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Too hot to turn the oven on? Here are 16 of our favorite easy and delicious recipes that won't heat up the whole house!
How's the summer weather where you are? Here in the mountains of North Carolina, we've had (for us) a hot summer! I find myself planning meals where I don't have to use the oven and heat up the whole house.
These are some of our favorite recipes for when it feels too hot to cook. There are great appetizers, fresh salads, main course ideas and delicious desserts. What are you making on these hot and humid summer days? Give them a try and be sure to let us know what you think!
Any Time of Year Italian Bruschetta
This delicious Italian Bruschetta, made with sweet cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, Â fresh basil and a splash of balsamic vinegar is easy to make and is ALWAYS a crowd-pleaser!Â
Herb Marinated Goat Cheese
This easy appetizer is beautiful and outrageously delicious. Serve it with warm crusty bread and be sure to make plenty! It will get gobbled up before you can say "Herb Marinated Goat Cheese"!
Ballymaloe Summer Tomato Salad
Summer tomatoes are at their peak and this Ballymaloe Summer Tomato Salad is a fabulous way to enjoy their deliciousness! It may just be the best thing you eat all season!
Blueberry Peach Poppy Seed Salad
What do you get when you combine crisp greens, juicy ripe peaches, sweet plump blueberries, vibrant pickled red onions and crunchy candied almonds with a sweet, tangy poppy seed dressing? This fabulous Blueberry Peach Poppy Seed Salad!
Classic French Bistro Salad
This simple Classic French Bistro Salad, served at cafés, brasseries and bistros all over France, is beyond easy and one of those recipes you'll be turning to again and again (especially when you want to feel a little "fancy")  - with minimal effort on your part.
Stone Fruit Tomato Caprese Salad
If you're looking for the freshest, most delicious summer salad imaginable, this Stone Fruit Tomato Caprese Salad is IT! The fabulous Sweet Basil Dressing is the crowning glory!
Rainbow Asian Noodle Salad with Ginger Peanut Dressing
With ramen noodles, a rainbow of fresh veggies and a fabulous Ginger Peanut dressing, you'll find yourself craving this Asian Noodle Salad again and again!
Vietnamese Caramel Shrimp with Pineapple Basil Salsa
This Vietnamese Caramel Shrimp is sweet, salty and super delicious. The fresh, vibrant Pineapple Basil Salsa comes together quickly!
30 Minute Thai Basil Beef Bowls
You'll flip over this easy, Thai-inspired meal in a bowl that's fresh, vibrant, healthy and super delicious!
Brown Butter Tomato Shrimp and Grits
With a creamy, brown butter-tomato-wine sauce, this Shrimp and Grits recipe is easy enough for weeknights but also VERY dinner party-worthy! This fabulous meal in a bowl also features barely cooked fresh cherry tomatoes, sweet, tender shrimp and smoky Andouille sausage served over a bed of white cheddar grits.
Mexican Sugar-Seared Salmon Salad
This Mexican Sugar-Seared Salmon Salad is one of our favorite meals ever. Use this easy, healthy salmon recipe in lots of other ways too!
Steve's Grilled Asian Steak
This Grilled Asian Steak is lip-smacking good! The flavorful marinade/sauce (with a secret ingredient) takes just minutes to throw together. Try it and watch everyone go crazy!
Ridiculously Easy Strawberry Coulis
This Ridiculously Easy, Fresh Strawberry Coulis pairs deliciously with yogurt, ice cream, cheesecake, chocolate, panna cotta and so much more! It comes together in less than 15 minutes and can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. On top of all that, there are free printable labels for gifts!
Ridiculously Easy Hot Fudge Sauce
This Ridiculously Easy Hot Fudge Sauce is seriously some of the silkiest, smoothest, most delicious chocolate sauce you'll ever have the pleasure of meeting!
Irish Blackberry Fool
Blackberry Fools with Shortbread Cookies, a dessert combo that's a summery match made in heaven,! Even better, they can both be made ahead so this is a perfect choice for summer entertaining and enjoyment.
Ridiculously Easy Microwave Lemon Curd
Making homemade lemon curd can be a complicated process. Not this Microwave Lemon Curd! It's silky smooth, bursting with bright lemon flavor and color and comes together in minutes!
Thought for the day:
The heavens declare the glory of God,
the skies declare the work of His hands.
Psalm 19:1
What we're listening to for inspiration:
If you enjoy any of these recipes, please come back and leave a star rating and review! It's so helpful to other readers to hear your results, adaptations and ideas for variations.
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