Beat The Heat With Cool Recipes

As we head into August, the warmest days of Summer are ahead of us.  Heating up the kitchen isn't pleasant when it is already so hot, unless of course, you are in my home. It always feels cold. Just ask Sharon. These 19 recipes help us all to beat the heat with cool cocktails, cold soups, chilled salads, and 
no-bake desserts. 

Homemade Boozy Snow Cones

What can cool you down faster than some crushed ice? These are so fun and can or can not have added alcohol. How fun! By the way,  Sur La Table has a professional snow cone machine.

Heather Christo

Watermelon Gazpacho

Watermelon is not what I was expecting as a main ingredient! However, there is nothing cooler than a slice of it.  The rest of the ingredients are normal. The presentation is beyond attractive.

Oryana

Marinated Mushrooms

This recipe is a no brainer. I wonder why I haven't thought of it before. So much better than the jar of mushrooms you can purchase.

Peas and Crayons

Macaroon Ice Cream Torte

For those of you not inclined to make your own ice cream, this recipe calls for a quart of store bought coffee flavored ice cream. It looks fabulous!

Taste Of Home

Caprese Bruschetta

Always a winner, any way you serve Caprese. The only cooked part of the recipe is the baguette, which is placed under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. This step is a must, so that you don't have soggy bread.

Oryana

Smoothie Bowl

What a beautiful way to start the day! Almond milk and maple syrup give this smoothie a silky texture. 

Williams Sonoma

Bloody Mary Shrimp Gazpacho

Shrimp will elevate your gazpacho to dinner worthy level.  On one perfect Palm Springs vacation, I had this for lunch every single day. It was heaven, just like this recipe looks.

Global Gazette

Gorgonzola Steak Salad

I am a huge fan of a good steak salad, especially one this gorgeous. Grill up the steak earlier in the day, and eat it all chilled for dinner.

How Sweet Eats

Cucumber, Avocado, & Sweet Pea

Chilled Summer Soup

What a perfect soup for a hot Summer day! All you need is a blender or food processor and a spoon!

Mango Tomato

Frozen Margarita Mousse

Yes please! Easy to make and a crowd pleaser.  This chilled dessert combines Margarita Mix and whipped topping.  Though it doesn't call for it, I would add a dash of tequila.

Taste Of Home

Cilantro Lime Coleslaw 

Coleslaw is the best side dish to almost any entree. This recipe is so unique. I must try it soon.

The Kitchn

Lobster BLTS On Potato Rolls

I have only had lobster rolls twice in my life. Since lobster is my favorite food of all, I loved each one. But neither one had bacon, tomatoes, or a potato roll.  I think this is a must try.

Food and Wine 

Double Strawberry Pretzel Pie

You do cook the pretzel crust for just a few minutes, but the rest of the pie sets up in the fridge or freezer. Those strawberries that you see have been soaked in St. Germain!

Half Baked Harvest

Summer Nicoise Salad

One of my favorites.  One caveat, this recipe calls for canned tuna. I would most certainly grill my own tuna. But it sure is a delicious looking recipe.

Half Baked Harvest

Nectarine Vodka Lemonade
Mixed with lemonade is the only way I enjoy vodka. It just works. Besides looking oh so chic, this cocktail must taste good, too!
Heather Christo

The Ultimate Hummus & Veggie Board

This board and a cool cocktail is all I would need on a Friday night. Homemade hummus is easy and so much better than store bought.  This beautiful board is much easier than you might think.

The Cookie Rookie

Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Salad

What an impressive looking dish! The author says that it is equally good hot or cold, which makes this one
 interesting recipe.

Cafe Delites

Peanut Butter Pie

This probably is my very favorite dessert to make. So easy and creamy, it whips up in no time. The crust is made with Oreo cookies. It is beyond good!

Sprinkle Bakes

Creamy Cold Brew Coffee Smoothie

Let me begin with the fact that I am not a coffee drinker. So any recipe for cold or hot coffee usually does not interest me, until now. This creamy concoction reminds me of a milk shake. It's a show stopper for sure, and includes only

 five ingredients.

Minimalist Baker

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Foodie Friday: That's Italian!

{ Via: Williams Sonoma }

After a busy week and winter weather, don't you yearn for some comfort food? We often make something comforting and delicious for Sunday dinner.  For "Mr. Shop This," it's usually Italian food. I can't compare to his Italian Grandmother, who rolled out her own pasta noodles on the bed. I can, however, make up any one of these recipes. So can you. Scroll down to find your personal favorite, and cook up some comfort this weekend. 

 

Red Wine Bucatini With Pancetta 
& Parmesan
This is one impressive recipe! It is tossed with lots of flavor and very few ingredients. The recipe calls for an entire bottle of wine. Gotta love that! 
How Sweet  Eats

Bonne Bouche, Sherry Caramelized Onion, and Honeyed Pear Pizza
Have you ever had pear pizza? If not, know that it is delicious. The touch of sweetness added to the spice is so good.
Adventures In Cooking

Shrimp Scampi & Pasta
Gluten & Dairy Free
Scampi is one of my favorite things. I can do without the pasta, but this looks good. Garlicky white wine sauce and juicy, spicy shrimp coat the spaghetti, and a little lemon juice adds the zing. 
Heather Christo

Smoky Mushroom Bolognese
I don't think that you could find a better looking pasta. For me the star of the dish is that gooey melting dollop of buratta. 
Ful-Filled

Cheessy Meatballs
Here's a recipe for cheesy meatballs that are juicy and tender, simmered in a rustic homemade tomato sauce, then topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Pour this mixture over your favorite pasta. The secret to the meatballs is the bread that has been soaked in milk, then added to the meat mixture. That's how I make mine, too.
Cafe Delites

