Keep Cool with No-Cook Meals

August 16, 2010

When it's sweltering out, the last thing you want to do is stand in front of a hot stove. Luckily summer is the perfect time to create meals that require no cooking at all!

Celebrate Nature's Bounty
Visit your farmer's market in the morning before the heat kicks in to stock up on fruits and veggies that are at their peak this time of year. Luscious berries, juicy peaches, crunchy green beans—many of these treats need little or no preparation to enjoy. If you do want to get creative, try whipping up some Chunky Black Bean Gazpacho. This chilled soup features crisp cucumbers, bell peppers, and tangy Hunt's® tomatoes. Plus, this Berry Banana Split is a great way to turn fresh fruit into a delicious dessert.

Wrap It Up
Sandwiches are a no-cook staple for folks on the go, and are even more portable when you replace the bread with tortillas to create wraps. Spice things up by folding low-fat deli meats and reduced-fat cheeses into flavored tortillas, such as spinach or sun-dried tomato. Instead of plain-old lettuce and tomato, garnish with some unexpected twists such as whole leaves of fresh basil, crushed garlic, herbed fat-free cream cheese, or roasted red peppers. Our Mexicali Turkey Wraps combine ranch-style black beans with whole-kernel corn.

Dip In
If friends are over, why not set out an assortment of dips, breads, and crudités, and let people graze? You can even create an international theme: from Italy, pesto made with basil from your patio pots; from the Middle East, earthy chickpea hummus; and from the Southwest, creamy guacamole and spicy Mexican Salsa. Add a sideboard of cheeses and a pitcher of water with lemon or cucumbers to make it a simple, sophisticated affair.

Finish Simple and Sweet
Summer desserts don't have to be any more complicated than slices of watermelon, chunks of fresh pineapple, or strawberries topped with Reddi-wip® or our better-for-you Custard Sauce. If you crave something colder, just add a scoop of frozen yogurt. Looking for a dish that's a bit more special? Apple Cinnamon Yogurt Pie will give you the flavor of a cold-weather treat without making you sweat in front of an oven.

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