (Dine out!)
I am fortunate enough to know a couple of local chefs, and the Juniors have demanded a seat at the table. Since summer is the perfect time to stay up late, we’re going out more than usual! I will reveal our mission in a future guest blog by the Juniors themselves.
Thursday: Beef and Veg
Because both of these things need to be eaten, work in volume, and can be frozen for the future.
Friday: Dine Out!
More field research! There are not enough meals in the day. Truly.
Saturday: Dine Out!
Though this may very well turn into leftover surprise. Or a salad! I adore the Whole Foods salad bar on a Saturday. The challenge of not building a $20 salad and the infinite variety!
Share your summertime cooking strategy (or eating strategy works too)! Post a comment! The crickets and I await your feedback.
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Coming up Wednesday: Kitchen Tool Talk, More of My Favorite Things.
Just had my first cucumber gimlet. It was a hit.
Woohoo! They really are the drink of the summer for me. And practically a vegetable. Like V-8.