Cool Recipes for Hot Days
I was totally going to make a batch of Cinnamon Crisps yesterday so that I could share the recipe with you, but I spent the whole day yesterday helping my friend declutter, and so I didn't do any baking. In fact, I didn't even cook dinner...we spent $10 on pizza from Little Caesar's (a planning fail on my part meant that our chicken was not thawed by the time I got home!). I had lots of fun helping my friend, though, and we got rid of two entire recycling bins worth of papers. Yay!
I also totally meant to bake a loaf of basic white bread. Why? I'm dying to do a price comparison of store-bought bread to homemade bread, both because I'm curious and because people ask me about that all the time.
So, those will be the next two Wednesday Baking topics, and I swear I will get myself together enough by next week to actually do a Wednesday Baking post on a Wednesday.
Ahem.
Today's topic is sort of baking related, though....a reader commented recently that it was just TOO hot to bake right now, so I thought I'd put together a list of all the summer-weather-friendly recipes here on my blog.
The names of the recipes are links to the actual recipes, and I think I have it worked out so that you can simply click on each picture to be taken to the recipe as well.
By far, my most popular no-bake recipe is my Ice Cream Crunch Cake (actually, it's the most popular post on my entire blog, which cracks me up!)
Chocolate Peanut Butter Squares are a yummy, no-bake bar that remind me of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.
Chocolate Cereal Snacks-more chocolate-peanut butter goodness!
Chocolate Parfait Bars -these do require 10 minutes of baking for the crust, but that's all!
Homemade English Muffins -these are baked on a griddle, so no oven is required.
Zucchini Salad-a great way to use up garden veggies and basil.
Tropical Island Chicken-It's grilled, so the heat stays outside!
Grilled Pizza-A yummy and cool alternative to pizzas that require 450 degree oven temps.
Cilantro Chicken Pasta Salad-Have some extra cilantro that you need to save? Give this a try.
Mandarin Chicken Salad-Super easy to make, and tastes like the Mandarin Chicken Salad you can buy at Wendy's (I know, it's fast food. But that salad is tasty!).
Before I go, could I just say that I can't believe there's less than a month before September arrives? Soup season will be here before we know it.
So, go eat some salads and some no-bake desserts before it's too late!
Thank you. 🙂 I've been adding to my "no heat" recipes. The real benefit is that we're eating lots more fresh fruit and veggies, most of which are locally produced. Win!
I really want to try the pizza on the grill.. seems like fun!
Ahhh soup season. We've had very rainy and gloomy weather for two days so soup season has struck our house early. Made a batch of crab and corn chowder last night.
Thanks for the no-heat recipies though. Somehow, I missed the ice cream crunch recipe - I'll be trying that soon.
Thank you. In case no one else says it today -- I appreciate you! (and your blog)
I've been lurking on your blog for awhile now, and really enjoying it. I'm de-lurking to to say that everyone (assuming they love peanut butter) should absolutely make those peanut butter bars! My mom and I used to make them every Christmas and include them in our goodie bags I gave to my teachers. My mom has since given up both Chocolate and sugar (horror of horrors!) because of an allergy, and I haven't made them since (almost 4 years!). I think I might have to make them today, and call it a pregnancy craving...
Also, I made this face *O.O* at the thought that September is so close, because my baby is due in September! Aaaaah!
We use the crock pot to cut down on indoor heat when we need to. And we just eat raw meals sometimes. The other day I was so warm, I only ate watermelon all day, nothing else. I felt great!
That tropical island chicken recipe has made me the master griller in our house. My husband LOVES it. Since it's debut I have taken over all grilling duties since I am obviously brilliant at it. Thank you!
I made the parfait bars for my daughter's birthday...all I can say is a big thankyou!!!
They were so good, I had to send most of the left overs to my husband's work, so that I would not eat them all myself 😉
I am going to surprise my family with the ice cream cake after a meal next week. It looks like the perfect thing on a hot day! Thanks for your wonderful blog...It has truly been a blessing in my life. Hugs. Juli
Oh wow -- I have made these peanut butter chocolate bars from another source (but same recipe) and everyone at work went nuts. People were sneaking uninvited into a staff meeting to grab some. Since I am a lousy baker, I was duly thrilled!! So, if I can do it -- !! This was a great idea for a post -- I will have to get brave and try your fabulous summer recipes.
I actually baked today -- homemade oreos. Just posted the recipe/photo too. First time all summer I've baked goodies. I was a "yes mom" today because my 14 year old asked for them.
I've enjoyed the no cook/bake season but I love soup and am looking forward to being able to make at least one batch per week. I went out for lunch yesterday and ordered soup & salad.
Thank you for including zucchini salad in your post - I just pulled the first zucchini from the vine yesterday! (and I'm also trying to cut down on sugar - although the desserts look fabulous.)
Mmmmmm, Ice Cream Crunch Cake. *Evernotes* (Hmm. Did I just invent a verb? Nah, probably not... I'm sure someone got there long before me, this being English and all. ;))
Thanks for the recipes, Kristen! (And for all you do, too.)
Just made the Asian Salad Dressing for the Mandarin Chicken Salad tonight (ok--it's going to be Mandarin Pork Salad for my husband who is allergic to Chicken). The dressing is great! I've been making all our Salad dressings this year as he also has a soy allergy; it's wonderful to have another recipe.