I wish every weekend was this weekend.

It starts with the basics: perfect weather and feeling much better after a pretty nasty cold all week. Then it becomes coffee and donuts with the lovely Tim of Lottie and Doof and his partner Bryan. This stemmed from a comment on Instagram when I saw that he was in Madison eating Paul’s Pelmeni. He clearly has great taste in dumplings, and also wrote the most important blog post of all time.

Next it becomes a barbecue at our house with some of my favorite people in Madison, although a few were notably missed (damn you summer with too many activities and obligations). We eat a million different salads and a few kabobs and everything is delicious. Our newly purchased outdoor furniture is deemed worthwhile. I realize just how good I have it.

Finally, it is a morning of sheer baby joy at the zoo and parks around Madison. It involves the boy being so content with life, he asks to hold my hand while Jason pushes him in the stroller. My heart is full.

But on to more important things: dinner this week.

Basil

• Grilled Cauliflower Steaks Smothered in Pesto
• Grilled Summer Squash and Peaches with Blue Cheese and Herbs
• Beet, Cucumber, and Feta Salad with Basil

Broccoli

• Double Broccoli Quinoa | 101 Cookbooks
• Spicy Crispy Broccoli Tacos + Tange Cashew Cream | What’s Cooking Good Looking
• Broccoli Cooked Forever | Food52

Summer Squash/Zucchini

• Zucchini Gazpacho
• Pisto Manchego
• Grilled Eggplant and Zucchini with Za’atar Vinaigrette

Patty Pan Squash

• Simply roast them
• Stuffed Patty Pan Squash
• Warm Patty Pan Squash and Chickpea Salad

Cucumbers

• Beet, Cucumber, and Feta Salad with Basil
• Bahn Mi Burgers
• Mexican Style Gazpacho with Queso Fresco

Purplett Onions

• Massaged Kale Salad with Pickled Cherry and Kohlrabi
• Prosciutto, Caramelized Onion, Mushroom, and Gorgonzola Pizza with an Egg on Top
• Tomato, Red Onion, and Roasted Lemon Salad

Kale

• Kohlrabi and Kale Gnocchi
• Ginger Kale Gratin
• One Pot Kale and Quinoa Pilaf | Food52

Garlic Scapes

• Garlic Scape Basil Soup | Dolly and Oatmeal
• Garlic Scape Compound Butter | Serious Eats
• White Bean and Garlic Scape Dip | New York Times

Fennel

• Fennel and Orange Salad with Mint
• Grilled Romaine, Charred Corn, Tomato, and Fennel Salad
• Corn and Fennel Salad | A Brown Table

Beets 

• Beet, Cucumber, and Feta Salad with Basil
• Quick Pickled Beet Salad with Blue Cheese and Crushed Hazelnuts
• Roasted Root Vegetable and Chicken Tacos with Chili Mayo