Smoldering Hot Summer Recipes

Summer is in full effect and that means its hot, hot, hot!!!  Which gets me thinking about how acceptably hot it should legally be.  Unfortunately, the government has nothing to do with our weather... well, don't get me started on that.  But when your AC isn't even cutting it in the Valley, you start coming up with some pretty creative ways to stay cool.  In "The Seven Year Itch", Marilyn Monroe put her panties in the freezer to cool off.  And while I can't think of anything worse than putting on cold panties (eeek!), I have tried basically everything else.  Ice water facials, cool showers, walking around in a bikini, standing in front of a fan after that cool shower (that actually does work).  But what a pain.  Here are some more acceptable ways to cool down... tastefully!

These recipes are perfect for a weekend get-together or a hot evening meal with your sweetie.  The easiest part- there is not a lot of measuring.

First and foremost, make yourself a yummy drink while preparing. Try this amazing thing!

I love this one

Spiked Arnold Palmer (you golfers should get that)

-1 oz. Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka

-half lemonade

-half any tea of your choice

Pineapple Shrimp Skewers with Avocado Sauce

Soak skewers (if wooden) in water while shrimp are marinading.

1 lb. fresh Medium/Large = 36 to 40 per pound.  Put in large bowel and marinade for about 1 hour.

1 medium-sized organic onion.  Peel and cut ends off slightly.  Cut into large chunks.

1 large organic pineapple (yes, canned will also due, but it's not as healthy).  Cut off skin and pines, core and cut into chunks.

Alternately stack shrimp, onion, and pineapple and grill until shrimp is pink or has grill marks on both sides.

Place on large platter and drizzle with avocado sauce

Serves about 8

Shrimp Marinade

10 dashes low sodium soy sauce

2 minced fresh garlic cloves

3 table spoons of any type of mustard you wish

Fresh cracked pepper to taste

Avocado Sauce

1 avocado, peeled & sliced
1/4 c. sour cream
1/4 c. organic milk
1 clove garlic, pressed
1 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. fresh cilantro
1/2 tsp. hot sauce
2 or 3 tbsp. lemon juice

Cubed Caprese Salad

1 whole package buffalo mozzarella, cut into small cubes

20-30 organic basil leaves, about 1 package, finely chop or julienne 

1 large package organic cherry tomatoes or 2-3 ripe organic heirloom tomatoes, cut into small cubes

Mince 1 clove fresh garlic

About 2 tablespoons good balsamic vinegar 

About 2 tablespoons good extra virgin olive oil

Toss lightly

Serves about 8

I hope you all love these as much as I do.  And men, get on the grill and make some of these for the ladies!  We'll love you forever!