Let's Chill
Don't turn on your oven today
I played hooky this morning and rode bikes with my oldest to the Weehawken Pool. We went on the waterslide at least 30 times, then got turkey sandwiches. It was the perfect day, even though now I’m a melted popsicle. 🥵
Bookmark this email for the next heatwave. Or use it as inspiration for your dinner tonight. We are not adding any unnecessary heat to our houses and apartments right now—no stoves, ovens, or even toasters. These recipes will cool you off and make you feel great. And if you’re craving something sweet, I’m adding no-bake ice cream cupcakes—the perfect treat for kids at home eagerly waiting for camp to start.
Here’s what’s on the menu this week:
Savory Yogurt & Veggie Bowl
Tunacado Toast
Chickpea Salad
Ice Cream Cupcakes
Savory Yogurt & Veggie Bowl
This could easily be a grazing board as you get dinner ready, but I’ve been eating it at lunch when I work from home. I don’t like yogurt and find that making it savory makes it 100x better. It’s basically a dip with as many veggies as you want to add on top of it. Adding pita is also a great idea. (I had roasted beets leftover in the fridge, but since we’re not turning on ovens, look for ready-to-eat roasted beets at the store.)
Tunacado Toast
Tuna salad is one of my go-to meals whenever I feel like we have nothing to eat. I always have a can of tuna in the pantry. It’s also the easiest meal to change up based on what you have—for crunch, add cukes, carrot, pickles, or celery (or a mix!); for flavor, add herbs and scallions; and to make it creamy, use mayo, mustard, lemon juice, pickle juice, avocado, or even tahini. There are so many opportunities. Stuff it in a pita with a few cucumbers for a delicious lunch or dinner.
Chickpea Salad
This salad is a great picnic, boat, or beach meal. It’s easy to pack as a sandwich with veggies or pop in a deli container to eat with crackers and cucumber slices. And with canned chickpeas, it comes together so quickly in one bowl. No heat, no mess—your dream meal. It’s also hearty enough to last a few days in the fridge, so it’s a great work lunch, too.
Ice Cream Cupcakes
If you like icebox cakes, look no further for your favorite dessert. These individual treats are perfect to make ahead for birthday parties or backyard hangs when the weather is hot. I used rainbow sprinkles, but switch up the colors for a fun July 4th dessert. The Oreo base and hot fudge topping will have everyone drooling for more. Make extras!!
