Guest Author - Deborah Adams
Perhaps the hot summer days are really taking the sap out of you. Or you might be in a country where it's winter and you have had a long day at work. Whatever your situation, sometimes it's nice to just sit down to something light, quick and refreshing. Some ideas and sample menus for getting that light quick meal so you can put your feet up and relax . . .
Try to prepare some cold beverages ahead of time and keep in the refrigerator at all times. Some of the recipes in the 21846 Summer Frosty Favorites can also be frozen and thawed as you need them.
Keep a green salad available as often as possible.. I like to cut up some of the vegetables but usually don't cut up the lettuce until I'm ready to use it. Keep a zip-close bag of cubed lean ham or turkey if you like and also a bag of cubed cheese. One cheese I love with salad is a deli American cheese. I have them cut it into 3/4 inch slices and when I get it home I finish cubing it. Much easier than trying to cut through that firm cheese with a knife. Crispy chicken fillets are great to use as a topping on salads. Just cook it and cut it into pieces and toss it on top.
If you like eggs.. keep a few boiled eggs in the refrigerator for a quick protein snack. Some people like marinated tofu cubes on their salad. Here is a recipe for that. Very tasty!
For more ideas on salads check out the article Summertime Salads for more salad recipes.
Marinated Tofu Cubes
1 package firm tofu
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
1 tablespoon minced ginger (fresh or candied)
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
hot sauce to taste (optional)
Cut tofu into 1/4 to 1/2 inch cubes. Place in a refrigerator dish having a tight seal. Add other ingredients. Seal, and turn container to coat all the cubes.
Store in refrigerator until ready to use (at least 3 hours or up to one week). Once a day shake or turn over to coat the cubes on the top. Add a few cubes to salads, soups, fried rice, stews, oriental dishes, anything that you like.
For those of you who don't care for green salads there are many pasta and fruit salads that can be made ahead of time and chilled until ready to eat.
Ranch Shrimp Tortellini
Pasta Fruit Salad
Whole Wheat Pasta salad
Chicken/Apple Salad on Avocado
Macaroni Toss
For easy desserts that can be kept refrigerated until ready to eat try some of these below or keep chilled fresh or canned fruit available for a satisfying end to a light meal.
Refreshing Frozen Fruit Salad
Fruit Salad Pie
Summertime Dessert
Ice Box Dessert
Frosted Salad
Mandarin Orange Salad
Lemon JelloŽ Salad
More delicious delights including ice creams and other frozen treats are in Summer Frosty Favorites.
Keep it light, keep it refreshing and enjoy the day!
