Keep It Cool

Ithink I could eat ice cream every day in the summer. That’s probably not a sound nutritional plan, but it’s a favorite way to beat the heat of the season.

Those of you who agree will find ideas for ice cream desserts (or dinner, if you think the same way I do on this subject) on page 36.

But if you prefer to manage a heat wave with fewer dairy products, this issue has a double-dip of other ideas for you. On hot weather days, try to keep your kitchen cool by putting your slow cooker to work— it’s not just for cozy winter meals. Recipes begin on page 42.

Or take your dinner outdoors. On page 16, you’ll meet the Ostertag family and tour the gorgeous outdoor entertaining pavilion they built on their Texas ranch—a project sure to inspire your own alfresco dining.

And if you’re not quite ready to tackle an effort that large, some smaller, picnic-focused DIYs will have you presenting your potluck dishes in style: Find instructions for making a set of reusable bowl covers out of bandannas on page 31 and plans for an easy-sew casserole carrier on page 58.

However you decide to approach the heat and humidity of the coming months, share your tips and stories with us at countrywomanmagazine.com/submit. I’ll enjoy reading them over a scoop of black raspberry.