Keep It Simple For The Summer

The easiest way that I know to get through a hot summer day in the kitchen is to keep it simple. There are ways to keep cool and calm and produce a delectable entree or dessert with little or not fuss for that last minute celebration, unexpected guest or just to show your family that you do love them, even in the heat.

Try a few of these ideas to keep things on the cool side this summer and relax!

 

Easy Meatloaf
1 lb. ground beef
½ cup onion, chopped
1 egg
Ketchup
Oatmeal

Break up meat in a bowl, add egg and mix with hands. Add onion, ketchup and 1 handful of oatmeal. Mix all together and form into a loaf. If it looks too moist, add more oatmeal. If too dry, add more ketchup. Place in a loaf pan or baking dish and bake at 350 for one hour.

 

Peas and Bacon Salad
1 pkg. frozen peas
½ cup bacon bits
1 cup sour cream
Pinch of salt

Thaw peas. Combine all ingredients and refrigerate.

 

Easy Baked Rice
1 cup prepared rice
1 stick butter
1 can beef broth
1 small can sliced mushrooms, drained

Mix all ingredients and bake at 300 degrees in a covered casserole for one hour.

 

Baked Onion Casserole
Large onions
Butter
Pepper
Salt

Peel onions and slice about ½ -inch thick. Place in a buttered casserole dish, making about 3 layers and on each, put plenty of butter, and pepper (not much salt and no water). Cover and bake at 350 for about 30 minutes. Remove lid and bake until lightly browned. Can make a crunchy topping with dressing mix, crackers, etc. and butter.

 

Lemon Jello Cake
1 box lemon or yellow cake mix
1 pkg. lemon Jello
¾ cup oil
¾ cup water
4 eggs
Powdered Sugar
2 lemons or lemon juice

Mix all ingredients together at low speed, then at high for about 3 minutes. Bake in greased 9 x 13-in. pan for 40 minutes at 350. While baking, mix together 2 cups powdered sugar with juice of 2 lemons. When cake is done and still hot, poke holes with a fork all over the top of cake and pour mixture over it.

 

 

Strawberry Lemonade
1 qt. strawberries, sliced
3 cups cold water
¾ cup lemon juice
¾ cup sugar
2 cups club soda

In blender, puree strawberries. In 2-qt. pitcher, combine pureed strawberries, water, lemon juice, and sugar. Stir well. Add club soda before serving. Frozen strawberries may be used.

 

 

Don’t forget your copy of “Lovin’ Spoonful . . . Cooking With Family and Friends,” a compilation of nearly 400 mouth-watering recipes by Sherrie Norris. It is available at all locations of High Country Media – Boone, Banner Elk, West Jefferson, and at The Avery Journal in Newland, all Boone Drugs, Black Bear Books, Trailway Laundry, Wilcox Emporium,( top level, booth 312-W,) and beginning June 15 at Mast Store locations.