August Meal Plan
We’re here, in the belly of summer! And what a summer it’s been so far — super hot for many of us, definitely a maelstrom of weather-related events to contend with. But we need to feed ourselves, obviously for sustenance but also to make the most of seasonal produce that will certainly be here today, gone tomorrow (as is always the case with seasonal foods, but most especially summer).
So, it comes as no surprise that this August what-to-cook list contains lots and lots of tomatoes, corn, zucchini, plus some gorgeous sangria, sweet tart lemonade, stone fruit and berry desserts, and more. Some grilling recipes (have you ever grilled a head of lettuce? If not you don’t know what you’ve been missing!), and some other recipes involving minimal or no time at the stove — all we can ask of late summer cooking.
And by the way — we’re having our share of prepared sandwiches from the cute shack down the road, and I am beyond excited at the prospect of some fried clams and steamed lobsters at the end of the month at the Cape (Down the Cape, for those who are Cape Cod-heads). Plus a pitstop or two (pun intended) at one of the barbecue joints in the area. This is the time of year when I like to give myself a break in the kitchen, and I know I’m not the only one.
22 Seasonal Recipes to Make This August
In this version of tomato bruschetta I took a cue from the best loved combo of cheese, tomatoes, and bread ever: pizza.
A big old pitcher of cold sweet tart lemonade is probably the most refreshing drink of summer and very easy to make.
No such thing as too much zucchini, when you can make these!
Inspired by Italian restaurant antipasti platters, this gorgeous salad relies on easily available cherry tomatoes and a bunch of pantry items.
Meaty, firm, dense, swordfish – very simply marinated – grills up like a dream.
The creaminess of the potatoes is punctuated by the pop of the crispy corn and crumbled bacon.
Also known as Catalan Tomato Bread, Spanish Tomato Bread, or Pan con Tomate, this toasted bread with tomatoes and garlic is the most perfect simple appetizer, snack or side.
Grilling firm lettuces is downright delicious and a fun way to "summer up" your salads.
If there’s anything nicer to nibble with a glass of wine at the end of the summer, I can’t think of what that would be.
You had me at browned butter (and corn).
Everything you need to know about cooking those perfect steaks: juicy and pink on the inside.
This dish is bursting with color and flavor, and easy enough to make on a weeknight.
Sangria is one of the most deliciously fun ways to make the most of summer fruit.
This amazingly flavorful yet refreshing summer salad is perfect for brunch, picnics, buffets, you name it.
Summer nestled under a crunchy topping with a touch of cinnamon.
Served warm with ice cream and whipped cream, is one of the best summer desserts ever.
This dish feels like an ode to summer. A Tuscan salad, created to use up stale bread, dressed with vinaigrette, and mixed with juicy tomatoes, onions, cucumbers and basil.
Salty, savory cured ham plus sweet juicy melon is a classic and unbeatable combination!
Cooking corn on the grill is one of the best ways possible to bring out the natural sweetness of this perfect seasonal vegetable.
A simple summer lunch. Grill extra chicken and vegetables and have these salads all week long!
Agua Frescas are ridiculously refreshing non-alcoholic drinks made with just fruit (watermelon, honeydew, or canteloupe!), water, and sugar.
How to make rich, creamy, ice cream without an ice cream maker!
