If you were one of the 10 people who read my blog in the beginning you know back then I absolutely hated to cook. Within the past two years I have really learned to love cooking except in the summertime. I despise cooking in the summer. Summer is all about relaxation not slaving in a hot kitchen. I would totally eat watermelon and cold pasta salad for the next 2 months but since I have little people and a husband that needs to eat….
Seeing that I have no choice I went on a hunt to compile a list of 5 easy recipes for summer cooking.
Weight Watchers Slow Cooker Lasagna: I’ve tried this and it is de.licious. My sister in law sent me this recipe a few months ago. I will say I cheated and didn’t use skim anything but I’ve tried it both ways and it is really good. I was under the impression that people only used their crock pot in the winter. Thank goodness for my FB page fans who got me right about the year ’round use of the crock pot.
Chicken and Basil Stir Fry: I made this recipe here. So good and easy.
Seared Steak Fajitas: Yummy. Made this one as well. Super easy and quick. The steak is marinated in soy sauce and while you would think soy sauce and Mexican food doesn’t go together….trust me. I also learned how to warm my tortilla shells on the fire from the burner, which added a great smokey taste to it. Less than 30 minutes from chopping to plate.
Shrimp and Penne with Spring Herb Pesto: This recipe took a bit of time because the pesto was made from scratch but the extra time was so worth it. Outside of the pesto for the most part this was a one pot dish. Very light and perfect for a summer dinner.
New Orleans Style Barbecued Shrimp: I’m not native to the New Orleans region so I’m sure someone from this area would likely tell you that this is a main stream version. If this is a watered down version then let me find my way to New Orleans to try the real deal. This was a little spicy but the lemon really paired well with the spiciness. This required minimal prep and everything except for the rice cooked in one dish.
I will be trying new recipes and will continue to share them with you. Hope they help you get dinner on the table with minimal effort.
Are you like me and despise cooking in the summer?
16 Comments
Nellie
May 30, 2013 at 9:44 amSeared steak fajitas?! Yes. I’m down!
Thanks for sharing this! I hate being in a hot kitchen.
Aracely
May 30, 2013 at 11:18 amAll of these sound yummy! I love cold pasta salad. Too bad Madison doesn’t eat shrimp or steak, she’s a chicken and fish girl!
Michelle
May 30, 2013 at 11:59 amThe crockpot lasagna sounds delish. I hate cooking in the winter, summer, spring and fall so anything that I can set and forget is a winner!
Mimi
June 5, 2013 at 12:15 amGirl. That crockpot lasagna is the truth. I love it. We normally always have leftovers for the win! Thanks for stopping by!
YUMMommy
May 30, 2013 at 12:29 pmI honestly don’t mind cooking during the summer. We grill out a lot which is perfect. I’m not heating up the house. I can put my meat and veggies on the grill, leave it for a little bit, go back out flip it and then let it finish cooking. Tacos are another great and easy meal to make during the summer too.
Kita
May 30, 2013 at 1:34 pmI cook during the summer but sparingly. It depends on my mood. I lose most of my weight because I drink a lot during the hot months and that fills me up.
G K
May 30, 2013 at 2:45 pmI’m just not very experienced in the kitchen. When I do cook, it’s usually casseroles, something easy in the slow cooker, or Hamburger Helper – ha!
Since I’m off this summer, I plan to expand my little library of recipes. Glad you’re gonna continue to share!
LaShawn
May 30, 2013 at 5:25 pmok, so I’m trying the steack fajitas and the slow cooker lasagna!
Mrs. Delightful
May 31, 2013 at 7:01 amI try to cook as early as possible or cook on the grill when it comes to summer cooking… I’m looking forward trying some of your recipes. Thanks for sharing!
Chasing Joy
June 1, 2013 at 9:58 pmI definitely plan on using my slow cooker this summer.
Mimi
June 5, 2013 at 12:16 amMe too! I always thought it was for fall but shoot, I’m about to use my mine a lot!
Mrs. Pancakes
June 3, 2013 at 9:02 amim been looking for healthy alternatives so this sounds yummy…thanks!
Mimi
June 5, 2013 at 12:17 amYes, they all were really good and easy to make!
Jenni
June 5, 2013 at 9:41 amThanks for sharing. I will be putting some of these to good use this summer.
Alison @ Get Your Pretty On
June 17, 2013 at 3:21 pmThanks for the ideas and inspiration! I absolutely hate to cook in the summer too. Today is grocery day and some of these ideas are going on the list.
{A Quick Meal} New Orleans Style Barbecued Shrimp | Lipgloss & BinkyLipgloss & Binky
June 25, 2014 at 5:01 am[…] recipe that I’ve made before but it’s been awhile. I even mentioned it last year on my 5 Quick and Easy Meals for Summer […]