Menu Swap: September 1st

Menu planning is becoming a little more difficult because D, my father-in-law, has a peculiar working schedule and he and J tend to either order a lot, eat TV dinners, or go out if J doesn’t whip up something. She tends to do non-GF stuff so I mostly cook my own things. I honestly don’t mind because I’m used to cooking for myself and for Phil alone. J doesn’t eat much and won’t eat half of the stuff I prepare because she has a stomach condition as well and isn‘t a produce fan save for a few vegetables here and there. So mostly I’m just catering to D and myself. He’s like Phil as he’ll generally eat anything, mostly meat, so I don’t have to worry too too much and he’s quite content with what I prepare. I just have to make a lot.

What I’m going to do from now on as menu planning goes is that I’m going to choose a slew of recipes in which I intend to cook and if I get to it I will, if not, I’ll do something else with the ingredients. J isn’t one to plan what she cooks for the week and has a tendency to let vegetables go beyond their life span which had me cringing when I opened the fridge. So uh if I see something going bad, I’m going to use it. We also get produce from the neighbors for nothing since they have surplus growing; it’s remarkable. The farmer’s market was just as unbelievable; I’ve never seen fruits and vegetables that large or flawless in my life. Apples as far as the eye can see and tomatoes a dollar a pound. I’m just in awe. I’m also lucky that some of the specialty items that I need, such as rice milk, is available so I’m good. I have yet to really look for rice cheese but I can do without it even though Phil’s ice cream eating drives me nuts. I watched him devour a pint of strawberry and I nearly cried. I’m tempted to fall off the dairy-free wagon by a simple spoonful but..meh. It has to be something really worth it.

Today had me a little peeved. It was a birthday party/anniversary party and they had cake. A gorgeous moist sheet cake. No fancy frills, save for the icing. Again, I wanted to cry. I don’t know what was with me today but I almost lost it when I’m usually quite together. I did, however, taste watermelon rind pickles which were so incredibly good. Phil’s great aunt, the pickle-maker, is going to eventually get around to teaching me. I can’t wait. On a side note, I also saw deer up close and personal and I mean near feet away. A young buck came into the yard and headed towards the house without fear. I was in awe. Phil’s cousin called me over in the most country way to feast upon the raw beauty of nature, “Quick, girl! C’mon n’ see. Bet you neva saw deer this close.” There were three all together but one lingered longer. I can’t stop thinking about it. I could almost touch a wild animal. You never really think about the true difference between the country and an urban city until you’ve experienced both worlds. I know I prefer the later without a second though.

So here goes the first menu of my new home with vegetables as fresh as daisies in the first of spring. Peppers, the ingredient chosen by Cheryl at Gluten Free Goodness, are scattered here and there. I love peppers and would incorporate them in nearly everything. The spicier, the better I always say - or even just as sweet.

September 1st Menu Swap
Dinner Recipes
Cottage Pie - Mashed potato topped meat pie with a bit of vegetables
Riz Senegalais - African rice with vegetables
Szechaun Chicken with Kung Pao Pumpkin Stir Fry & Rice

Lunch Recipes
Potato Salad (Yet another)
Baigan Bharta - Roasted & mashed eggplant
Vegetable Fritatta
Huevos Rancheros con frijoles y elote frito y pan tostado - Ranch style eggs with fried beans & corn and toast

Possible Baked Goods
Peppermint Peach Cupcakes