Summer Fare

When the temperatures heat up outside, the last thing you want is to heat up the temperature inside by using your oven. We do tend to want to eat lighter fare on those warm days and not want something heavy like we do in the colder months.

How about cooking some corkscrew pasta (or the pasta you prefer). Drain, run cool water over pasta to stop the cooking process and to prevent pasta from sticking together. Cut up some veggies into bite size pieces, such as peppers, cucumbers, carrots, tomatoes or some of your favorite veggies you like to eat raw. 

Toss all together in a large bowl. Pour on your favorite Italian dressing (to taste). So light, refreshing and satisfying!!! Also, travels very well to bring to the beach, lake, camping, picnics and barbeques.

Options: Add some sliced black olives, cubed cheese, grated parmesan, etc. Serve as a main dish or as a side with your favorite grilled meat.

Making Iced Tea

(stock photo)

There are so many variations to making Iced Tea. Here's a very simple recipe that I think you'll enjoy.

Ingredients:

6 tea bags
4 cups water
4 cups cold water

In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups water to a boil.

Add tea bags.

Remove from heat. Steep the teabags for 10 minutes only.

In a large pitcher, add 4 cups cold water. At the end of the 10 minutes, remove and discard the teabags. Pour hot water slowly into the cold water.

Allow tea to cool completely. Grab your favorite glass, add a couple of ice cubes, pour your iced tea over the ice, then add your favorite fixings. Consider using simple syrup instead of sugar. (Recipe can be found here.)

Some suggestions: Add lemon, blueberries, raspberries, or mint leaves. Sit back and enjoy!!!

How To Grill Corn

Ahhhh - grilled corn!!! True summer fare! Want to get that smoky sweet flavor that only fresh corn can get when it's grilled?

First, you will need to pull back the husks from the corn. (Make sure you leave them attached at the stem.) Remove and discard the silk.

Once the silk has been removed, pull the husks back up around the corn. After the husks are pulled back, you want to soak the corn in water for about 15 minutes to prevent the husks from burning on the grill. You can simply soak them in a roasting pan or a large bowl.

Have your grill preheated at medium heat. Put the ears on the grill, turn often about 8 to 10 minutes or until the kernels are tends and the husks are lightly charred.

Can't you just taste it?!?