Rain, Rain, Go Away!

I'm so ready for the rain to stop and the earth to dry. Too much of a good thing is still too much. The dogs look like wallowing pigs, and the kids NEED to go play outside! And this Dinner Diva is missing her grill.


Sunday: We never got around to having the chicken salad from last week. So, tonight we're having that! Chicken and Strawberry Salad, buttery baguettes

(Note: take a few minutes today to make the vinaigrette for Tuesday's salad...it needs time to chill.)

Monday: last week's other meal shopped for but never made: grilled steaks, baked sweet potatoes, grilled asparagus

Tuesday: Prosciutto and Smoked Gouda Panini, Hearts of Romaine Salad

Sandwiches and salad sounded good and easy for mid-week. If you need something else, try some oil and vinegar potato chips, home fries, or parmesan crisps on the side.

Wednesday: Potato-Crusted Red Snapper, Corn and Tomato Salad, Pain D'Ail

Don't be intimidated by long-named recipes. Sometimes the easiest recipes take longer to say than to make. Tonight's menu might seem involved, but the hardest part will be the bread (which will take about 10 minutes in a breadmaker). In a pinch, substitute store-bought garlic and herb french bread.

Pain D'Ail

3 cloves garlic
2 T. butter

1 1/4 cup water

3 1/8 cups bread flour
1 T. gluten (omit if you can't find it, but its inclusion yields a nice texture)
1 T. sugar
1 1/2 t. salt

2 1/2 t. bread machine yeast

Peel garlic and press into the butter. Mash together.

Place all ingredients into the pan according to the order in the manufacturer's instructions. Add garlic butter with the liquids. Program for french bread, crust set to medium. Press start.

When baking cycle ends, remove immediately and place it on a cooling rack. Cool to room temp before slicing. (Or if you have an electric knife, you can slice it while still hot..YUM!)

Thursday: Hot Italian Sausage and Tomato Pasta, simple salad, bread

Try using the leftover Pain D'Ail. Slice, spread with plain yogurt or a small amount of butter, and top with freshly grated parmesan or asiago. Toast under the broiler a few minutes or until cheese is melted and slightly browned.

Friday: Farmer's Frittata, fresh fruit

Saturday: Pizza Night