Time to BBQ

Hey Guys! How was your weekend? Ours was super busy! Like I'm exhausted. And just want to sleep all day. But the pile of laundry, just ain't going to do itself. So let's get moving on...

Well, I could tell you that I have great plans this week. That I have a menu. And grocery list. And that I'm going to cook all week. But honestly, as long as we get fed...that's all that matters!

Monday:
We're probably going to eat leftovers. Our neighbors had a Birthday BBQ yesterday. And sent us home, with SO MUCH FOOD!!! I'm guessing, that it is going to be equally as delish. Cheeseburgers, salads, and dessert!

Tuesday:
I think, in our house at least, Tuesday should be known as Tostada Tuesday. It's what we do. Move over tacos...tostadas have taken over our home!!!

Wednesday:
So for the last couple of weeks, we've had a Growers' Market on Wednesdays. But this week, it was cancelled for another event. And my Momma and aunts have decided to head to Santa Fe for the day. Leaves me at home. With the pups. For like 12 hours. My decision. Salad! All day long. I'm thinking a Mexican Chicken Salad. For lunch. And maybe grilled veggies and chicken for din-din. :)

Thursday:
Gosh who the heck knows? I'd like to be positive and say, that I'm going to cook. But the reality is, it's heading towards the end of the week. And more than likely, I won't be cooking. Maybe we can just swing by Wendy's. Folks I'm being real here!

Friday:
As silly as it sounds, I'm sorta looking forward to Friday. I think we'll grill. I have some shrimp in the freezer. And lots of veggies. Maybe some skewers. Or grilled shrimp tacos. It all sounds yummy!

Saturday:
2nd Annual Blea Summer Party!!! So I'm not cooking. I'm looking forward to some burgers poolside. Even if I don't swim. And there is a 50% chance of rain. We ain't letting that get us down!

Sunday:
It's Father's Day. And for all the reasons...we don't really do too much. My Momma nor I, have a daddy here on Earth. So we haven't really made any big plans. Plus it's post-Blea Summer Party. And there is another 50% chance of rain in the forecast. Maybe we'll head to a local concert. Or just stay home. And munch on a baked potato.

Things I'm looking forward to making this week? There are quite a few recipes I'd like to try out. But with this heat, I'm being honest, it ain't happening. Not really. For the last week, if it wasn't a breakfast burrito...it's been fresh fruit for breakfast. It's how I roll.

Lunch has been salads...or sammies. Because really, who wants to be in the kitchen? I want to be enjoying the weather. Playing with the pups. Reading a book, doing work, or crocheting...under our pine trees. I want to watch the hummingbirds eat, play in the flower beds, and go on long walks.

So our food is starting to get real simple. Real fast. And our weekends sure are feeling up fast! Birthday parties, graduations, BBQs, Summer parties, and Growers' Markets...and ALL the Summer Fun!

I came across this glorious recipe. And thought, I NEED to make that. For the Blea Summer Party. Yum! There are also a ton of grilling ideas, that I want to try here. Southern Living never lets me down either. I found a ton of ideas. That I want to try out this Summer. Oh and this is going on the top of my list!

That's it for now. Honestly, if I manage cooking 4 days this week...we shall call that a success! Because I've been so exhausted. I not sure what is going on with me. I just know, I have orders to work on, laundry to get done, and at some point...I need to get us fed. Is anyone else in the same boat? Happy Monday!

XOXO,
Desiree

Summer Holiday Eats

Today is not only Monday...it's a Holiday! Happy Memorial Day! So while you are enjoying the day off of work, don't forget to remember the real reason behind this holiday.

The men and women, that gave their lives...for our freedoms! Stop and think about it. Thank a Service Man or Woman. Thank their families. Because they are amazing!

Back to regularly scheduled programming. You know, our meal plan. For the week. I'm feeling really positive this week. Because I've hit some awesome produce sales. Lots of pretty fruits and vegs, for grilling. This week, we'll be cooking quite a bit!

Monday:

Today? Well, I know I just went on and on, about cooking. And it's the Holiday kick-off, to Summer. So we SHOULD be grilling today. But nah, we're going to go have lunch at the Casino. Which means...one meal today. We'll return to cooking tomorrow!

Tuesday:
We're grilling! Chicken to be exact. With asparagus, mushrooms, and tomatoes. Maybe a baked potato too! My mouth is already watering!

Wednesday:
A big 'ol salad. With some grilled shrimp. I'm thinking of marinating them in lime juice. Maybe some garlic and herbs too. Avocado would be good too. I just need to buy some.

Thursday:
Hamburgers. More like cheeseburgers. With a cucumber salad. Perhaps, some grilled fruit. For dessert.

