With the impending arrival of summer, it’s time to embrace the joys of seasonal eating and plan ahead for sunny culinary adventures! We think summer eating should be both refreshing and convenient. In this blog post, we explore three key aspects of planning ahead for summer eating: 1) keeping cool in the kitchen, 2) taking advantage of fresh summer flavors, and 3) preparing delicious food for summer outings. Let’s dive in!
Keeping Cool in the Kitchen
As the temperature rises, the last thing you want is to spend hours in a hot kitchen. (Trust us, we’ve been there!) Fortunately, there are countless recipes and tips to help you beat the heat while still enjoying delicious meals. Here are a few of our favorites.
Embrace No-Cook Recipes: Explore refreshing options like chilled soups, salads, and wraps that require minimal cooking or no cooking at all. Gazpacho, cucumber salad, or a Mediterranean-inspired wrap with fresh vegetables and hummus are perfect choices.
Use Appliances Wisely: Make the most of appliances like slow cookers, instant pots, or outdoor grills to prepare meals without heating up your kitchen. If you have a countertop toaster oven or air fryer, bake or roast your food there instead of heating up your entire main oven. Slow-cooked pulled pork, steamed vegetables in the instant pot, or grilled chicken skewers are flavorful and hassle-free options.
Opt for Speed on the Stovetop: When you do need to cook, choose quick, 1-pan or 1-pot, stovetop meals that require minimal time and heat. Stir-fries, pasta dishes with light sauces, or sautéed vegetables can be prepared swiftly while keeping the kitchen cool.
Hydrate!: Remember to keep a bottle of chilled water within easy reach while you are cooking to quench your thirst. We love adding fresh lemon or lime juice or hydration tablets to add some flavor and maintain a balance of electrolytes.
Fresh Summer Flavors
Summer brings an abundance of vibrant and seasonal produce, bursting with flavors. Incorporating these fresh ingredients into your summer meals not only enhances taste but also provides a nutritional boost:
Visit Farmers Markets: Explore your local farmers markets to discover a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and artisanal products. Supporting local farmers not only ensures quality produce but also fosters a sense of community.
Experiment with Salads & Sides: Create refreshing salads with a mix of crisp greens, juicy fruits, crunchy vegetables, and nutritious nuts and seeds. Consider combinations like watermelon and feta salad with mint, or a citrus avocado salad with arugula. These dishes offer a delightful, palate-pleasing balance of flavors and textures.
Grill Seasonal Veggies & Fruits: Grilling intensifies the natural sweetness of fruits and brings out the smoky flavors of vegetables. Try grilling peaches and serving them with a dollop of mascarpone, or grill zucchini and serve it as a flavorful side dish.
Infuse Summer Herbs: Elevate your dishes with the aromas of summer herbs like basil, mint, and cilantro. Use them to make pesto or herb-infused oils, or simply add them to salads, dressings, and marinades.
Planning Food for Summer Outings
Summer is the perfect time for outdoor activities and memorable outings. Whether you’re heading to a picnic, embarking on a road trip, or spending a day at the beach, thoughtful food planning can enhance the experience.
Portable Crowd-Pleasers: Opt for finger foods, sandwiches, wraps, and easy-to-share snacks that are convenient to pack and enjoy. Fresh fruit skewers, colorful vegetable crudités with dip, or a charcuterie board with artisanal cheeses are excellent choices.
Make-Ahead Meals: Prepare make-ahead salads, grain bowls, or pasta salads that can be chilled and enjoyed later. These dishes often taste even better as the flavors meld together over time.
Refreshing Beverages: Stay hydrated by packing refreshing drinks like infused water, homemade lemonade, or iced tea. Add fruits, herbs, or citrus slices to infuse extra flavors.
Food Safety: Pack perishable foods in insulated coolers with ice packs to ensure they stay fresh and safe to consume during your outing.
By planning ahead for summer eating, you can savor the season’s fresh flavors while keeping cool and enjoying delicious meals. Whether you’re trying no-cook recipes, exploring farmers markets, or preparing food for summer outings, we encourage you to embrace the joy of the sunniest time of year. So, gather your favorite summer recipes, stock up on seasonal produce, and get ready for a season filled with culinary delights and unforgettable experiences. And as always, if you’d rather leave the weekly meal prep or special occasion cooking to someone else, we’d be happy to help so that you can make the most of the time you have with friends and family this summer. Get in touch to get on our schedule.
Happy summer eating!
