We are closing in on the end of summer, people, so I’ve got a line-up of goodies for the grill (along with simple weekday meals to carry you through). Enjoy!
HERB CREME FRAICHE WITH GRILLED VEGETABLES
Gather up your favorite grilling vegetables, get them good and tender on the barbecue, and whip up a side of herb crème fraîche to go with. It’s on the light side, so sliced crusty bread, brushed with olive oil and burnished on the grill makes a nice addition. Alternatively, make the grilled vegetables the side dish and throw chicken or chops on the grill as well.
CRISPY AVOCADO TACOS
I’m crazy about these simple, crispy tacos and make them often for both lunch and dinner. Serve with a side of beans and/or this Mexican Style Street Corn.
POUNDED CHICKEN WITH TOMATO, OLIVE, AND AVOCADO SALAD
This is one tasty and very healthy summer supper. It’s light and easy enough for everyday cooking, but is also the sort of dish I’d serve guests. As for side dishes, a simple salad will do as will this Watermelon Wedge Salad.
THE PERFECT OMELET
If you don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen, this is a good fix for dinner. All you need is a simple green salad and a bit of crusty bread. Alternatively, this roasted asparagus (with or without the grated egg) would be terrific.
GRILLED SKIRT STEAK WITH SALSA VERDE
Throwing something on the grill is an easy fix for dinner, especially if you have friends joining you. In this case, it’s skirt steak (or flank steak) along with an Italian-style salsa verde. Grill or roast some little potatoes or other vegetables and toss together a salad with this vinaigrette.
PEACH & RICOTTA TOAST WITH CRUSHED CORIANDER AND HONEY
I can’t stop with this one. I’ve tried it with peaches, nectarines, strawberries, and even pitted cherries. All delicious. Enjoy for breakfast or lunch or cut them into thirds and serve as an appetizer.
OVERNIGHT BANANA ALMOND BUTTER OATS
A simple, make-ahead breakfast that you do up in a jar or bowl and stow in the fridge until morning. Feel free to stir a teaspoon or two of healthy “add ins” to the mix, such as hemp seeds, chia seeds, or ground flax. Serve it straight up or top with fruit, such as fresh mango or favorite berries.
SHOPPING LIST
Herb Creme Fraiche with Grilled Vegetables
Heaping 1/2 cup crème fraiche
1 1/2 tablespoons chives
1 tablespoon fresh basil
1 tablespoon fresh mint
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
Favorite vegetables for grilling such as bell peppers, onions, eggplant, and zucchini
Crispy Avocado Tacos
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese (grated about 1 1/2 cups)
8 corn tortillas
Favorite salsa, taco sauce or sriracha
2 ripe avocados
8 crunchy, light-green leaves of Romaine
Lime wedges
Pounded Chicken with Tomato, Olive, and Avocado
1 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 large clove garlic
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 1/3 heaping cups cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh basil
1 cup castelvetrano olives (or other favorite meaty olives)
1 small ripe avocado
2 scallions
Perfect Omelet (ingredients per serving)
2 eggs
½ tablespoon butter
2 to 3 tablespoons grated Cheddar or Gruyere cheese
Grilled Skirt Steak with Salsa Verde
1 1/4 pounds skirt steak (or flank or hangar steak)
1 tablespoon shallot
1 1/2 tablespoons capers
1/4 cup fresh parsley
3 tablespoons fresh cilantro
2 teaspoons lemon juice
Zest of 1/2 lemon
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Peach & Ricotta Toast
1 thick slice crusty country-style bread (I like whole-grain levain)
2-3 tablespoons whole milk ricotta cheese
1/2 medium ripe peach or nectarine
1/2 teaspoon whole coriander seeds
1 light drizzle honey
Optional: fresh thyme, basil or mint
Overnight Banana Almond Butter Oats
1 tablespoon salted almond butter
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 ripe banana
2/3 cup milk
1/3 rounded cup rolled oats
Chopped fresh fruit for topping the oatmeal