I don't know about you, but when the temperature outside hits 90 degrees I have little appetite and the thought of turning the oven on in my hard-to-cool house is a definite NO! I actually learned this from my grandmother, with whom I lived with one summer in my late teens. Grandma did not have air conditioning in her Minnesota home, which during most summers was not a problem, however this particular summer there was a heat wave and man-oh-man was it hot and humid- just stifling! Most nights Grandma and I ate popcorn, cold sandwiches and watermelon. There was no way she was heating up her house by turning the oven on, and truthfully the thought of a hot meal made my stomach churn.
Below are some easy, kid-friendly recipes for those hot summer days. Maybe they sound good for lunch, supper or dessert but any way you have them, they'll fill your kiddo's tummy without heating up your house.
My kids like lettuce and they like tomatoes, but they don't care much for those two things WITH bacon. Me on the other hand, this is one of my favorite sandwiches of all time. Simply cook your bacon in the microwave or stove top in the morning then sandwich the bacon between paper towels and store in the fridge until ready to use. Toast two pieces of bread, butter, and pile on the lettuce and tomato. In addition you can add avocado or guacamole for a little extra flavor and nutrition. And for those kids who don't like their food "touching" you can make them a bacon sandwich and serve the lettuce and fixings on the side.
This might be a "salad" recipe but it's actually more like a dessert. My kids love it and it's always a hit at potlucks or barbecues.
In a large bowl, mix together pudding mix and pineapple with juice, and let it sit for a few minutes in the refrigerator. Next, fold in the mini marshmallows and whipped topping. Let the salad sit for a an hour or more before serving. This salad is super yummy the next day too!
This is a perfect recipe for breakfast, snack and heck, even dinner! You can even set up as a yogurt "bar" and let your child choose his own topping.
In your glass or bowl of choice, layer 1 cup yogurt, 1/2 cup granola, and choice fruit. Repeat layers.
This recipe reminds me of grandma's house and the smell of fresh dill is completely summer to me. If your kids are opposed to onions, feel free to omit.
Peel the cucumbers, then slice thin. Put the sliced cucumbers in a colander and sprinkle the salt evenly over the slices. Let sit in the sink for 1/2 to 1 hour. Slice the onion thin. In another bowl mix the vinegar, honey, dill, garlic powder, celery salt and dried mustard. Mix all ingredients together, chill for at least an hour, and enjoy!