Peaches are a fabulous summer treat. Besides being a tasty summer dessert, peaches do great things for our bodies. Loaded with anti-oxidants, Vitamin C and A , peaches are low in calories (39 in 100 grams). They contain flavonoid poly phenolic antioxidants such as lutein, zea-xanthin and ß-cryptoxanthin, which help act as protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals. This helps protect us from various diseases. Rich in minerals, peaches contain potassium, fluoride and iron. Iron helps form red blood cells. Potassium helps regulate heart and blood pressure. Fluoride helps prevent cavities. Research also indicates that they help prevent obesity-related diseases such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease.
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Balsamic Grilled Zucchini
For a fast summer side, this grilled zucchini recipe that includes a touch of balsamic vinegar, garlic, and Italian seasoning is perfect. It cooks simply on the grill in a matter of minutes. It’s lower in calories but ridiculously delicious.
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Asian Pasta Salad
This is an easy salad to put together and perfect for a warm day. Asian Pasta Salad works well as a side at a cookout too. I’m using fresh grated ginger and broccoli that I blanched a few minutes. Water chestnuts, sesame seeds, and red bell pepper add crunch. You can easily substitute snow peas for the broccoli. If you don’t have fresh, you can try dried ground ginger, but it isn’t as tasty. Ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sweet chili sauce add a sweet and sour zing. I serve it cold, but you can serve it warm if it suits you. For a main dish, add cooked protein (like grilled chicken or shrimp) at the end and toss.
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Green Bean Salad With Tomatoes, Olives & Feta
Summer is the time when fresh vegetables are plentiful. Today’s salad is a marinated dish of fresh green beans, tomatoes, red onions, and olives with a sprinkling of feta. The dish should marinate at least 3 hours in a refrigerated covered dish, but I like to leave it overnight. You can double the recipe for a big bowl for a cook-out or use the recipe for your immediate family. Make it to your family’s taste; my sister loves black olives while I love green. Fresh tomatoes can be small grape tomatoes or large heirloom tomatoes chopped into bite-sized pieces.
Green beans are a very healthy vegetable and are packed with nutrients such as Vitamin A, C and K, potassium, iron, and calcium. Green beans are also low in calories, low sodium, low carb and high in fiber. Plus the Greek inspired dressing is easy and so tasty.
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Easy Cold Cucumber Soup
Summer heat and humidity makes it hard to turn on the stove and heat up the house. Today’s recipe is perfect for hot August days but is easy and tasty enough for any day. Cold cucumber soup is a quick-to-make, refreshing, and flavorful cold soup. and it helps use all those fresh cucumbers from the garden. Perfect to serve as an appetizer, side dish, or for a light, healthy main dish. I’m using Greek yogurt low fat but you can certainly use regular Greek yogurt too. Add lemon juice, minced shallots and fresh herbs and blend. Refrigerate at least 4 hours up to overnight for a wonderful mouthful of cold goodness.
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Fresh Zucchini & Corn Sauté
It’s August with all its summer heat. Today’s recipe is a simple sauté of two of the season’s most bountiful crops, fresh corn kernels and zucchini. Nothing beats the fresh taste of vegetables. The classic sauté begins with butter. I am using 1/2 butter and 1/2 olive oil. For vegan, use vegan butter and/or olive oil. Olive oil adds a rich flavor to the buttery veggies.
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Perfect 4th of July Recipes
Next week the calendar shows the official first day of summer is June 20th. Yeah! Even if your weather doesn’t feel like summer yet, let’s fire up the grill, whip up some favorite potluck sides, and make red, white, and blue dishes. If like me you’ve had both vacinations, you can safely have vacinated friends over to enjoy the summer. Obviously Independence Day isn’t always going to fall on a weekend. Luckily, this year July 4th is a Sunday. Live outside the US and don’t celebrate the 4th? Not a problem – let’s talk summer cook-outs. Now what are you eating?
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Peach Cole Slaw
This week I’m doing my recipe early due to Memorial Day. Traditionally summer starts with Memorial Day. Wishing you all a day of safe time with family with a few moments remembering those who served our country. Now let’s talk about cole slaw.
Peaches are one of my favorite fruits. Peaches are available from April to October. Since Florida is a hot state, you probably think we don’t grow peaches. Peaches do grow here in mostly the north part of the state. Our peaches are available April and May. By June our markets are selling Georgia peaches. No matter the state where they are grown, I just love fresh ripe peaches. I love them as my snack or dessert and also like adding them to many dishes.
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