The weather is definitely heating up so I’m trying to avoid using the oven too much.  That ends up being one of my biggest obstacles as the summer wears on.  I hate eating a heavy meal when it’s hot outside – it makes me feel gross.

Monday – Carnitas – This is from the left over pork shoulder that I made on Saturday.  The recipe is for carnitas, but it’s good for any kind of pork meal you want.  There isn’t a distinct Mexican flavor to it so it’s really versatile.

Tuesday – Marinated Grilled Shrimp w/ Quinoa Tabbouleh – I don’t believe that you necessarily have to have a themed night.  I’m mixing Thai tasting shrimp with an Arabian (I had to look up where it’s from) salad.

Wednesday – Crab Cakes – I have tried making crab cakes numerous times and they have been hit or miss – mostly miss.  I think this is one of the “hits”.  I normally used the cheap crab meat in the can, but the last time I was at Costco I saw they had packages of lump crab meat for about $12 so I’m going to use that this time.

Thursday – BLT’s – We really like bacon at our house.  I make all of my bacon in the microwave (A little tip I learned from Sara).  I lay two paper towels on a microwave safe plate, place a layer of bacon on top and then cover with another paper towel.  Depending on the thickness of your bacon, microwave it for 5 to 7 minutes.  The plate will be hotter than hell when you take it out, but the bacon is always crispy and not greasy.  I’m convinced I can eat as much bacon as I want when I make it this way because all the fat is sucked up in the paper towels.

Friday – Chicken Cordon Bleu – This is a family favorite and easy to make.  Friday is supposed to be the coolest day of the week and the only day I’ll be using the oven.

Saturday – We have a party to go to.

Sunday – We have another party to go to.

I had another $75 trip to the grocery store today!  I don’t have my lump crab meat yet so tack on another $12, but under $100 for a family of 4 isn’t too shabby!