Not really fall dinners

It was HOT yesterday in NYC -- and there were two tornadoes! Still summer, though we are back to school. Herbs going crazy in the window box. What to make?

MONDAY: A recipe from the book: Michael Symon's Chicken thighs with Kale. This is a recipe that Symon adapted from a guest to his Cleveland home. It's so simple (one pot, finished in the oven), fragrant (with  chilies, garlic, lemon and parsley) and satisfying.

TUESDAY: Using up bunches of oregano from the windowbox and end-of-season tomatoes in a basic sauce infused with herbs at the end (making this on Sunday) for use during the week. Will serve on spaghetti, with big salad.

WEDNESDAY: Do-it-yourself fish tacos. (I won't follow those recipes exactly, but some store-bought tortillas, grilled fish, lettuce, pico de gallo, avocado, with a cilantro-lime dressing.) photo from Bon Appetit

THURSDAY: Naomi Pomeroy's Quinoa with summer vegetables. The full recipe is in the book, but here's the gist: Follow directions on package for quinoa, load it with chopped vegetables (pre-cook broccoli; leave things like tomatoes, cucumbers raw) and herbs (cilantro, basil are great; I'm going with mint because it is taking over the window) and canned beans. Dress with sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, fresh lime juice (save some limes from taco night) and a pinch of sugar, salt + pepper.

FRIDAY: Movie night. Falafel, babaganoush and salad from Taïm. Dark chocolate and fruit.