Wild Mushroom & Mascarpone Risotto
The addition of the mascarpone further elevates an already elevated recipe. 
Just Yum!
Kitchen Konfidence

One Pot Spicy Pesto Cheese

 Baked Rigatoni

Don't yo8u just want a spoon to dig into this dish? Click to watch a one minute "how to" video 
Half Baked Harvest

Garlic Butter Pepperoni 
Pizza Rolls
Here's your next party app. Better make a double batch, as everyone will just
 love them.
Foodie Crush

Classic Extra Cheesy Lasagna
I made Tiegan's recipe with some adjustments for a crowd at Christmas. It was a hit! The Bechamel Sauce made all of the difference. My adjustments included a layer of a ricotta & spinach that isn't in the original recipe. I also used fresh pasta, which from now on, is a must. The end result looked
 just like this.
Half Baked Harvest

Fully Loaded Deep Dish Pizza
As you probably know, deep dish was first created in my hometown, Chicago. Must be why I love it so much. This recipe is perfection.
Williams Sonoma

Instant Pot Pesto Zuppa Toscana
Technically this is a soup, but it is heart enough to be a meal. And yes, it is inspired the Zuppa Toscana from Olive Garden. I have never been, but it
 looks good.
Half Baked Harvest

Garlic Butter Italian Sausage Sandwiches
Now who wouldn't want one of these? This recipe would please the pickiest of eaters.
Little Kitchen Big World

Italian Trifle with Marsala Syrup
Here's a 4 star dessert that couldn't be more special looking. In essence it is wine soaked soft sponge cake layered with vanilla-infused pastry cream. I've made it, and it is fab!
Food and Wine

Pancetta & Chard Skillet Lasagna
Using no cook lasagna noodles streamlines the process. Wouldn't this be fun to watch come together 
on the stovetop?
Wiliams Sonoma

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Foodie Friday: Spring Pasta Dishes & Cooks' Tools

Pasta lovers, like  "Mr. Shop This" can eat pasta any day of the week. But when it comes to the warmer months of Spring and Summer, it's time to lighten up in the kitchen. As the seasonal veggies appear,  it makes sense to use them in our cooking, any way we can. This recipe round up features fresh flavors with lighter layers. It's all so bright and Springy. Be sure not to miss the organic bunny pasta which is perfect for the upcoming Easter holiday.
 The kiddos will love it.



HERE: 17 Spring Pastas

Creamy Cauliflower Fettuccine Alfredo
 With Shrimp
Gluten & Dairy Free
The perfect pasta for many. It's a twist on the classic, which gets its' creaminess from Cauliflower. A must try for me.
Heather Christo

Creamy Avocado & Gouda Cheese Pasta
Simple, Creamy and Cheesy. With pine nuts for a little crunch and lemon to add zest, this sounds perfect to me.
Half Baked Harvest

Linguine with Green Olive Sauce and Zesty Breadcrumbs
This recipe just bursts with big flavors. The Panko breadcrumbs have me intrigued. My favorite Chicago Italian restaurant, Spiaggia, does an olive spread that is fabulous on bread. I can only imagine it on pasta.
Bon Appétit 

Solid Wood Pasta Cutter
Old School. No fancy machine required. This hand turned solid walnut pasta cutter will turn out the nicest noodles with the flick of your wrist.
Food52

Lasagna Primavera
This dish, as the name describes, is literally "full of vegetables." A lighter lasagna version that highlights seasonal veggies. Get the recipe at
5 Ingredients 15 Minutes

Chilled Chardonnay-Braised Calamari Pasta

Wine and pasta - a delicious duo. Any pasta I have ever made always features wine. And to really appreciate the Chardonnay, this dish is served lightly chilled.

Food And Wine

Pasta Server with Cheese Grater Set
Fun to own or to bring to your next dinner party. Less than $20
Burke Decor

Parsley Pesto Spaghetti with Asparagus and Caramelized Spring Onions

This recipe had me at the word Caramelized. What a beautiful Spring dish! 

Adventures In Cooking

Lemon Pasta With Tomatoes & Basil

Fresh tomatoes beat the canned variety any day. I love how the tomatoes add so much color to this dish.  The creaminess comes from a little bit of heavy cream.

Completely Delicious

Basil Avocado Pasta

Bright and beautiful, this Spring pasta also features bacon and Parmesan. And isn't the presentation fab?

Creme De La Crumb

Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
This is a quick and easy meal. This actually is a rich meal, but it gets lightened up with vibrant lemon zest.
Modern Honey

Carrot Pasta
A colorful and slightly healthier take on gnocchi is so simple to make. Not to mention that it looks gorgeous. 
Pure Wow

Nova Deruta Pasta Serve Bowl
Exclusive to Sur La Table and inspired by Umbria. Serve up a stylish bowl of your favorite recipe.
Sur La Table

Pancetta, Asparagus and Goat Cheese Orecchiette
Said to be the easiest in season meal to make. This is a pasta shape that I have never had, but it's cute.  It's all mixed in a creamy mixture of goat cheese and Parmesan. 
How can this be bad?
Williams Sonoma

Spring Risotto with Asparagus and 
Smoked Salmon
"Creamy spring risotto with asparagus and smoked salmon and sugar snap peas ~ finished with lemon, Parmesan and a sprinkling of fresh herbs, a perfect spring-time rendition."
The Hungry Bluebird

Organic Pasta
Go ahead and play with your pasta. Even if you don't cook with the pasta, the confetti, bunnies, and hearts are fun displayed in glass jars. The colors come from pure vegetable dyes, so no worries there.
Williams Sonoma

Spicy Shrimp Pasta Diavolo
Juicy jumbo shrimp sitting on a bed of your favorite pasta. How yummy! The marinara sauce is slightly sweet to balance the little bit of heat......as it should be.
The Cooking Jar



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