Homespun
Homespun
June 27, 2001
Ways to Keep Cool in the Kitchen!
Keeping cool in the kitchen this summer may seem impossible, but here are a few ideas to try.
Make the main dish cold. Try salads as the main course for your evening meals. The endless combinations that are possible with salads can make this meal exciting. Serve marinated salads. These can be put together the night before and will often hold up three to four days. Cold meat salads like tuna, ham, chicken, and salmon provide the protein needed in your diet. And don't forget the chef's salad. This is a good way to use up your leftovers.
Remember to include hearty sandwiches in your summer menus. Sliced cold cuts and cheese topped with juicy ripe tomato slices, crisp lettuce, and onion create a meal the family will love. Why not open up a sandwich bar in your kitchen? Offer a variety of sliced meats, cheeses, toppings, and breads and let each person build his own.
Take the cooking outdoors. Fire up that grill or smoker instead of your kitchen. Sure the grill will be hot, but at least your house won't be. Be creative with your outdoor cooking--try cooking the entire meal outside. Corn on the cob is a breeze to grill; just butter the corn, sprinkle with seasonings, wrap in aluminum foil, and place on the grill. Slice potatoes or a medley of vegetables, such as yellow squash, green peppers, and onions, and place them on a piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Season to your liking. Then wrap up the vegetable packages and put them on the grill. Cook, turning the packages occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
Try chilled desserts. Instead of making pies or cakes for dessert, which of course involves heating the oven, serve a chilled dessert. Don't forget to churn some ice cream too. If you're short of time, just serve a bowl of one of the frozen commercial desserts.
Some other cool kitchen tips. When you must stay in your kitchen, remember to use your microwave oven. Rapid cooking is the microwave's main feature, but in the summer its heat-free cooking is just as desirable. The microwave is ideal for cooking fresh vegetables straight from your garden. You'll have delicious vegetables without extra heat. Also, use your wok. By using this small appliance and the quick stir-frying method, you can have a main dish ready for your dinner table in minutes.
When you must turn on your oven, use its heat wisely. Cook several dishes at once, making sure they all bake at the same temperature. Try cooking in the morning, too, while it is still cool. If you use your oven early in the day, then you won't have to fight both its heat and the heat of the late afternoon or evening. Try cooking a chicken, ham or roast in the morning; then chill it thoroughly. Slice the cold meat for dinners, or use it to make salads or sandwiches.
This page created by Margie Yarnell, Extension Secretary/Webmaster.
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