Have I ever mentioned that our cottage does not have air conditioning?
Nope.
Our cottage was built in 1940 back when air conditioning wasn’t a ‘thing’.
Some people think it is crazy that we don’t have it even now, but most of the time in summer-
we are totally fine without air conditioning- the house stays pretty cool.
You see, we have a secret weapon.
A basem*nt.
Yes, I know- a lot of people have basem*nts- so they aren’t really a secret weapon but this one is.
Our basem*nt is literally built into the ground enough that it stays cold all year long and keeps the house nice and cool even when it is hot, hot, hot outside.
98% of the time.
The other 2%?
Well, that would be right about now.
It has been 100 degrees every day for the past 4 days here.
And the low at night?
Last night it was supposed to get down to a nice balmy79.
Oy vey…
Even the usually freezing basem*nt can’t compete with that.
Normally we have nice fresh crisp evenings… but not when we are in the midst of a heat wave.
So, when the house already hot at 5 AM like it is now
no one wants to even start to think about
‘cooking’ anything that day and heating it up even more.
So we turn to simple easy summer recipes like make your own sandwiches, fresh salads and fresh nibbles that don’t require a lot of cooking.
It is either that or take out.
And we are not huge fans of dining out – so, easy meals it is.
So for todays Friday Favorites- in case you are ‘enjoying’ a heat wave as well right now-
I am sharing a round up of a few no cook or little cook recipes
that are perfect for summer entertaining- and quick dinners.
And you might notice a theme…
Anything with fresh fruit and veggies like summer squash, spinach and cucumbers is like
a hearts in your eyes summer romance in my book.
And if you add soft garlic Naan bread?
Well, we are talking marriage.
Which brings me to number one.
#1. Summer Vegetable Flatbread Sandwich
This is definitely a summer favorite and it is on repeat over here- especially when it is hot.
Matter of fact… I enjoyed this last night for dinner.
Easy to customize for your taste- simply veggies in abundance.
You can keep all the veggies crisp and fresh for even less work and cooking
if you would like as well.
Find the recipe here:Summer Vegetable Flatbread Sandwich
#2. Spinach and Berry Salad
Another super easy to make, requires no cooking and heating up the house-
this summer spinach and berry salad.
I know.
It sounds simple enough- spinach, berries, nuts and feta or blue cheese…
but it is beyond delicious.
And it is a go-to salad for a burst of vitamins and fresh fruit.
Find the recipe here:
#3. Salsa Fresca
A perfect topping for crusty slices of bread, delicious fresh burritos
or just nibbling on with chips?
Salsa of course.
My husband says it is perfect on eggs too- a little tip he learned while in the military.
I am not in love with that idea- but how ever you like to enjoy your salsa- you cannot beach a fresh sliced and diced salsa for amazing amounts of yummy.
This recipe uses a little garlic as well- because- we are garlic freaks over here and pretty much feel like it belongs in everything.
But you can definitely omit it if you are not trying to ward off Dracula – and it will be just as good.
Find the recipe here:Salsa Fresca
#4. Avocado and Cucumber salad
Another on the fresh cut salad menu?
A recipe I shared earlier this year that is absolutely perfect and refreshing for summer.
As obsessed as I am with fresh garlic- avocado take the cake on my must.have. food. I am pretty sure I could eat an avocado a day
(and have many times)
I shared this recipe earlier this year- but it is a favorite and it requires no cooking which means no heating up the house.
Find the recipe here: Avocado Cucumber Salad
And one more quick and easy simple to make
getinmybellyrecipe for the road.
#5. Fresh Tomato Basil Bread
As easy to make as it sounds- and even more delicious.
Pair it with that avocado salad-
and be prepared to not have any leftovers.
Fresh rustic french bread -sliced in half
drizzled with olive oil
topped with tomato slices
fresh basil leaves
sprinkled with balsamic vinegar
fresh grated parmesan or feta
and pepper.
Enjoy as is – or warm it up for about 5 minutes in the toaster oven.
I will be sharing a few new fresh summer favorites in the next week or so as well.
Something with watermelon and another avocado recipe.
Because… obsessed.
Both are simple and easy to make-
they won’t heat your house up
and they are perfect for enjoying outdoors
when the weather (hopefully) cools down a bit in the evenings.
Happy weekend everyone
