Scarborough FoodFair: Meal Plan Monday

Lately I've been finding so many wonderful food blogs that I'm just downright smitten with. This may or may not be the product of having a ridiculous amount of time on my hands. But either way, I couldn't be happier about it.

I've been continually adding new beauties to the "Blogs I'm Sweet On" page, meaning that you should go check that out now. See it? It's right up there...Yep, you got it. Go take a peek. And then come back.

Back? Okay good.

All of the recipes for this week are coming from my current favorites. You've probably seen most of them pop up in a Meal Plan Monday before and that's because I stalk these particular blogs on a regular basis.

Enjoy the recipes and for goodness sake go look at the blogs!

monday

I have a confession to make. I think I've found my true calling in life. Want to know what it is? Baking bread. This revelation came after baking my first batch of homemade croissants. Yeah...I said first batch. So maybe the "true calling" thing might be jumping the gun a tiny bit but...oh my goodness. My mouth is still watering. That being said, I'm going to make this lovely sandwich but pull a switcheroo and put it on a croissant instead of bread. Hello happy taste buds.

Brie Apple Grilled Cheese with Caramelized Onion Jam

-from The Fig Tree

tuesday

Tuesday night we are having a little food party here at the apartment. Some friends are coming over, I'm whipping up some Southern favorites, and I'm sure fun will be had by all. To go with the shrimp and grits, I think I'll be making fried okra, cornbread, peach (maybe bourbon peach?) pie, and one other thing that I haven't decided on yet. Any suggestions? Make sure to check out the bottom of the post for potential recipes for this southern feast!

Shrimp and Grits

-from Joy the Baker

wednesday

Wednesday evening I'm attending a picnic dinner hosted by Bon Me and East by Northeast with a fellow food lover and I knew I needed a light lunch to prepare for the delicious night of food. I think I found it. Most people (or the ones I know at least) despise red beets. I on the other hand love them. My great grandfather used to grow them (his pickled beets were to die for) and I can only assume that's where my love affair started. Throw it on a salad with three of my other favorite things? Yes.

Red Beet Salad with Avocado, Grapefruit, and Pistachios

-from Love and Lemons

dressed with this Lemon Thyme Vinaigrette

read more about the picnic dinner {here}

thursday

I have an unbelievable paella pan sitting in my kitchen that has never been used for actual paella. Talk about sad. That's why I automatically fell for this summer paella dish on Naturally Ella. It's vegetarian, but could easily become pescatarian by adding a bit of seafood. So many options.

Summer Zucchini Paella

-from Naturally Ella

friday

If you haven't guessed already I'm planning on turning these into Garlic *Shrimp* Spring Rolls. Sounds delicious right? Friday evening is going to be a busy one. My Politic has not one but two shows so dinner needs to be something quick with the possibility of leftovers for afterwards. And...I have really been wanting to whip up some spring rolls. It's time.

Garlic Chicken Spring Rolls

-from White on Rice Couple

the southern feast...

you should only be mildly concerned that 3 out of the 6 things are deep fried.

I know that you shouldn't mess with peach pie. It's delicious on it's own. But Bourbon Peach Pie? Or even better Bourbon Peach Berry Pie? Decisions, decisions.

Bourbon Soaked Peach Berry Cobbler

-from The Hungry Southerner

I'm still on the fence about making cornbread or biscuits. What's your preference?

Southern Cornbread

-from Bakergirl

Holy fried pickles.

-from Homesick Texan

I have to admit...I've never made fried green tomatoes. I've eaten them. And they are yummy.

Fried Green Tomatoes

-from Biscuits and Such

Alright, listen. I typically don't eat fried things. Except for the whole fried pickles and fried green tomatoes thing...and those occurrences are rare. Eating fried okra is also a rarity but it is easily my favorite southern staple. It's a whole different world of delicious.

Fried Okra

-from Southern Bite

I won't be making this on Tuesday but I thought I would throw it in here anyways. Back in January I promised Ashley from The Uniqueness of Being a Key Lime Pie for her birthday...and guess what? I've yet to make it. Since, she's moving here in a few weeks I feel like I should probably get to that. Especially since she might injure me if I don't pull through. She's a fighter when it comes to promised pie.

Key Lime Pie

-from Sweetcakes Bakeshop