This week is all about how to enjoy family and friends.  Yes, I’ve said friends!  Our daughter is working in Colorado for a month and we‘re doing what we can to help out our son-in-law with the boys.  Which includes trying to have them over for dinner.

We’ve also made some friends!  Yeah!  A lovely couple that’s exactly our age, they live just down the street, the husband is retired and the wife works part-time-so we have an easy time working “dates” out for the four of us.

This week though-well, I’ve got a fun colonoscopy and another doctor’s appointment.  Dylan will be here most of the week and they’ll be eating here on Thursday.  

Friday, our new found friends will be joining us on Friday night.  

As you might have guessed-Steve and I are going to make these nights as easy and fun as possible.  After all, what good is having family and friends over if you can’t enjoy them?

For family night-Dyl is going through a very “picky” phase.  He no longer likes:  bacon, peanut butter, turkey and whole wheat bread.  Aidan is still our little champ of trying and enjoying.  The weather’s been topping 110, so there’s no way I’m going to be baking anything.

Both Steve and Alex will be working that day so I’m thinking I’ll take Dyl with me to the market and have him help me pick out some good ideas.

The boys will eat steamed broccoli (woo hoo!), so that’s definitely on the menu.  They love pasta-so I’ll have my older grandson choose the shape.  As for the protein, I think some pork chops would be a nice change.  I’ll just use some salt and pepper on the boys’ chops, but the 3 adults -I’m going to do a marinade of some ginger, garlic and soy.

Now when it comes to having our friends over-they’ve offered to bring a salad.  Again, since it’s too hot to eat on the patio or use the oven, I’m thinking the men will enjoy grilling up some steaks that I’ll marinate in some soy, steak seasoning and evoo.  To round out the entrée, I’m thinking it might be nice to pre-make a clean pasta and vegetable salad with whatever produce looks best when I go to the market with Dyl.

Dessert?  These boiling hot days are made for something cold and refreshing like sorbet and fresh berries.  Even the boys will love it.  Just have some whipped topping and some chocolate sauce on hand to make it extra special.

One thing-if you decide to do what I’m thinking of and making a pasta (or other grain and veggie salad)try making it with a nice lemon and garlic dressing.  Or perhaps a spicy Sesame and ginger.  Think about trying a nice Greek vinaigrette and add some feta cheese.  These are all lighter and better for you than a mayo dressing and make for a great lunch if there are any leftovers the next day.