From Italy to Washington, New York City to Canada, we’re cooking the world this week. Don’t stick to the same bland summer food, spice your life up a little-and these recipes will surely help you do that. Healthy salads, sweet gooey chicken, spicy curries, there’s something here to please everyone in your travels to the cottage or while you are camping, even. With a little planning, you could be eating deliciously in the great outdoors!
| MONDAY |
When we have traveled in the USA every summer, we always stop somewhere for a really good hamburger. Americans, it seems, are the experts on those delicious sandwiches. Sommer over at A Spicy Perspective has a way for you to do it at home, with her Little Italy Burger. Slices of pancetta pressed into the patty, tomato butter and thick slices of mozzarella all on a ciabatta bun will leave your burger cravings satisfied. Want a side dish? Try the grilled corn with smoky lime mayo.
Little Italy Burger
Grilled Corn with Smoky Lime Mayo
Photo copyright A Spicy Perspective
| TUESDAY |
Lisa, who writes My Own Sweet Thyme, hails from beautiful southwest Washington state. Her blog has lots of yummy recipes for treats as well as healthy things like this colorful wild rice salad with ginger dressing. Sweet peppers, ginger, orzo, snow peas, ginger, radishes, and more are dressed up and ready to serve with some grilled salmon. Or like me, you could eat the salad for dinner all by itself.
Wild Rice Salad with Ginger Dressing
Photo copyright My Own Sweet Thyme
| WEDNESDAY |
I love a good pasta salad. This one over on Chasing Tomatoes is very versatile-you can change up the veggies to suit you, from cherry tomatoes to brightly colored peppers, sugar snap peas, asparagus, or zucchini. Just throw in whatever you find at the Farmer’s Market, dress it up with the vinaigrette and you are good to go! To make it a dinner salad, toss in some hard boiled egg, beans, shrimp, canned tuna, grilled salmon, or even leftover chicken.
Photo copyright Karen Humphrey
| THURSDAY |
Simply Scratch is a fantastic food blog! Hop on over and check out Laurie’s recipes, not to mention the seriously drool worthy photos. I have a weakness for really tasty, gooey chicken drumsticks and the second I saw the photo for this recipe, I knew it had to be in a meal plan. Why not pair it up with a great coleslaw, too?
Sweet and Tangy Peach, Apricot, and Balsamic Glazed Drumsticks
Apple and Cabbage Slaw with creamy poppy seed dressing
Photo copyright Simply Scratch
| FRIDAY |
I love a good, simple curry. This one is about as easy (and cheap!) as it gets, which is a blessing on hot summer nights. We love it with a cool cucumber and yogurt salad on the side, spicy mango chutney, some warm naan, and a bit of rice. Who needs to go out for Indian food when you can just make it at home?
Photo copyright Karen Humphrey