Friday:
This is our off week, from the Growers' Markets. Which is nice. It gives us some time off, to do fun stuff too. We're going to the Old Town Fiestas. So we'll probably pick up, something from Little Anita's.

Saturday:
Rinse and repeat...Friday. We'll probably eat a burger or something at the Fiestas. It happens once a year. And you have to enjoy yourself!

Sunday:
Not going to lie, we'll probably grab a bite to eat, at the Fiestas. Again! Or in the surrounding area. My Mom really enjoys going to these Fiestas. And we just lucked out, that it's our off week. So my Mom wants to take full advantage.

So as you can see, 4 days this week...we are cheating. But not really. I plan on making pancakes one day, waffles another, and Huevos Mexicanos. My Mom really enjoys a good breakfast. We also have plenty of fruit, to snack on. As well as veggies. And I plan on making some yummy bites for lunch.

And as far as recipes that I want to try this week. Well, there are a few. I've been craving Mint Chocolate anything. So I found this little recipe. It sounds AMAZING! Gosh, this salad sounds so good! It will make the perfect light lunch.

I also happened to find a great deal on cucumbers. And I want to try something new. I came across this post, with so many ideas. Yum! Same goes for strawberries. I found this post with lots of ideas. And this post has a ton of ideas too! Lastly, I want to try this yummy drink. We have plenty of strawberries and limes. And it will make a fun addition to one of our meals.

XOXO,
Desiree

Eating in HOT Weather

Hey Guys! I'm so exhausted today. We had a busy weekend. Crazy busy! I hosted a dinner for my Mom's birthday Friday. We were at the Growers' Markets, both Saturday and Sunday. Saturday was my Mom's birthday. And we went to a BBQ for my cousin's birthday. Of course, we can't forget Mother's Day yesterday!

So I'm a little on the tired side today. Like, I want to stay in bed all day long! But life moves forward. And I have a list of things to complete. First up, what are we eating? I need to do some grocery shopping.

Monday:
Easy peasy! We are having tacos and rice tonight. It's super easy. And fast! Oh, and we scored some free, grass fed beef on Saturday. Yay, for Farmer Friends!

Tuesday:
Some sort of salad. With chicken. I made one last Thursday. It was so good. And perfect for this HOT weather!

Wednesday:
We're going to watch my little cousin, play softball. So I'm thinking...ballpark hot dogs! Maybe some nachos. Because there is nothing like going to the Little League Fields...and eating from the concession stands. :)

Thursday:
I want to grill. It's fast. Easy. And there is minimum clean up. Also, Grey's has it's season finale. So I'm thinking shrimp kabobs. Maybe some rice pilaf. Definitely some grilled veggies!

Friday:
We're off from the Markets this week. Maybe we'll go out. To Chili's. Yum! The 3 for $10 Commercials are killing me! The food looks so yummy!

Saturday:
My cousin and her wife work at one of our local hospitals. And they are having Family Night at our Zoo. So my Mom and I are joining them. :) Dinner was really good last year. We went. So I'm excited! Family, Zoo Fun, and yummy food!!!

Sunday:
Thinking about grilling again. Or a light pasta. Something light and fast. So we can dine alfresco.

As far as recipes I want to try. I'm looking more, for lighter items. I've been sick for weeks. And the heavy proteins, are just too much right now. It's also crazy HOT out here. And it's barely May...

I want to try this salad. It just sounds yummy. And I LOVE strawberries!!! And you can never go wrong with a Greek Salad. This Mediterranean Pasta sounds amazing too! Spinach and Tomato Pasta sounds like a winner too! Lastly, this pasta dish sounds like a perfect Sunday night dinner! Yum!

Like always, if you know of a yummy recipe I should try. Let me know. Please leave me a comment or link. I LOVE to try new things! Happy Monday!

XOXO,
Desiree

Eating...During a Busy Week

Happy Monday! How was every one's weekend? I'm so tired. We had a busy weekend. Not that we did a lot. But that we just kept busy. I'm so ready to take a nap...

But on to our week. In food. I was talking to my cousin on Saturday...and sorta realized I've been slacking. In the cooking department. So I'm really going to try and make an effort this week. Even though, it's going to be a busy week!

Monday:
I need to go get my Driver's License. On-going. For like a month now! After all the headache...we're probably going to grab a bite to eat. Don't judge me! Just pray for me. I need my Driver's License!

Tuesday:
Don't judge me again. I'm not making excuses. But Tuesday is going to be a full day too. I'm going to help a friend, get ready for the Growers' Market. She needs me to help her make labels. And we have a dog, that needs to go visit her new home. Oh, and my little cousin's softball game. So I'm thinking Taco Tuesday. Somewhere. Maybe we'll pickup Little Anita's on the way!

