August 3 Menu

Last week was hot, weather wise. But what really bothers me about Boston summers, unlike my fond memories of Las Vegas summers in high school, is that it is humid. Then imagine an apartment with no central a/c and hopefully you can sympathize with us and understand why we didn't get around to cooking up last week's braised monk fish, nor the soft tofu stew, or the fried rice. Frankly, we resorted to spinning the chicken soup into several days and added a pasta dish to break up the monotony. This got me thinking that this coming week, we should look for recipes that don't require turning on the oven. Here's a few, and if the weather keeps at it this way, you'll see more each week.

Monday - Ceviche Tacos

• You just got to love fish - it's versatility just amazes me. It's ease of preparation just makes you smile. The flavor - well, distinctive, if not delicious for some people. I'm convinced that people who don't like fish grew up without ever trying good fish.
• http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Mexican-Ceviche-Tacos-354303
• A lot of great fresh vegetables and citrus flavor just for the summer.
• I might put the jalapenos on hold.
• Pair with a fresh fruit salad?
• Oh, and this is my gazpacho substitute.

Tuesday - Ham, Manchego, Fig Tartine and Avocado Soup

• http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Ham-Manchego-and-Fig-Tartines-243612
• http://www.wholeliving.com/recipe/chilled-avocado-soup?backto=true
• Seems easy enough, I just wonder if it's really going to be dinner.
• And I almost feel like I should serve some wheat grass juice shots.

Wednesday - Navy Bean Nicoise

• http://www.wholeliving.com/recipe/navy-bean-nicoise?backto=true
• You knew there was going to be a salad dinner, right? Well, good thing is our daughter loves beans.
• You may be able to save a little time and ingredients if you pick up a bottled dressing.
• Does boiling eggs count?

Thursday - Pesto Pasta

• http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Three-Basil-Pesto-242861
• I've included a pesto recipe, but really, just buy one from a reputable specialty store.
• Does boiling pasta count? While your at it, why not steam up or add some shrimp to the boiling water.

Friday - Pizza!

• Finally my wife did something that measures up to my goofball passport debacle.
• So, we'll call it even and celebrate with pizza. Maybe even bon chon next week.

Shopping List for me:

• Vegetables, Fruits, Herbs - tomatoes (5), red onions (2), romaine lettuce, avocado (4), cilantro, fresh seasonal fruits, dill, lemon
• Meat, Chicken, Fish - sushi grade fish, prosciutto
• Milk, Dairy, Tofu, Eggs - butter, manchego, buttermilk
• Grains, Breads - baguette
• Frozen, Canned - green beans, navy beans, pesto
• Other - lime juice, lemon juice, canned jalapenos, taco shells, salsa, dressing

Shopping List Addtl:

• Vegetables, Fruits, Herbs - potatoes, baby spinach, parsley, basil
• Meat, Chicken, Fish - shrimp (optional)
• Milk, Dairy, Tofu, Eggs - eggs

Notes of the week:
1. Salmon Ceviche couldn't be better. I wouldn't change or modify any part of that recipe.
2. The avocado soup was good, but for those less adventurous folk, you'll constantly wonder if you're having soup or guacamole.