On The Menu This Week (7-29 to 8-4)

For the last several years I have challenged myself to focus on using from my pantry and shop less for a couple months each winter... a Pantry Challenge.  With the end of February and this year's pantry challenge complete, I found that I really enjoyed having a basic menu plan to guide me.  I decided to continue making a month long menu, and be intentional about using garden produce and preserves from last season.

I have just about exhausted my stock of frozen and canned garden produce from last year, but fortunately, the garden and backyard fruit are producing fresh again.  It is now my goal to incorporate as much fresh produce and herbs as I can into our meals, and then preserve the abundance for the winter and spring to come.

Overall, I have to say that intentional menu planning has been good for me and my family. :D  It only takes me 15-20 min to put together a new menu for the month unless I get stuck trying to think of something new to add.  If you are interested in joining me in intentional menu planning, check out my Pantry Challenge post to get an idea of how to get started.

This week I raided my Pinterest recipe board for a whole new batch of ideas.  Check out what is what on our menu this week...

Meals:
Baked Caramel Apple Pancake - a few apples fell off the tree prematurely & this is a great use for them :)
Basil Chicken Burger, Grilled Green Beans*, Baked Zucchini Chips
Cilantro Thai Grilled Chicken, Garden Salad

If we have weekend company:
Summer Veggie Baked Ziti & Traditional Baked Ziti
Honey Lime Grilled Chicken & Grilled Buffalo Chicken Wings
Caprese Pasta Salad
Garden Cake

Snack:
-fresh fruit & veggies 

Garden fresh this week:
-cucumbers
-pole beans
-zucchini/summer squash
-tomatoes

What are you harvesting and eating fresh this week?  I'd love hear your favorite recipes.

Happy Garden Eating! :)

*this is a recipe I hope to post soon