Cool Kitchens

"If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen."  Good words to live by, Harry.

Warmer weather is coming back and, when it does, grab your dinner protein and veggies and head for the grill. 

Not a 'grill person'?  Dust off your crockpot. Your kitchen stays cool; you get to eat.  What's better than that?! 

Or cook a few entrées while it's cooler, freeze, then microwave to reheat when the weather turns warmer. 

Whichever method you choose, you'll be eating well and staying cool!

 

All my best,

 

Evelyn

www.TheEasyEntree.com

How to Grill Vegetables

It's too hot to cook inside so you head for the grill with your Easy Entree. Complete your meal by grilling some vegetables.  It's surprisingly simple and oh so tasty.  You and your kitchen remain cool as a cucumber.

Speaking of cucumbers, they don't grill well.  Actually, any vegetable with a high water content doesn't do well - celery and leafy greens included.

Focus on red and green peppers, onion wedges, asparagus (have you seen the beauties in the store?!), corn on the cob, portabello mushrooms, and eggplant if you're feeling adventurous.

1. Clean the grill.
2. Wash the veggies.
3. Cut into chunks or wide strips or whatever makes them easy to work with. You may want to use a grill pan or skewers so the vegetables don't fall through the grates on your grill.
4. Brush them with a nice olive oil.
5. Sprinkle with some herbs or spices if you wish, even if it's just Kosher salt and coarse-grind black pepper.
6. Grill 2 - 3 minutes per side or until they are done to your preference.

While you're cooking outside, make dinner special by throwing a blanket on the grass under a tree and gathering the family for a picnic in the backyard.  It's amazing how much cooler it is in the grass.  And your family will enjoy seeing your inner child appear unexpectedly.

 

All my best,

 

Evelyn Turner

www.TheEasyEntree.com

Introduce Your Kids to New Flavors

One day your child will try any new food and the next day they won't eat anything that doesn't come in a blue box.

You're not alone. According to Naomi Kakiuchi, Founder of NuCulinary Cooking School in Seattle, kids over five become your typical 'picky eater'. 

It's not always about the taste of the food but a power play between the two of you. And guess who often wins? Yep.  Now you're cooking a limited list of foods that your child will eat.

You can encourage your child to branch out with these quick ideas:

Spend time in the produce section and have them choose vegetables for the next few dinners.  For the younger ones, give them a choice between two vegetables.  If your child is curious about brussel sprouts or pomegranates, buy just a few to try. 

Get them involved in preparing dinner.  If they are part of the process, studies continue to show that they are more likely to eat what they help prepare. 

Of course, that takes time and makes a mess in your kitchen but it can be quality time with a long-term payoff.

 

Evelyn Turner

www.TheEasyEntree.com