Cold Recipes for Hot Days

The heat index today was over 100 degrees!  Between outdoor training sessions, stir crazy kids and lots of yard work, cool and hydrating recipes are a must for me.  Here's just a few tips I use to keep from melting in South Louisiana summers.

Banana Ice Cream
When it's hot, ice cream is often a favorite.  Try this super easy, super inexpensive, healthier alternative.  My kids and husband give it 2 thumbs up.

4 bananas
1 tsp vanilla extract
toppings of choice (fresh fruit, walnuts, etc.)

Peel the bananas, cut into 1inch chunks and freeze for at least 2 hours.  When frozen, toss the bananas into a food processor or blender with the vanilla.  Mix until creamy, it will take a few minutes.  Serve immediately and top with fruit or nuts if desired. Makes 4-6 servings.

Refreshing Spring Rolls
This is one of my family's new favorites.  We stuff them full of fresh veggies, herbs and light proteins like grilled shrimp or tuna.  Get creative, you can stuff them with just about anything you would put in a tortilla wrap, except they are lighter and are great served cold.  Here's my favorite combo.

1/2 lb shrimp
6 Rice paper wraps
1 cup grated cabbage
1/2 cup grated carrots
1/2 cup grated cucumber
6 fresh basil leaves chopped
6 fresh mint leaves chopped
2 T rice vine vinegar
2 tsp. sesame seeds

Grill or saute shrimp (add a bit of sea salt & lemon juice if desired).  When cooked chop into bite size pieces and place in refrigerator to chill.  Mix cabbage, carrots, cucumber, herbs, vinegar and sesame seeds in a large bowl.  Let mixture marinate.  When shrimp is cool to the touch, stir the pieces into the mixture.  Prepare rice paper wraps as directed on the package and fill with approx. 2 T of the mixture, roll them like a tortilla wrap closing both ends.  Serve immediately or refrigerate for a later meal.

You could also try a light twist on a Cesar wrap with grilled chicken, chopped romaine hearts, red onions and a dash of grated Parmesan cheese.  My daughters favorite is wild caught canned tuna with avocado, tomato and sriracha (a Japanese hot sauce).
Experiment with different dipping sauces as well.  I like to make a homemade carrot, ginger dressing, but again you can get creative.

Infused Water
Instead of sports drinks or sodas that are full of sugar, sodium and artificial flavor, try infusing your water with the good stuff.  Fill a pitcher with filtered water, add chopped fruits, veggies and or herbs and pop it in the fridge for all day flavor. Toss in as many ingredients as you like and let the fruit steep, no muddling, mixing or blending needed.  The water will take on the mild flavor and scent of the fruits & herbs.

Here's a few combos to try,:
Watermelon & mint
Cucumber & basil
Lime & cilantro
Peach & mint
Apple & Lemon

Infused water is great for entertaining too.  Ice cold water in a glass pitcher with color coordinated fruits and herbs can be a beautiful part of the decor and a great way to encourage your guest to stay hydrated.

TIP: If your craving carbonation, drop your fruits & herbs at the bottom of your glass and pour in sparkling water.

I hope your family enjoys these recipes as much as mine does! Have a great summer!!!

Summer Recipies

I know it has only officially been Spring for a few weeks, but in Southern Louisiana, summer sneaks up quickly.  I wanted to start compiling my summer recipes and tips now, so mother nature can "Bring on the Heat"!!!  I will add to this blog throughout the season as I find new recipes and activities for the kiddos :)

ENJOY!!!!

ALL NATURAL BUG SPRAY
This one is a must!  Whether your at the ball park mid summer or on your back porch, Louisiana mosquito are vicious.  I love this recipe, it's super easy and inexpensive.  There are no preservatives so you'll need to reapply often, but there's also no chemicals or harmful ingredients so smile as you drench the kids in it.

1 part Witch Hazel
1 part Apple Cidar Vinegar
citronella and or geranium essential oil (add about 3 drops per cup)

That's it!  Put it in a large spray bottle for home and grab a few of the travel cosmetic sprayers to keep in the car and purse.  If you're going to the woods, dip a bandanna in the mix to tie around your head or neck.

ALL NATURAL CITRUS MARGARITAS
This mostly fresh juice cocktail is perfect for get-togethers, weekends on the river and beach trips.  Super yummy, not too heavy on the liquor and won't rack up a million extra summer calories.  Plus you can make it ahead of time.

Tip***I like to freeze the juices first for a frozen concoction.

1 gallon fresh orange/satsuma juice (100% pure juice!  best if you juice it yourself)
1 cup fresh lime juice (straight from the lime, NO concentrate)
1 cup fresh lemon juice (see above note)
3/4 of a small (750ml) bottle of tequila (more or less depending on taste & remember the ice will water it down some)
Raw sugar (add a bit to the mix or use for garnish around the rim of your glass)

Toss it all in a blender and pulse.  Add ice here if you like frozen margaritas or serve over ice later.