The weather is getting enticingly warmer, the tides are high, and a tropical storm is brewing in Florida. However, we must still go on, and we still have to eat. There are many wonderful places in the nation to get something delicious and affordable to dine on.
With the pandemic calming down just a tad, we are seeing lots and lots of vaccinated people out doing their everyday affairs. Then there are some of us who are just going through the motions and enjoying spending time at home cooking.
If you are one of those people who enjoy cooking at home, then this article is just right for you. I had the opportunity to sit down and research a few good topics on quick fix, grilling and vegan ideas to help you find the right taste.
I am a grilling fan, so immediately Martha Stewart’s book, Grilling, caught my eye. It is the indispensable guide to grilling, with everything you need to create delicious, inviting meals for everyday dinners and backyard festivities.
I am not a big fan of the outdoors, however if you throw in food and grilling, then you have won me over. In Martha’s book, I found some succulent ideas for the grill. The Grilled Peaches and Figs with Prosciutto and Robiola grabbed me by the palate, and I was ready to start grilling.
Then there was the Buttermilk and Rosemary Brined Chicken, Lemon herb Spatchcocked Chicken, and Chicken and Vegetable Kebabs.
In her book you can also find grilling cocktails to sip on while you wait. I truly liked the Iced Tea with a Citrus Twist and Three Sangrias. So, get over to the book store now and check out this book now from Clarkson Potters Publishing, circa. 2019.
If you are on a diet and like Mediterranean food, then the Easy Everyday Mediterranean Diet Cookbook is for you. Written by two registered dietitians, this book is full of delicious dishes that are sure to satisfy.
I’ve never heard of Pink Pasta Alfredo, but I would most definitely give it a try to stay healthy. There also were dishes like Foolproof Pumpkin Gnocchi, Kale and Chickpea Papparelle, Tuna Nicoise for Two, Baked Salmon with Creamy Cilantro Sauce and delicious Manhattan paella.
I am getting hungry already and the story is just beginning.
Where are my slow cookers at? My mom is one of them. Fix-It and Forget-It Slow Cooker Dump Dinners and Desserts; this book is full of 150 crazy yummy meals for our crazy busy life. I love potatoes, so the Creamy Potato Chowder grabbed my attention immediately, and of course at the end, I would surely put some sliced bacon on top.
My mom loves stew, and the Beef Stew recipe for slow cookers would be a hit for her. This masterpiece cooks for 5-7 hours, so you can go shopping or to the casino and get home and dive in.
The Balsamic chicken, Cheesy Stuffed Peppers, Beef with Broccoli and Pepper Steak all cook for at least 6 hours, and you will be a hit at the dinner table. I also saw the Pork and Beef Barbecue for sandwiches, which cooks for 3-4 hours in a slow cooker, so get ready to have the kids stuffing the bread with delight.
I was excited to discover a bubbling African American chef and author of I Heart Recipes, Rosie Mayes. Her book, I Heart Soul Food, will be a hit with the folks who need to cut down on their food consumption and eat heart healthy food. In Rosie Mayes’ book, I found Creamy Cheesy Grits, Sweet Potato Biscuits, Slow Cooker Smothered Oxtails, Beef Meatloaf and Salmon Croquettes.
All these recipes were with heart-heathy ideas in mind, so enjoy her book and stay healthy eating the meals.
I caught another good book that I felt would be great. Half the Sugar All the Love, a family cookbook by Jennifer Tyler Lee and Anisha Patel, MD. MSPH. They had some great half sugar recipes that turned my head. The Honey-Peach Breakfast Pops were appetizing with the peaches and vanilla.
A friend of mine loves granola, so they would enjoy the Fruit and Nut Granola Recipe. There was a Monkey Toast recipe for kids, Pumpkin Spice Waffles, Super Moist Banana Bread and Spinach-Ricotta Calzones dish.
To beat the summer heat, check out the Complete Summer Cookbook, with over 500 recipes that will make your summer more pleasant and enjoyable. I might try one recipe. The Pearl Couscous Salad with Radishes and Watercress looks delicious and filling.
Last but not least, for the vegans, we have got you covered. The glossy cover of The Complete Plant Based Cookbook by America’s Test Kitchen grabbed me immensely. I am not a vegan and do not have plans to give up meat any time soon.
However, there is nothing wrong with trying some plant-based meals once and a while. The Sweet Chili Glazed Tofu, sounded like something I could eat later this evening. I had some tofu in Atlanta a long time ago, and it was delicious.
I love Okra and tomatoes, so the Greek Stewed Okra with Tomatoes had me to the very end. There was the Cashew e Pepe e Funghi, the Fettuccine with Walnut Sauce, and Vegetable Pot pie.
So, right then and there as I looked through the book, I realized that the vegans have some great dishes to choose from.
Thanks for reading and I am sure one of these many ideas will have you rushing to Barnes & Noble to find these books. And if you do not want to buy them, then just go to your local library and pull them off the shelf.
Happy reading and have a great summer!
*Photos by Associated Press