Too Hot to Cook
The sun is blazing, the humidity is up, and in the house the AC is going full blast. It's time to turn down the heat in the kitchen, because sometimes it's just too hot to cook. If you don't want to end up eating cold cereal for supper, you need a repetoire of delicious recipes. With a little help from already prepared foods from the store and a few standbys you've cooked ahead, you'll be ready for the hottest day.
It's good to have on hand some things that require no cooking. If you prepare a salad of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and onions, with light dressing, it can be kept in the refrigerator for a couple of days. That mixture gets better as it sits. Cold deli sliced turkey breast and hard-boiled eggs are handy for a quick meal. A rotisserie chicken from the supermarket can make several meals. Frozen vegetables that can be microwaved will fill out any menu. Have chilled fruit on hand for desserts.
You can also cook some things ahead at times of the day when it's not so hot. This could be pasta for pasta salad, brown rice or other grains, potatoes boiled in their skins, and steamed vegetables. Two grains, bulghur wheat and couscous, require no cooking except for water which can be heated to boiling in the microwave. Grilling outdoors is another option for keeping the kitchen cool.
Today's recipes, by Calorie Count members, are full of great ideas that will beat the heat in the kitchen.
- Bulgur Wheat Tabouli - The traditional, middle eastern salad that's even better the next day, after the flavors have blended. It can be made with less salt and no olive oil if needed.
- Chilled Cucumber & Mint Soup - Refreshing and cool, this soup tastes rich and creamy, yet is still low calorie and nutritious.
- Asian Chicken Salad - Use meat from a rotisserie chicken, mix the dressing ingredients cold, and no cooking at all is required to prepare this entree sized salad.
Comments
Those are strange menu items. How about some stuff normal people eat. 
I was hoping to find something that my son who is living alone can make after a long day's work. Doubt he has the time or resources for these.
or just move to new england and you won't have to worry! We've had about two warm days all year!
All the items listed in the menus are very easy to find and these are very easy to make. It's called not eating the same things all the time. You may find your son may like them.
We need to learn the art of substitution. I made the Black Eyed Pea Salad and used black beans in it, because that's what I had, and it was delicious. I'm planning on making the beef salad with some leftover pieces of roast beef I have in the freezer, and I've got some Thai rice noodles that would be good in it.
Take advantage of all the variety out there. Not only will you get better nutrition, but you'll perk up your taste buds.
I agree with the "art of substitution" comment. I made the Tabbouleh for my lunch today, and used quinoa that I had left over. It turned out delicious, with a twist.
I think these were great ideas. So often we get stuck in a rut, especially in the summer where we want something light and fresh and cannot think beyond a regular green salad. Green salads can definitely be deliciously simple, but sometimes it is very nice to switch it up! I for one am very thankful for the recipe ideas.
What you eat can have a direct effect on your skin if you're struggling with psoriasis. See what to shop for.
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Here are the recipes featured in the newsletter - a trio of entree salads
Black-eyed Pea SaladA colorful, cold salad perfect for family get togethers. Black eye peas are high in protein and fiber... continue reading
Asian Beef-Noodle SaladAsian beef-noodle salad with grilled sirloin and a zesty sesame-orange dressing. Use leftover, grilled sirloin steak and the kitchen will stay cool... continue reading
Mediterranean Tuna SaladThis is a no-mayo tuna salad that is heavenly for people that love hummus. The garbanzo beans and the tuna complement each other so well. High in fiber and protein, you'll also get 33% of your daily requirement of iron, and 16% of your calcium requirement... continue reading