Kitchen Reno Countdown

Today I entertained for the last time in my existing kitchen. Friends came over for brunch, which evolved into a snack and a beer in the backyard around 2PM, because we were still visiting. We had breakfast burritos, filled with slow cooker black beans—thanks to lennisdottir for the idea, although the aroma of simmering beans while we slept was distracting and even confusing: "Did you leave a burner on?" asked hubby at 3AM—chorizo and Monterey Jack from the Bulk Cheese Warehouse, scrambled eggs, and salsa. A lovely way to spend a lovely summer day (although I have a bit of a sunburn as a result. Those first warm days always seem to sneak up on me)!

My meal plan this week is as bare bones and simple as possible. Not much inspiration here, unless you're looking for the minimalist version of healthy family cooking. In between work, the usual childcare and keeping everyone fed, I will be hauling my stuff out of the kitchen and stashing it wherever I can find space for it in the basement. Part of me loves handling all of my wine glasses, serving platters and pottery; the other part of me marvels at how home renovations bring out the most materialistic side of me. I found I had to remind myself that it is just stuff after all. But stuff I LOVE.

I have managed to take some "before" photos, and I've included them here. I'll be sure to include "after" photos as well. The wall with the shelving and cookbooks on it is already gone, and will be replaced by an island. Just that change has made a huge difference to the feeling of openness and the light coming into the kitchen and living room. Very exciting!

We're building in cabinets on this wall. The buffet is for sale. Any takers?

This wall is already gone. It opens up the view to dining room and living room.  Island will go here.
P.S. I really hate the blue walls.

So looking forward to making this a functional space!!
And getting rid of the temporary (plywood) casing for my dishwasher!!

In case you're ever desperate for basic, simple food, here are the last meals I'll be making in my kitchen:

Sunday

Pan-fried pickerel

Lemon-scented rice (add zest and juice of one lemon, 2 T. butter, and salt and pepper to hot steamed rice)

Steamed peas

Fresh veggie plate

Monday

Small pork roast (delivered to my door by my lovely dairy delivery folks)

Roasted root veggies (mostly celeriac, since I have some that needs using before we leave the house for three weeks)

Simple salad

Tuesday

Broccoli cheddar melts

Wednesday

Bean and cheese quesadillas

Pacific Organic roasted pepper and tomato soup (from a carton)

Construction starts Wednesday afternoon, so the remainder of the week will be restaurant food. I've never taken D to Fuddruckers, and since he has recently developed a passion for hamburgers (I made some for Saturday's supper this week, and he was yelling, "I want one of THOSE!" the second he caught sight of me on my way to the bbq. I was hard pressed to convince him that they should be cooked first), so I was considering that as an option for Thursday. Friday and Saturday will unfold as they come.

I joked with Mike at the Bulk Cheese Warehouse that by the end of the week, we'd be down to eating bread and cheese. His face lit up, and he said, "So you'll be shopping here, then!" Could be worse.

...and somewhere in the midst of all this, there is a garden to plant...