It is hot! Have you noticed?  If not, be thankful because we’ve been averaging around 100 degrees here most days.  How weather makes me crave cool dishes like salads or things that I know won’t heat up the house while they cook.

1-3 [The Kitchn], 4 [Kalyn’s Kitchen]

Sunday:  I’ve mentioned before that we try to have a big Sunday dinner with our closest friends and family. Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken combines my desire for a low heat cooking method with that Sunday family dinner feel.

Monday:  I foresee my slow cooker getting a workout because Hoisin Pork Wraps with Peanut Slaw sounds too good to resist.  I’ll probably have to half the recipe though or invite people over to share.

Tuesday:  Although I will have to boil water for it, Soba Noodle Salad with Bok Choy sounds like a refreshing summer dish.

Wednesday:  Salads with grains are a great way to make a main course out of ingredients that would typically be use for a side dish.  Whole wheat orzo and grilled vegetables accomplishes this while staying true to that summery feel of a salad.

1-2 [Food Network], 3 [Williams-Sonoma]

Thursday:  A week of summer meals isn’t complete without Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad.

Friday:  Hopefully Mathlete will have done all of the dishes by now because I’m going to need the crockpot insert to make Smoke House Short Ribs.

Saturday: Time to fire up the grill and throw on some Chimichurri Steaks.