The Aftermath

The Aftermath: what a word. Weighty, somber, and real. And that is the mood of central Oklahoma today. Stories of loss litter the TV news and Facebook and my inbox like the debris of torn-up homes litter the ground. It's unfathomable.

As prevalent, though, as tales of woe, are the missives of miracles. What was lost has now been found: pictures, wedding rings, pets...People are literally picking up the pieces, and do you know why? Because the ones who survived, can pick up the pieces. They don't have a family table at which to convene, but they can -and do- still dine together.

A menu plan seems ill-placed, here in the aftermath. What difference does it make? None. But while I mourn, I must also smile--my family needs that from me. They need normalcy, if it can be mustered. We will mourn those who are lost, and pray for their families. And we will embrace our own families even harder.


Sunday: Grilled Steak, Baked Potatoes, Steamed Broccoli

Monday: Holiday Cookout:
7 layer Dip with chips
grilled balsamic vegetables
grilled burgers and brats
baked beans
potato chips
pasta salad
watermelon, strawberries, and blueberries
homemade ice cream


7 Layer Dip

On a jelly roll pan or cookie sheet with 1 inch sides, spread:

1 quart sour cream
2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups salsa, any variety
1 bag pre-shredded lettuce
2 cups pre-shredded mexican-blend cheese
2 ripe tomatoes, chopped
2 cans sliced ripe olives, drained

in that order. Serve with tortilla chips.


Tuesday: Spanish Spaghetti With Olives, garlic bread, salad

Wednesday: Gazpacho with Shrimp and Avocado Relish, leftover bread

Thursday: Kalua Pork Sandwiches, Pineapple Coleslaw, fresh pineapple (cold or grilled)

For a reduced-fat version of the slaw, try substituting 3 T. plain nonfat yogurt + 2 T. mayo instead of 1/3 cup mayo.

I've posted these sandwiches before, and am including them again because they are so good, and because this is the recipe I've chosen for this month's meal swap.


Friday: Meal Swap Meal

Saturday: Pizza