Summertime Meal Planning

If summer has one redeeming quality it's the abundance of local fruits and vegetables it brings. Otherwise? Meh. I'm not a fan of sweat. Or sunburns. But let's not get sidetracked hatin' on summer. 

With the scores of fresh produce available, I tend to scale back my meal plans. I never know what great deal I am going to come across at the produce stand or what is actually going to survive in my garden (it's a short list this year). I tend to have a couple of main courses in the back of my head and fill in the cracks with lots of vegetable salads and sautes. 

{fresh peaches at my favorite roadside stand this week}

So instead of a meal plan this week (because I don't even have one) I am going to share some of my favorite summertime recipes with you.

Squash Casserole - This is my favorite squash casserole. I make it once a week. No joke. It's ah-mazing! But what isn't amazing with cheese and sour cream? PS. I never use the crackers. Just hold back a little cheese and sprinkle it on top. 

Zuchinni and Squash Au Gratin - I stepped out of my Squash Casserole comfort zone and tried this last week. It's a keeper. 

Buttery Patty Pan Squash with Basil - Because, you know, more squash. And butter. Lots of butter. 

Broccoli Salad - Just a good old summertime staple. That just happens to include bacon. 

BLT Grilled Cheese - I lived off of these last summer. 

Fresh Salsa - For when you can't possible conceive of eating another tomato sandwich. Even if it does have bacon on it. 

Bacon Squash Quiche - Quiche is a perfect way to use up some more of that abundant summer squash. And it's delicious too. 

White Beans with Veggies - I'm actually making this tonight. I'm going to skip the couscous and serve it over leftover rice. 

Strawberry Trifle - Because everyone needs a treat. Just not one loaded up with Cool Whip and Jello pudding mixes. 

Another favorite is a simple squash/tomato/whateveryouwannathrowinit sauté. No recipe. Just start with some butter in a sauté pan and taste as you go. I love adding a splash of balsamic vinegar and Italian seasoning. You could also just use Italian salad dressing. A sprinkle of cheese is great at the end. There is no right or wrong here. This is about serving squash for the fourth time in a week without your family complaining. Have fun. Be adventurous. Add some bacon. Can I get an amen?

This post is linked up at The Homestead Barn Hop.