It’s no secret that the kitchen is a less than desirable place to be at the height of summer. Just the idea of turning on the stove can cause a sweat. Which is why during those lazy, hazy days we rely on four, tried-and-true, beat-the-heat cooking tricks.
1. Avoid the Oven
And the stovetop for that matter! Why add extra heat to an already sweltering situation when you can contain it with the magic of a slow cooker? Think of slow cookers as cool little lifesavers. There’s almost nothing you can’t make in them (Slow Cooker Carolina Pulled-Pork Sandwiches, anyone?). The best part of all is that they do almost all the work, leaving you more time to float in the pool. Ahhh, that’s better!
Slow Cooker Main Dishes
Slow Cooker Desserts
How to Video: Slow Cooker Pizza Pork Chops
2. Skip the Dishes
Just like hot ovens are out of the question during the dog days of summer, so too are dirty dishes. Our number two trick is to avoid them altogether. Enter foil packs. (The Creamy Chicken Parmesan Foil Dinner Packet is our current favorite.) Foil packs are genius in that they serve as a mixing bowl, baking dish and serving tray all in one! Just add your favorite ingredients, fold and grill, then eat and relax.
Foil Pack Meals
How to Video: Burger and Veggie Packets
3. Chill Out
Chilling out is easier said than done on a ninety-degree day. Unless you’ve got ice cream, that is! Ice cream sandwiches, ice cream cakes, milkshakes and frozen yogurt pops all make excellent distractions from soaring temperatures. We’re look at you, Chocolate and Berries Yogurt Dessert. Plus, there’s something about eating an ice cream cone lick by lick that’s so relaxing, don’t you think? Until chill pills become a real thing, we’re using ice cream as our third trick to beat the heat.
Ice Cream Cakes
Frozen Yogurt Pops
Frozen Desserts
4. Stay Hydrated
This is one of those common sense tips you probably already knew about. But what you might not know is how delicious and refreshing it can be to freshen up flat water with fruits and herbs. Infused water makes for a flavorful way to get in 8 glasses a day, and it’s a breeze to make. What’s not to love about that? Here’s to you, H2O!
Homemade Infused Water