An Easy Tasty Summer Menu When it’s too Hot to Cook
Embrace the last of the season’s long days, with a simple alfresco meal, perfect for those sizzling days when the last thing you want to do is hover over a hot stove. I am sure by this time of year (like me) you have had plenty of easy meals of burgers, hot dogs, and lackluster salads. Are you up for some creative ways to avoid “hot kitchen cooking”? You have come to the right place for the perfect summer meal requiring minimal effort. Let’s dive in and discover how to beat the heat with easy grilling ideas and some of my favorite recipes that are a breeze to prepare. I am joining my blogging pals for their faves. Here is An Easy Tasty Summer Menu When it’s too Hot to Cook.
We invited our friends Geoff and Karyn over for a sunset dinner. Yes we have beautiful sunsets!
Dine in an Unexpected Spot
For fun we decided to convert our outdoor tv viewing area into a cozy dining space where we could watch the sun set. You can check out what it looked like before in my post. 5 Tips for Decorating your Outdoor Space for Comfort and Style. We placed a round fold-up table over the wicker ottoman and covered it with an old bed quilt. If we want to watch the olympics after dinner we don’t have to move!
Set a Pretty Outdoor Table
The table is set with marbelized plates and glasses from Fete Home, bamboo flatware, napkins (no longer available) and roses from my garden. The monogrammed outdoor pillows are from Cottage by Design.
Fix a Simple Garden to Table Appetizer
I recently made what I consider the perfect appetizer for a summer meal (especially if you have a garden full of tomatoes). Tomato confit and creamy burrata has lots of fresh tomatoes and fresh herbs and it is delicious. You can substitute whatever herbs you have available. Cook the tomatoes in the oven in the morning before the kitchen heats up or do them on the grill.
Prepare a Fresh Summer Salad
Hot summer days call for a refreshing summer salad like Ina Garten’s Panzanella . It is a simple salad (packed with tomatoes and other summer vegetables). I dress it with our homegrown olive oil, and replace the champagne vinegar with lemon juice. I have made it with the champagne vinegar and it is wonderful as well.
Grill a Fresh From the Garden Vegetable
Bobby Flay’s Grilled Asparagus drizzled in balsamic vinegar and wrapped in prosciutto is a simple recipe and a great addition to an easy dinner. It is packed with fresh flavor and easy to prepare on your gas grill.
Grill a Summer Fresh Chicken Entree
A long-time favorite chicken dish in our home is Ina Garten’s delicious chicken (Tuscan) with fresh herbs. Make plenty and you will have leftover chicken for other meals.
Make Dessert Simple and Delicious
Steve’s simple homemade ice cream with fresh fruit is always a good idea and the perfect way to top off a hot day. He substitutes half and half for the cream and it is just as delicious
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Thank you for reading An Easy Tasty Summer Menu When it’s too Hot to Cook. If you would like to try more of my favorite recipes you can follow me on Pinterest here.
As the sun sets on another hot summer day, why not sit back and enjoy the flavor of a delicious meal filled with garden-fresh vegetables and savory flavors. Keep your kitchen cool and your spirits high, and enjoy every bite of summer’s bounty. Here’s to many more refreshing, tasty meals, even when the temperature reaches the 90’s and beyond! Bon appétit!
Now let’s pop over and visit my friends to see what they are sharing!
My go to dinner has been Burrata cheese and roasted tomatoes!! Who really is so good and can’t be beat, especially with homegrown tomatoes!! Your dinner party looked fabulous especially how you style the table so pretty!
Hi Martha
I couldn’t agree with you more!!
It is all good! Thanks once again!
Hi Ann
Of course!!
Is that a quilt you use for a tablecloth?
Hi Laura
It sure is!!
Hi Cindy,
Your outdoors and table setting is gorgeous. The roses are beautiful. The meal is out of this world. You put your whole heart into everything you do. To be a dinner guest in your home is a memory you will never forget. Down to the homemade ice cream.
In Arizona our brains would be fried to sit outside. We hide out in our homes this time of year. Our air conditioning is our best friend. I think the high has reached 116 so far. It will be pretty again.
You are over the top amazing.
Hi Katherine
We get many days over 100 but it always cools off at night. I feel for you1
Great ideas for these hot days (who feels like cooking?!) The recipes look delicious and table setting is beautiful, and of course a beautiful sunset!
Hi Barb
Thank you so much!!
I love all these ideas and all your pretty pictures!
Hi Melaine
Thank you so much!!
I can’t envision a more perfect menu – or setting! Everything looks lovely and delicious, an ideal summer meal! Thank you for including me! xo
Hi Sheri
We always love having you!!
Cindy,
What a treat to have dinner at your house! Those sunset views, the table with the rose and the votives glowing, and then the meal. Everything looks amazing right down to the homemade vanilla ice cream!
xx
a
Hi Annie
Steve has vanilla ice cream down to an art!!
Cindy, I would love to come to dinner! Everything looks delicious!
I would love to have you Eliz!!
Here in Arizona, there is no outdoor dining. With temps in the 100’s we have to stay inside. But fun to plan outdoor grilling for October and beyond when our season starts.
Hi Judy
We have several friends who have moved to AZ. Many travel when summer comes so I understand!!
You had me until you mentioned grilling. Here in Alabama it has been too hot and humid to even light the grill. Looking forward to some cooler Fall weather .
Hi Charlotte
I grew up in the Midwest so I understand!! I am still enjoying the summer but a few days have been pretty darn hot!!
What a delicious menu and beautiful setting. I love California for these kinds of evenings!
Hi Bette
I agree!!
My mouth is watering!! EVERY single dish looks amazing.
Hi Mary Ann
It was a good one!