It’s still Spring (technically), but summer is near.  This week’s menu features 5 easy family meals with a couple of little surprises for the grill.  I love grilled food! Not only does the grill impart a distinct, flavorful char on things we cook on it, but it makes clean up quick and easy.  I also find that cooking outdoors helps to keep our (indoor) kitchen nice and cool in the warmer months.

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Another preference I have developed is that of roasting vegetables in the oven, rather than cooking them on the stove top.  Because I have a conventional slide in range with 4-burner stove and single oven, I often end up with main dishes and side dishes competing for space. When the oven is empty, I always roast my vegetables.  If the oven is occupied, then I will saute or steam them.  Roasted vegetables almost always cook at 450° for 10-20 minutes. Check out the link above for an unbelievably simple roasted carrots recipe.

A couple of notes about the Pasta with Fresh Tomato Sauce this week. It’s a Checca Sauce Recipe from Giada De Laurentiis on the Food Network.  This sauce requires no cooking. With the tomatoes and basil, it is the epitome of summer.  It’s light, refreshing, flavorful and incredibly easy with a food processor.  If you have a vegetable garden and find yourself with an abundance of tomatoes, this is an excellent way to use up your extra tomatoes for the season. Our kids lick their plates clean when this is served.

Oh! I almost forgot! Download this super helpful printable menu and grocery list to get you through this week’s menu. I’ll be posting/linking the recipes for the currently unlinked menu items soon.

Hope y’all have a great week!