Wednesday:
My other little cousin's birthday is on Wednesday. And we were invited to go have dinner with them. At Cici's. Anyone else love that place? We never go. But we might. If not...I'm thinking grilled chicken and a salad. Yum! That sounds really good.

Thursday:
We are working hard for the Opening Day at the ABQ Downtown Growers' Market. So I'm thinking, we need to work on our projects. Not do a crazy meal. Thursday sounds like a good day, to have a veggie pasta. I made one last night. With a salad. And it was perfect! We had Angel Hair pasta last night. So I'm thinking a penne pasta...with lots of fresh veggies. Zucchini, mushrooms, carrots, spinach, and tomatoes.

Friday:
The end of the week! Grilling sounds like a good option. Chicken, a baked potato, corn on the cob. Maybe even a fresh salad! Because who wants to do a ton of dishes...at the end of the week!

Saturday:
We would have survived the day at the Growers' Market! And probably eaten a ton too! Because they have such yummy food! I'm thinking we might eat beans and chili. Maybe I can convince my Momma to make some tortillas too. :)

Sunday:
Party Day for us! My other little cousin's 1st Birthday party is on Sunday. And we are going to go watch a friend, play a concert. So we don't have to worry too much about food. I'm trying folks. But with a full schedule...what can you do?

As for food I'm thinking of trying this week...well there is a lot that I want to try. This simple avocado salad sounds so good. With a piece of grilled chicken. Maybe on Friday.

Over the weekend, my cousin had us over. And she made the BEST stuffed mushrooms. She sorta gave me the recipe. And I want to make some. But I also did a quick search, and found this recipe. Which also sounds amazing! Except I wouldn't put clams. Maybe I'd sub diced mushrooms, to make them all veggie. Or add a little sausage.

Lastly, I was looking at this post, about stoned fruit. Grilled stoned fruit! And I want to make it all! So I'll be looking for some yummy fruit. To try something like this. When I lived alone, I used to grill fruit all the time. I'd top it with a little heavy cream, ice cream, or even yogurt. Yum! I can already taste it.

What's on your menu this week? Have you come across any tasty recipes? Should I be making something...that I'm not. Let me know!

XOXO,
Desiree

Easter Hangover...Of Sorts

Hi Guys! Did everyone survive the Holiday weekend? We had a fun filled weekend. That included tons and tons of eating! And lots of leftovers. So this week, we'll probably be eating a lot of those. The crazy thing is, I didn't even have to do any cooking. I made a fruit salad...and a bunch of candy!

Monday:
I'm thinking about leftovers tonight. We have lots of yummy chicken and salads. From our neighbors. They  invited us over, to a BBQ yesterday evening. And they packed us two big takeout boxes, full of yumminess.

Tuesday:
My Sister is taking us out. To celebrate my birthday. A little late. But that's how we roll. So we're meeting for burgers and fries. We're going to Laguna Burger. So I'm thinking, I'll be good for the day.

If you're local, have you tried it? We've been to the one, near the Casino. But we haven't tried the new one...in town.

Wednesday:
Hmm, I'm not sure. But I'm thinking about Fettuccine Alfredo. With shrimp and broccoli. I've been wanting this...for what seems like forever! And we have everything to make it!

Thursday:
Probably something simple. On the grill. Chicken and corn on the cob. Maybe a salad. Gosh, that sounds pretty amazing...

Friday:
I've been wanting tacos. Maybe that would be a fun and easy meal. By the end of the week, I'm ready for a break. Especially right now. While we are getting ready for the Grower's Market. And we're spending a ton of time, making items.

Saturday:
Another easy move. We're going to a birthday party. So I don't have to worry about dinner. Which makes me very excited! Besides, I'm excited to go celebrate my little cousin's birthday! Her momma, is one of my favorite cousins too. :)

Sunday:
Who are we kidding? By Sunday evenings, I'm usually completely exhausted. We've also started yard work. Gosh, there is a lot of that. So I'm thinking Wendy's. My Momma loves it. It's fast and easy. Oh, and she can sit and play her games. While I do some work. :)

What else am I thinking about this week? Food wise. Well, this salad sounded interesting. So did this one. And a good tuna salad, always makes sense in the Spring. My Mom is a HUGE fan of cauliflower. HUGE! So I did a little search for some cauliflower salads. And I came across this one. I think it would be yummy with some grilled chicken. I also adore a good Pasta Primavera. This one from the Pioneer Woman, sounds delish! I want to make this for lunch. Today!

What are you eating this week? Are there any recipes I should try? Food blogs, that I should be reading. Let me know!

