World Tour, Weekly Shopping List for the week of June 4 to 8

With summer vacation starting for so many of you, I thought it would be fun to take a pretend culinary vacation around the globe, a world tour so to speak. The pictures have been taken off the internet since I have not been able to go to the places featured…yet.

Monday’s dinner visits the Greek Islands. It is on my list of places I would love to visit and hopefully someday I will. In the meantime, I will be eating  Moussaka and drink Ouzo!

On Tuesday we are off to Italy to visit my favorite country. I love the way of live in Italy. The “dolce far niente” approach to life. I feel time stands still whenever I’m there and one truly gets to enjoy life. Hope you have the opportunity to slow down a little and enjoy your family and friend!

Wednesday we are hopping onto the other side of the globe to experience a little bit of Japan. OK, I agree, the only ingredient that makes the dinner remotely Japanese, is the soy sauce and mirin. I know, it’s a little far fetched to claim this dish to be Japanese, but I really would like to visit one day and since we are taking a fake mini vacation, I thought the soy sauce and mirin are as good a reason as any, besides, I don’t know about you, but I rather go out to eat sushi than to cook it myself.

Thursday  a visit to the mainland of China is on the program. Instead of deep fried chicken for a traditional orange chicken, we will be experiencing the lighter version of it, marinated and baked. A couple of my friends are of  Chinese heritage and they have talked about their trips to Hong Kong. It sounds exotic, interesting and exciting!

We end the week in England. I don’t know why, but Lamb chops and potatoes remind me of England. After a busy week “traveling” to exotic places, England feels safe and familiar, after all, they speak perfect English with that lovely accent. I can’t wait to stand in a Q to go to the loo!

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THE MENU

Monday: Mussaka and Greek Salad with Bread

Tuesday: Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast, Pan-Roasted Succotash, Tomato-Farro Risotto

Wednesday: Shrimp and Scallop Skewers, Sauted Cherry Tomatoes, Orzo-Squash Salad

Thursday:Orange-Lemon Chicken Bake, Basmati Rice, Apple Salad

Friday: Lamb Chops, Rosemary Potatoes, Kale Salad

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SHOPPING LIST

The shopping list is organized according to the grocery store aisles. I hope this makes shopping much easier.

Meat Department

The meat/seafood will NOT stay fresh the entire week. Make sure you freeze what you do not need right away. Take the meat/seafood out the night before and defrost it inside the refrigerator.

1. 2 rack of lamb (I buy about 3-4 ribs per person)
2. 1 lb. shrimp, shelled and deveined
3. 1 lb. scallops
4. 2 lb. ground beef 10%
5. 4 chicken legs (drumstick and thigh)
6. 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts

Produce Department

1. 5 yellow onions
2. 1 red onion
3. 13 garlic cloves
4. 2 lbs. Yukon Gold potatoes
5. 2 pints cherry tomatoes
6. 1 yellow squash
7. 3 large eggplants
8. 3 Roma tomatoes
9. 1 cucumber
10. 6 rosemary twigs
11. 1 small bunch fresh basil
12. 1 bunch mint leaves
13. 1 bunch Dino Kale
14. 6 Brussels sprouts
15. 2 fennel bulbs
16. 1 yellow squash
17. 1 bag salad greens
18. 1 bag Arugula salad
19. 3 Granny Smith apple
20. 8 lemons
21. 1 lime
22. 2 oranges

Dairy Aisle

1. ¼ cup shaved Peccorino cheese
2. 2 cup crumbled feta cheese
3. 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
4. 1 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese
5. 2 eggs
6. 1 Tablespoon of Butter
7. 1 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese

Pasta, Rice, and Grain Aisle

1. 1 box orzo
2. 1 cup Basmati rice
3. 2 cups of Farro

Canned Goods Aisle

1. ¼ cup chicken broth
2. 2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste
3. 1 can corn (I use the low sodium kind)
4. 1 can diced tomatoes (I use the low sodium kind)

Frozen Food Aisle

1. 1 bag of frozen, shelled edamame

Bread Aisle

1. 1 bread of your choice

Dried Fruit and Nuts Aisle

1. ¼ cup Almonds
2. ¼ cup Sunflower Seed

Herb, Seasoning, and Condiment Aisle

1. 1 teaspoon ground thyme
2. 1 teaspoon ground basil
3. 1 Tablespoon dried oregano
4. 1 bottle garlic olive oil
5. 1 cup soy sauce + 3 Tablespoons soy sauce
6. 1 cup mirin
7. 1 cube chicken broth
8. 1 envelope Béchamel sauce
9. 1 Tablespoon honey

Tip: As you have been cooking for a while, herbs seem to accumulate in the pantry. I have an entire cabinet dedicated to all the different herbs and seasonings I use. Before you go out and buy more of the “same stuff”, check your pantry to make sure you don’t already have it.

Spirit Aisle

1. 2 cups white wine

Pantry Staples

A list of must have items in every kitchen.

Do you rather shop three times a week? The 2-day menu plan will be posted on Monday and Wednesday.

Friday Night’s Dinner menu will be posted on Friday.

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