Yay! Sweet summertime is finally here again! Maybe you are excited, or you are left wondering how in the world you are going to feed your family with healthy options other than passing out popsicles and dishing out ice cream.
Well, not to fret, dear momma. Below are some simple (and healthy) recipes that will not only feed your hungry crew but give you the opportunity to connect with your precious people over food. Yes, these recipes are so easy that your kiddos can even make them! So, with that, let’s dig in, shall we?
Let’s face it, summertime just begs for kiddos to jump in sprinklers and play outside for hours on end, but it also creates these hungry little monsters that continually ask for “snacks.” So give them something that won’t only satisfy their hunger and cure those not-so-healthy food cravings but will give you peace of mind.
Cucumber Crackers
Grab small bite-sized crackers (I like to use melba toast) and then spread chive cream cheese on top. Slice up a cucumber and place one of those slices on top of each cracker. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper or everything but the bagel seasoning (one of my favorite seasonings, I might add), and enjoy!
Fruit Kabobs
Gather some of your favorite fruits, chop them up, and arrange them on bamboo skewers. These aren’t only easy to make and yummy, but they are festively cute too! All-time summer snack around here!
Charcuterie Board
Who doesn’t like charcuterie boards? In order to put a different spin on it for summer, add lots of fruits and veggies, jams and jellies with crackers, and even tzatziki or humus for extra flare. The best part is that this snack is hearty and it gives your kiddos the nutrients they need to keep running around with all that summertime energy.
Stovetop Popcorn
We rarely have microwave popcorn these days. That is ever since we fell upon the art of making it on the stove! Not only is it more nutritious and delicious, but it also has a variety of ways in which to create it! Start with a big Dutch oven or deep stock pot and coat the bottom with vegetable oil or oil of your choice. If you do choose to use olive oil, it will burn easily, so mix it with another oil to give it a better base. Then turn the heat to medium to high and place a kernel or two in the pot. Once it pops (after a few minutes) then coat the bottom of the pot with a single layer of popcorn kernels (usually about a cup). Cover and let pop. This usually takes five or so minutes, but stay close by. Then pull off the stove and season with salt and pepper, dry ranch dressing, cheese, BBQ seasoning… just about any seasoning you like. Simply delicious!
I’ll admit that Chick-fil-A is our trusty ‘ole standby when it comes to lunch many days during the summer. But the cost adds up, not to mention the nutritional value isn’t so great. So, with that said, try a different take on lunch and try a few of the recipes below:
Teatime Sandwiches
My girls used to love having tea parties when they were little. We have sort of carried this tradition into the summer by creating various sandwiches from cucumber to pimento cheese, to grilled or egg salad. Create the ones you prefer, of course, then cut them into fours (placing them on pretty plates is optional, but fun). Let your people pick their favorite sandwiches, add some fruit on the side, and lunch is served!
(Oh, and tea is optional, but it does make for some fun memories!)
Lettuce Wraps
Oh, these are so good and easy to whip up on a cool summer day. Just cook up some ground beef and add soy sauce and sesame seed oil for taste, along with a dash of salt and pepper. Then add a bag of frozen carrots and peas and cook until tender. Serve in butter lettuce cups. Voila!
Stuffed Avocados
If you are an avocado lover, then this is for you! The best part is this recipe is so versatile that you can practically make it any way you choose and create a different stuffed avocado each week for lunch! Simply cut in half and take out the seed, then stuff with seasoned shredded chicken and cheese, peeled shrimp and cocktail sauce, or chopped tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Mmmm!
Create-Your-Own Pizza
This is always a fun way to have your kids get creative in the kitchen. Take prepared pizza dough (or English muffins) and slather it with pizza sauce then leave out all the fixings (cheese, pepperoni, sausage, olives, mushrooms, onions, spinach, bell peppers, tomatoes, etc.) for them to dress up in any way they choose. Then bake at 350 for 7-10 minutes. Yum!
Whether you are feeding your little family or have a few extra guests, planning for summertime dinners can sometimes feel like a daunting task. This is why cookouts become so popular this time of year. You cook and eat outside. Easy-peasy and less clean-up! Yes, please! But, all that aside, sometimes you just need a different dinner idea other than burgers and hot dogs on the grill. So, check out some of the dinner ideas below:
Fiesta Chicken Tacos
This is my crockpot go-to recipe for summer. I simply place chicken cutlets in the crockpot with a can of Rotel and a dash of cumin and slow cook for 6-8 hours. Shred chicken when done then serve with avocado, cheese, corn, and salsa. Add tortilla chips to the side and dinner is done!
Chickpea Salad
This is such a refreshing and yummy salad. Combine a can of chickpeas, chopped tomatoes, quartered cucumbers, diced red onion, chopped avocado, and feta in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and a half-squeezed lemon, and toss. Add salt and pepper to taste. Then just sit back and savor all the different flavors of goodness!
Chicken or Steak Stir-fry
If you need a quick dinner idea, here ya go! This is great with chicken or flank steak, whichever you prefer. Just slice up the meat and place it in a heated skillet with about a teaspoon of oil. Once the meat is thoroughly cooked through, combine a bag of frozen veggies (I love carrots, broccoli, and onions but you can also add fresh chopped veggies) with about 1/2 a cup of chicken or beef broth, depending on the meat you choose. Add a teaspoon of sesame seed oil and 2-3 teaspoons of soy sauce. Drizzle in a little honey if you choose. Toss and cook through. That’s it!
Stuffed Bell Peppers
My mom used to make this delicious recipe over the summer, and I have to admit that I wasn’t a big fan of bell peppers back then. But over the years I have grown to love the taste, and this is one of my all-time favorite recipes now!
Start by taking 2-3 large bell peppers (I use a variety of red, yellow, and green) and slice vertically. Deseed them and brush them with olive oil, then set them on a baking sheet cut side-up. In a skillet, cook ground beef with half a chopped red onion and a teaspoon of chopped garlic. Cook through and add 1 cup of chicken or beef broth and ½ a cup of uncooked rice. Let it sit on the stove until the rice is cooked through (about 15 minutes). Remove from the heat and stuff the prepped bell peppers with the meat/rice mixture. Cover with desired shredded cheese. I prefer mozzarella, but cheddar is yummy too. Pop the peppers in the oven at 350 for 20 minutes. Serve with a salad and enjoy!
Well, there you have it! A few recipes to kick off your summer! May this be a sweet time to enjoy your precious people and savor the yummy tastes this season brings!
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