What a hot summer it has been thus far! With that said, I have a feeling this August is going to be very hot and humid!
The higher temperatures climb, the less appealing it is to turn on the oven or cook something over a hot stove.
What better way to beat the summer heat than with a few of my favorite summer De-Lysscious “cool” recipes? Fruits and vegetables that you think of as “summer” foods are usually those that cool you naturally. Here are some summer recipe suggestions that are virtually fat-free, sugar-free and completely hassle-free for us busy moms. These recipes will be a hit around the pool, out on the patio, or under a beach umbrella. A couple of these great dishes and a cool breeze is all you need to make a hot, lazy day just about perfect. Here are my picks for the coolest foods to enjoy during the dog days of summer.
Make a no-calorie summer cooler. Some of my favorite organic spas feature tall pitchers of fruit- and vegetable-infused water in their reception areas, and I just love these herbal, peppy refreshers. Make your own by combining any of the following in a tall pitcher: lemon wedges, cucumber slices, watermelon pieces, mint leaves, cilantro leaves, or fennel fronds. Chill the mixture for at least a few hours for the flavors to infuse, then enjoy throughout the day for a sugarfree refresher that doesn’t even need Splenda. My favorite is water with cucumber slices. It’s so tasty that now I have my boys asking for “flavored” water.
Tomato-and-watermelon salad. This surprising salad combination will please your palate. The bright hues and refreshing flavors make tomato-and-watermelon salad the perfect summer side dish. Combine sweet, juicy watermelon chunks with fresh tomato, onion, and a red wine vinaigrette for a salad that is the essence of summer.
Summery parfait. Yogurt is a creamy treat that won’t derail your diet. Try layering yogurt with granola and berries for a sophisticated, summery parfait. It also looks very pretty if you’re setting the table.
The summer Popsicle. What kid can resist a frozen pop on a hot summer day? Make a homemade version with natural fruit juice.
Fresh fruit-filled Popsicles. Make your own by blending assorted summer berries and sliced bananas with yogurt, then freezing the tasty mixture in small paper cups with Popsicle sticks. Have your kids help you; they love to watch the Popsicles freeze. Of course, the best part is eating them.
Classic lemonade. When life gives you lemons, juice ’em and combine them with water, sugar, and mint for a classic summer beverage.
Frozen bananas and strawberries. Frozen bananas and strawberries are dipped in melted chocolate, rolled in pretzels, and frozen. These cool treats are great on a hot day!
I hope one or two of these recipes will brighten your summer! Before you know it, the kids will be back to school. Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend with your family and enjoy the last month of summer.
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