Our Summer Eats

For the summer,  I've put together a simple food plan.

Month-at-a-time meal planning is something I love.

It just doesn't happen every single month.

Confession.  It actually hasn't happened around here for the last few.
It seems I'm always confessing about these things.
Well, it is what it is.  And, this should put all that right.

Summer always is a little trickier (in my books) since everything has

to be quick and easy and not create any more heat in the house than necessary.
At least, that's my summer meal plan motto.

We don't have air conditioning.  We don't need it.  That is,

for most of the year we don't.  However, for a few weeks in the height of summer,
it would be nice.  Actually, in the last few days, it would have been nice.

But, it won't happen.  Not in this house.

So, simple, quickly put together, and non-heat producing meals are best.

I formulated this plan on one of our recent hot-in-my-estimation days.  80 degrees.
Don't laugh.  It was 80 degrees outside as well as in.  Too hot for me.
The fan was strategically positioned and aimed in my direction.

Under those conditions, this is what I came up with.
It's my plan for the summer that seems to already have arrived.
In full force.  Good thing I'm prepared.  :)

Rather than make a day by day plan, this list has more than
three weeks' worth of meal ideas which can be rotated as necessary.
Along the way, I might throw something extra into the mix.
(Some of your ideas, perhaps?  Yes, please.)
My hope is that this will be enough to keep us going all summer long.

Auto-pilot and ease of operation are my goals
for meal preparation when the temperatures rise.  In order for that to happen,
I need to have a plan in place.  In my experience, anyway.
Oh, and stick that plan to the fridge.  And, implement it.  Yes, those things, too.

Welcome summer ~ I'm ready for you!

Dinner Ideas:

1.  African Dish
2.  Idaho Tacos
3.  Chicken Wraps
4.  Burgers (or from a box) on the grill
5.  Skillet Dinner
6.  Salmon on the grill
7.  Chicken on the grill
8.  Salmon Salad
9.  Pasta Primavera
10.  Black Beans and Rice
11.  Eggs and Beans on toast
12.  Refried Beans and Rice
13.  Farmer's Breakfast
14.  Steaks (from the half cow) on the grill
15.  Stir Fry something or other
16.  Crock Pot Roast Beef (from the half cow)
17.  Whole Chicken in the crock pot
18.  Taco Salad or Tacos
19.  Sloppy Joe's
20.  Mexican Salad
21.  Janine's Indian Chicken
22.  Hobo Beans
23.  Pulled Chicken in the crock pot
24.  Shish Kebabs

Lunch Ideas:

1.  Salmon sandwiches
2.  Grilled Cheese sandwiches
3.  Tuna sandwiches
4.  Egg Salad sandwiches
5.  Ham sandwiches
6.  Refried beans, Salsa, and Cheese on toast
7.  Pizza Buns
8.  Mini Pizzas
9.  Toasted Tomato sandwiches

Sides:

1. Potato Salad
2.  Grilled Veggies
3.  Greek Salad
4.  Quinoa Salad
5.  Coleslaw
6.  Broccoli Salad
7.  Caesar Salad
8.  Veggies and Dip
9.  Pasta Salad

There you have it.  Our summer eats.
Anything to add to the list?  Any tips or tricks?
I'd love to hear how you handle meal prep in the heat of summer.
Please share.  I'm all ears.  Tell me everything.  :)

Happy Summer-ing.
With Love, Camille