I don’t think anyone has escaped the unusual summer heat this year, which means that there are lots of ideas for ‘keeping cool’ being bandied about!
For me, the heat really does effect mealtimes and what I plan to serve the family.
I always try and make the most of the seasonal fruit and vegetables while I can, but when you are feeling hot, it can be difficult to come up with original ideas.
So, here’s a few of my favourites to get you through the next warm spell and help you feel a little more refreshed. And I’m sure it will come as no surprise that I’m ditching the oven, in favour of the freezer for the time being!
Fruit salads are an obvious choice but I love converting the fruit salad into a smoothie because as it is being blitzed in a blender I can include some green leafy veg such as spinach without the kids knowing. It is also useful to add some nuts or yoghurt so you get a more rounded meal or snack that includes fats and protein as well as carbs. This is an ideal way to keep blood sugar levels on an even keel.
Why not turn your fruit smoothies, into delicious summer ice lollies. These have been so popular in my house and it’s easy to run up a quick batch to keep supplies topped up. Current favourites are blackberry and yogurt (with a few green leaves!), and the sun is helping with the supply of berries. There’s no waste if they are frozen in a smoothie.
But, if you’ve no time for making smoothies, and let’s face it, even that can be a bit labour intensive in these conditions, then how about simply popping some fresh fruit into a lolly mould, top it up with fresh fruit juice and freeze! Grapes do particularly well in these lollies, with a few raspberries and some apple or orange juice Another refreshing way to cool down quickly, whilst topping up your 5-a-day!
For dinner I have been whipping up some very tasty salads and making them feel a little extra special by sprinkling a few seeds on top.
My favourite now are pumpkin seeds, but I am also partial to pine nuts being sprinkled on too!
Vary your meat, cheeses, and vegetables to stop the dish becoming ‘samey’ and for an extra special treat, why not add a little handful of crispy onions. These really do boost the flavour.