When it’s nearly 100 degrees outside and your air conditioner is working hard to keep your house cool, you’re not in the mood to turn on the oven. And because many families have all sorts of things going on during warm weather, there is not often time to prepare a “proper” dinner. Here are some ideas for quick, easy food that the entire family will love.
- If it’s not too hot outside, you can grill or smoke the entire meal. There are all sorts of options, including veggie-and-meat kebabs, corn on the cob, hot dogs, burgers and fish. Take the food inside and enjoy a nice meal in the air conditioning. You can also stay outside and enjoy the fresh air.
- You can make all sorts of meals without using your oven. The microwave is a great way to reheat leftovers. You can use the toaster oven to make everything from mini pizzas to chicken strips. And if you have a deep fryer, you can make French fries, corn dogs, and the like.
- Popular salads – from potato salad to green salad – are nice and cold. Serve with fresh bread, fried chicken from the delicatessen or fruit.
- Visit your local farmer’s market or roadside fruit stands. You’ll find plenty of yummy foods that are in season. Fruits like watermelon and cantaloupe taste so, so good when they’re served ice-cold on a hot day.
- Sandwiches don’t have to be boring. Buy all of the ingredients to make hoagies – or heroes or subs, depending on what these scrumptious sandwiches are called where you live. There’s no cooking required, and your entire family can eat a well-balanced meal if you serve the meat-and-veggie-laden sandwiches with fresh fruit on the side.
- If you’re not in the mood for sandwiches, you can make wraps. Fill large tortillas with all the usual fixings to make a quick and easy meal.
- Sometimes you just don’t feel like eating much. You still need nutrients, though, so grab some yogurt or fresh fruit.
- For a healthier alternative to soft drinks, make your own fruit smoothies. You can find all sorts of recipes online: most only require basic ingredients and a blender.
- An ice-cream maker is a great way to spend some quality time together as a family. Everyone can help make a favorite flavor and enjoy the ice-cold treat right there on the back porch.
These are just a few ideas for light and fast summertime food. Take the time to look around the next time you’re at the grocery store. In many cases, the managers will take advantage of the hot weather and put up displays of food and ingredients that you’ll want to bring home.
And when you’re really rushed for time, you can always eat out. Taking the kids for sno-cones and hot dogs after their baseball or soccer games is an inexpensive and fast way to quiet the rumbling tummies.