Summer Menus!

Except for today (raining and 48 degrees!), we've been enjoying warmer weather recently. I've switched our meal plan over to something more befitting the season. We're trying to be healthier in our choices, so we're focusing on the chicken, pork and lean beef, and trying to lose the fatty steaks and other naughties.

Some of what we've enjoyed recently or are looking forward to trying this week (if you see anything you want a recipe for, then comment and I'll post it!):

- Grilled jerk-seasoned chicken breasts topped with melted pepper jack cheese and served with sweet corn and green salad.

- Chicken pesto sausage tossed with linguine, sauteed portobella mushrooms, and basil pesto.

- Grilled tri-tip (also known as Santa Maria-style steak, a hometown delicacy for me!) served with fresh pico de gallo, brown rice and green salad.

- Mediterranean tuna salad and field greens sandwiches (made with olive oil and onions, not mayo and pickle relish) on flax bread, served with fresh fruit.

- Grilled lamb chops seasoned with a fresh rosemary, olive oil and herbed pepper rub; served with mint jelly, roasted baby red potatoes and green beans.

- Sauteed garlic chicken sausage tossed with penne pasta and cooked-until-just-wilted fresh arugula.

- Shrimp, pepper jack and shredded veggie quesadillas served with black beans and chipotle salsa.

- Grilled jerk and ancho chile pork chops with brown rice and steamed broccoli.

The go-to salad for the past couple of weeks has been a packaged fresh arugula blend that Wegmans sells, tossed with fresh pear slices, crumbled goat cheese and maple vinagrette. So delicious!

I hope this list inspires somebody on one of those can't-think-of-anything nights ... I don't pretend to be a great chef, so you know all of these recipes are easy to make and most take less than 30 minutes start to finish. Enjoy your own summer meals!