Summer Staples (Great for picnics and get togethers!)

image courtesy google

The name of the food is hidden in the link, so just read the link to see what tasty treat you could create!

***Salads Galore:

*Pasta Salads:

http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2011/05/italian-pasta-salad.html
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/sesame-pasta-chicken-salad/detail.aspx
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/blt-pasta-salad/detail.aspx
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/taco-pasta-salad/detail.aspx
http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2010/04/macaroni-salad.html

*Fruit Salads: (A wide variety of canned fruits at Home Plus)

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/ambrosia-fruit-salad/detail.aspx
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/sunday-best-fruit-salad/detail.aspx
**tip** Use yogurt as a base with any mix of fruit to create a cool,creamy fruit salad in minutes! (You can also sprinkle with a little cinnamon or nutmeg for a little spice, or sweeten it up even more with some mini marshmallows!!)

*Veggie Salads:

http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2011/06/fattoush-lebanese-salad.html
http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2010/11/eriks-broccoli-salad.html
http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2010/04/cucumber-salad.html

*Chicken Salads:

http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2010/08/cabbage-chicken-salad-with-ramen.html
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/holiday-chicken-salad/detail.aspx
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/fruity-curry-chicken-salad/detail.aspx
http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2010/04/dijon-chicken-salad.html

*Green Salads with your favorite Dressing:

http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2011/06/ranch-dressing-or-dip.html
http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2011/06/grandmas-dressing-catalina-style.html
http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2011/06/honey-mustard-dressing.html
http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2011/06/italian-dressing-mix.html
http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2011/06/raspberry-vinaigrette.html

***Dip the Day Away:

*Sweet:

http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2010/12/cookie-dough-dips.html
http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2010/04/annies-fruit-salsa-and-cinnamon-chips.html
http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2010/05/chocolate-syrup.html

*Savory:

http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2011/01/disappearing-taco-dip.html
http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2010/12/black-eyed-pea-dip.html
http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2010/12/easy-cheese-ball.html
http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2010/04/layered-black-bean-dip.html
http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2010/04/hummus.html
http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2011/06/ranch-dressing-or-dip.html
**Tip** Try mixing equal parts Salsa and sour cream/cream cheese for a yummy dip with tortilla chips! :)

***Cool Treats:

http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2011/06/homemade-vanilla-pudding.html
http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2011/06/homemade-chocolate-pudding.html
http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2010/12/choc-chip-cookies-ovenless-style.html
http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2010/10/south-african-dessert-milktart.html
http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2010/04/sarahs-applesauce.html
http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2010/04/easy-cheesecake.html
http://ovenlesschef.blogspot.com/2011/06/no-bake-peanut-butter-pie.html

**Get creative and find ways to cook yummy meals that won't heat up the kitchen too much this summer!
**Try adding flavor to your meals by soaking your meats or veggies in your favorite marinade!
**Freeze your leftover coffee in the mornings in Ice cube trays for a refresshing iced Coffee after work... or if you need a morning perk without the sweat!
**Utilize those fresh seasonla fruits and veggies to create cool snacks and meals!
**Buy clearanced fruit that is starting to turn and cut them up, freeze them and use them for inexpensive smoothies or make a crisp for a fresh dessert!


Want to make a yummy fruit dip? Can't find marshmallow creme? Try this recipe:
http://www.grouprecipes.com/58165/home-made-marshmallow-fluff.html
and combine like so:
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/fruit-dip-ii/detail.aspx

For some summer sips check out this post:
http://grabafork.blogspot.com/2011/06/summer-sips.html

Happy Fourth of July from the Ovenless Chef!