XOXO,
Desiree

My Favorite Food Week...During Lent

Do you ever have one those weeks? When you just aren't feeling life. That's me. This week. I don't feel well. I think I ate some bad food yesterday. As in, bad shrimp cocktail. My stomach has been killing me since last night!

Well, onto our week. It's a Holiday Week. So I'm pretty excited about that. That means, lots of fun this week. And tons and tons of yummy food! So my tummy better get in check!

Monday:
Probably nothing. Maybe I'll pick something up on the way home. Or just eat some soup.

Tuesday:
We're going to the movies with my cousin. So we'll probably go to Wendy's after. My Mom likes a good movie/Wendy's kind of date. 4 for $4...we're on our way!

Wednesday:
I'm thinking tuna patties with rice. Yum! We haven't had those in a long while! Do you ever eat tuna patties? I feel like those have been in staple, in our lives...since I was little. If I don't make rice, I'll make buttered herb noodles. Another yummy option.

Thursday:
Chicken and...I don't know. Chicken and pasta? Maybe a salad. I'm out of ideas here. Or maybe it's because I don't feel well. We'll have some sort of chicken dish though.

Friday:
That's easy! It's Good Friday. We always have torta. Do you know what torta is? Is it just a New Mexico thing? Not sure. Oh, and we don't use that recipe. We have our own. Would you like me to write up our recipe? And the recipes to all our sides? Let me know in the comments.

We always have torta with beans, fidellos, fresh tortillas, spinach, calabacitas. It's everything yummy...that I LOVE about New Mexico! And Lent! I can't wait until Friday!!!

Saturday:
Red chili enchiladas. Probably. We'll have leftovers from Friday. And we'll probably just make some cheesy enchis to go along with all the yummy leftovers!

Sunday:
This is super easy! Family BBQ!!! I'm on dessert duty. And quite excited about it. I'll be making some fruit salad, jelly bean bark, and maybe some Oreo bark. Yum! I can't wait!

Things I want to try this week. Oh, I don't know. I've been going through a ton of magazines lately. And watching so many YouTube videos! Right before bed. And then I literally dream of food. All. Night. LONG!

I have been dying to make this salad. During the summer, I had something similar at a local pizza place. And I've been dying to make this! This chicken also sounds yummy! With some Hawaiian macaroni salad. That might be Thursday's dinner.

A good friend of mine recently sent me 5lbs of jamaica. Nothing makes this gal happier, than jamaica tea! But 5lbs is quite a bit. Even if I drink this stuff daily. In the past I've made cookies, ice cream, and of course tea. But I was looking for a savory dish. When I came across this recipe. Totally worth a try! I also came across this No Mayo Tuna Salad. That would be good for lunch. And this yummy brisket recipe. I miss real Texas brisket! This is totally a cheater kind of recipe.

What's on your menu this week? Any recipes that I should try? I feel like I'm in a food rut. And would love to hear, all about what you are eating. Have a Great Week!

XOXO,
Desiree

The Week with Salads and Birthday Cake

Can't believe it's already Monday! The last few days have been so full! We have some plans this week. So I'm not sure about meal planning. But let's take a shot at it.

Monday:
We're going to meet some friends today. For a Vendors' Lunch. So I take it, we'll still be full for lunch.

Tuesday:
I'm thinking tacos. We rarely eat tacos on Tuesday. But this week, it's Taco Tuesday! And rice.

Wednesday:
Chili and beans sounds yummy! It's supposed to be cold that day. And well, in my book you can't go wrong.

Thursday:
Good question. I'm not sure. Yet...

Friday:
We go to our Church"s Fish Fry. But I do make a dessert to take. I'm thinking some sort of trifle.

Saturday:
Who knows? Maybe breakfast for dinner? Brinner. I enjoy that!

Sunday:
We have a birthday party to go to. So party food it is! I always love the birthday cake...at the birthday parties my cousin has. The fruit too! So I'm a little anxious. :)

Now to things I want to try out...

I saw this recipe a few week's ago. I'm thinking of giving it a try. I mean, how can you go wrong with shrimp and pasta? I'm not a huge lemon fan, but it's worth a try. I also like the addition of the spinach.

Our oven is still out. We decided to wait until the Spring. And just buy a new stove. We're waiting, so we can buy 3 or 4 appliances at once. You know how they have all the specials? So until then it's bakeless desserts and Crockpot cooking. I'm thinking of making these cookies. For our Friday Night Fish Fry. I like to make some sort of dessert to take. That way people get a free dessert. :)

Lastly, I've been trying to lighten things up over here. So I've been eating more salads. I saw this recipe and decided to give it a try. I also have 5 boxes of orzo sitting in our pantry. Just begging to be used!

What are you eating this week? And what recipes should I try. I always like trying a few new things a week.

XOXO,
Desiree