From Our House to Yours: Summer Eating

When it comes to being outside in the summer time, no one ever feels like going in to a kitchen and cooking a hot meal. Sometimes, we want to just stay outside and enjoy the nice weather and focus on another hour of sunlight. During the summer months, it’s nice to come up with creative alternatives for meal times such as a picnic in the park, sack lunch dinner, a cookout, or even a snack meal instead of a heavy meal. The most important thing when eating outside is to make sure the food that should be refrigerated is kept cool and that there are plenty of opportunities to rehydrate with water and other healthy beverages.

Another way to shorten time on meal prepping is to plan ahead. Have your main dish cooked ahead of time or frozen so that all you have to do is throw it in the oven or crock pot and serve when outside time is over. Meal planning saves time and can save money when buying in bulk and freezing.

I have included a list of websites that offer fast and healthy meals to prepare for outdoor adventures or extended nights outside and a couple of fun ways to drink water that even your kiddos will want to drink.

Sample recipes:

Fruit Infused Water:

Slice 1 orange (leave peel on) (You may also do this with lime and lemon or add all three- a few slices of each)

Slice 1/2 cucumber (leave peel on)

Add mint leaves (optional)

Fill 1 pitcher ¾^’sfull of cold water and place sliced fruit and cucumber to infuse overnight. Serve beverage over ice.

For those wanting a sweeter taste to their water, simply substitute the fruits above with kiwi, strawberry slices, and grapes sliced in half.

Picnic in the backyard:

Turkey and cheese roll ups

Apple slices

Veggie chips

Fruit and grain trail mix for evening snacking