We were very busy last week with the Hardinges, and I really appreciated being off on July 5 so we could spend the time with them at the beach. Now, my assignment is to mix-and-match all the leftovers into this week's meals.

Sunday morning, Paul and I were feeling the effects of a sinus infection. I had grits and Paul cooked up cinnamon-raisin oatmeal. He ate it hot yesterday morning and packed individual servings into a stack of glassware to eat cold the rest of the week. I spent much of Sunday afternoon in the kitchen, and unfortunately ran out of basic ingredients to finish the jobs I had on my list. But, the point was to use up what I had. And that mission was accomplished. It was also the first time in a long time that I tried to spend Sunday in the kitchen to lighten my stress load the remainder of the week. I might have been tired last night, but I'll appreciate it most days to come.

Lunch Ideas

• Falafel, Hummus, Couscous salad
• Soup for me 2-3 days. (Paul thinks it's too hot outside for hot meals. My sinuses are quite happy.)
• Corn on the cob, mashed potatoes, veggie meat, Brussel Sprouts
• Lasagna for both.
• Lakeside Cafe if Paul wants.

Dinner Ideas

• Vegetable Lasagna (A great way to use up a large array of ingredients in the fridge.)
• Pea Ravioli, olive spread on olive bread
• Roasted red pepper, zucchini parmesan, sweet/white mashed potatoes
• Out for Paul's Birthday or for Dinner Club
• Lasagna again?

I haven't really checked out any sales. So, I'm not sure what items are going to be around to make a great weekend piece. I know I have lots of items already in the cabinets like beans and vegetables. I almost wouldn't have to grocery shop to put together a meal for the weekend. But since it's summer and peak season for many items, I'm willing to be open.

What are you doing this week? Cleaning out the fridge? Celebrating birthdays? Or perhaps you're on vacation and eating picnic lunches and chain restaurants in the evening? Either way, I hope every bite of what you eat is exactly as you hoped it would be.