Kristi
So, how about this weather we’ve been having? Warm enough for you? I had a moment of crazy a few days ago and thought about taking a walk with my son. Before heading out the door I flipped over to a local weather forecast and, I kid you not, there was a red tinted map of the United States that just had the word “oppressive” spanning at least 2/3 of the country. Are you kidding me? Forget that walk around the neighborhood! Forget even walking to the mailbox in that kind of heat. Someone let me know when the first frost is forecasted and I’ll come out of hibernation.
The one and only thing that can give me chills this time of year is that dreaded question, “What’s for dinner?”
“Well, let’s see, it’s 112 degrees outside. I could really go for something warm and hardy that will feel like a brick in my stomach for the next six hours. And, oh, what I wouldn’t give to hover over a hot stove for an hour,” said no one… ever.
As much as I’d like to just close our kitchen for the season, we still have to eat no matter how high that mercury rises. You better believe I’ve found some loopholes, though. Summer cooking, to me anyway, is all about minimal time in the kitchen with the oven cranking out 450 degrees. Summer food at our house is all about fresh, simple food that can be served raw or cold whenever possible, grilled outside, or heated with an appliance that doesn’t raise the temperature of the whole kitchen (I’m talking to you, oven). Here are some of our favorite summer snacks, beverages, and meals.
Snacks and sides
- Fresh fruit. Shop your commissary or local grocery store for in-season fruits; they taste great and you can usually find them at a good price. After washing everything thoroughly I keep it in accessible, bite-sized pieces in the fridge.
- Raw vegetables. Serve on a veggie platter alone or with your dip of choice. Toss leafy greens together with other vegetables, fruits, nuts, and a little cheese for a side or entrée salad.
- Dips. Throw together a simple homemade salsa or Pico de Gallo with diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, salt, cilantro, and peppers. For some cool homemade guacamole, mash a fresh avocado with a little lime juice, diced tomato and onion, garlic, and salt.
- Popsicles. Purée your favorite fruit with a splash of juice or water and pour into ice cube trays or popsicle molds. Insert a popsicle stick so it’s easy to handle, and freeze overnight. For a little variation, try dipping bananas in chocolate and freezing!
- Frozen yogurt or ice cream. It may not be the healthiest option, but it sure tastes good on a hot summer afternoon!
- Yogurt parfaits. Mix or layer your favorite yogurt with berries, dried fruit, and granola for a quick and refreshing snack. These are also perfect for breakfast!
Drinks
- Smoothies. Use fresh or frozen fruit or berries with a little milk, yogurt, or fruit juice. Throw (figuratively, of course) a little ice in the blender and pulse until smooth. Don’t forget the straw and little umbrella!
- Flavored water. Of course we need to stay hydrated in the summer heat, but let’s face it: water isn’t the most exciting beverage around. Add a little cucumber, watermelon, citrus, berries, or herbs, like mint, basil, or rosemary, to your water for that little somethin’ extra.
Entrées
- Grilled meals. Burgers, hotdogs, kabobs, fajitas, pizza, and grilled veggies, the possibilities are endless! I know, it seems crazy to me to stand outside in the heat and fire up the grill, but there isn’t a heat wave out there that could keep my husband from his grill (that is not a challenge, Mother Nature).
- Slow cooker meals. I love my slow cooker for many reasons, but when the air conditioner is working overtime in the summer, I love it because it can make an entire meal without heating up the whole house.
- Sushi. I’ll be honest, I’ve never actually made this myself, but it’s a nice takeout option in a pinch.
I wish I could do something about the temperature outside, but nothing has worked so far. The best I can do is help you keep the temperature inside your kitchen at a comfortable level by keeping the oven off for the season!
If you need recipe inspiration, check out the commissaries website for healthy recipes for every palate and a list of items on sale at your installation.