Can’t stand the heat?
Here are some tasty treats to cool you off when the temperatures soar
Well folks, how’s the weather where you are?
Here on P.E.I., well, we’ve had some scorchers recently (believe me, I’m not complaining). But when it is so warm out you’d hate to make something – anything – in the kitchen or even dread turning on the oven, what can a person do?
Well, I’ve got some snack ideas to hold you over until you absolutely have to step into your chef’s apron and turn on the hot plate.
WATERMELON:
There’s nothing like feasting on some fresh watermelon on a hot day. In fact, the fruit is a summertime staple, isn’t it? Patterns of home decor become littered with the juicy and refreshing fruit. Heck, try freezing a slice of watermelon for an icier treat.
YOGURT POPS:
I remember when I was little, the Yoplait kid’s yogurt (the one with the bear on it) would come occasionally with these plastic sticks you use to make popsicles. Well, unleash your inner kid and get at ’er! There’s nothing more delish — in my mind anyway — than some seriously chilled yogurt in a healthier form of a popsicle.
NO-BAKE OAT BITES:
These are probably my favourite on the list. My mom calls them protein balls, because they’re in a shape of a ball. Containing rolled oats, coconut, peanut butter, chia seeds, chocolate chips and other yummy items per your own taste buds, these are great and filling tasty treats!
TORTILLA CHIPS AND HOMEMADE SALSA:
In the summertime, this is my go-to lunch when I don’t want to make a big meal. I love some Tostitos and salsa. The tangy, sweet and veggie-loaded salsa is a great balance to the chips.
WATER INFUSED WITH FROZEN FRUIT:
Freeze some berries, cut up a fresh lemon or lime and throw some ice in a glass of water and you’ve got a flavourful twist on a very simple drink.
Well, I hope these options have given you something to work with the next time the temperature gets a little hotter and you decide to crack open a good book in the summer sun.
I recommend the Rizzoli and Isles series by Tess Gerritsen partnered with high SPF sunscreen.
Peanut butter oat bites:
Ingredients: Peanut Butter – 1 cup Rolled oats – 1 1⁄2 cups Chocolate chips – to taste Shredded coconut – 1 to 2 scoops Chia seeds – 1 to 2 teaspoons Honey – 1⁄4 cup Mix together in a large bowl. If crumbly, add more peanut butter. Once mixed, grab a chunk and roll into a ball. Put in fridge to cool and so the balls firm into shape.