So I got some okra...

There is a retiree who takes lessons in the Pre-College division of the university where I teach and he has been bringing us vegetables from his garden. This week was the most beautiful okra I have ever seen. And I grew up in Irmo, SC home of the Okra Strut, so I KNOW from okra.

So anyway - we are making some GUMBO. I am giving this new recipe a try from Eating Well.

Sunday

Gumbo

Appetizer - Cheese and crackers

Monday

Crock Pot Chicken and Black Bean Tacos

Appetizer - grapes and cheese

Tuesday:

Summer Vegetables and Sausage

veggies and dip

Wednesday:

Cod filets prepared TBA (Daddy is in charge of these)

Thursday:

leftovers/grazing

Now MOMMY's semester is starting back

My classes start this week at the university so the rubber meets the road with the new schedule, as they say.  Last week, having "appetizers" worked pretty well when they were offered. Since its not always me who is putting together the dinner plans, I have to defer to the judgement of the person who is. "Trust the guy in the room." Which is one of the more important lessons I learned from The West Wing, of all things.

Monday:
Cheeseburger casserole

Tuesday
Shrimp and Watermelon salad


Wednesday:
Chicken and Black Bean Taco Salad (Crock Pot)

Thursday:
Tuna Melts

Friday:
Calzone Cupcakes again. (movie night!)

Saturday:
Summer Vegetables with Sausage & Potatoes

Bold New Culinary Horizons... (kinda)

A new thing for us. Big starts a different school and gets home much later than little. It is not quite dinner time but late enough that she is REALLY hungry when she gets home. After a week of just letting her eat whatever snack is appealing, which has resulted in dinner being "spoiled" so to speak, we are trying something new. Appetizers.

I look at this as an opportunity to gently broaden our culinary horizons past Goldfish and peanut butter. Behold, the appetizer and menu plan for the first week. Wish us luck.

Monday

Appetizer:
Black Bean/Corn Salsa and Baked Tortilla Chips

Fish Sticks / FishTacos


Tuesday:
Appetizer:
Pineapple chunks

Dinner:
Kung Pao Chicken Zoodles


Wednesday:
Appetizer:
Popcorn

Dinner:
Crock Pot Italian Sloppy Joes
Salad


Thursday:
Appetizer
Watermelon chunks

Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps


Friday:
Appetizer:
Dip and Veggie selection

Dinner
Calzone Cupcakes