Warm Weather Delights

  The summer heat arrived earlier than normal this year. We broke several long standing records. Some people love the heat, some do not. Regardless of our preferences, we all still need to eat. Admittedly, my menu changes drastically during these warm spells and suddenly everything is a salad or sandwhich. The word "baked" is not to be considered. Ripe fruit and crisp vegetables take up more room on the table so there is a healthy element to the change. The upcoming holiday week makes me think about all the various dishes I've eaten or made for summertime get togethers. What is your favorite dish bring to the neighborhood potluck when the heat index is on the rise? Do you carefully carve a watermellon bowl or empty a bag of baby carrots next to some homemade hummus? I still remember a popular recipe that made the rounds at summer cookouts when I was a kid. It was basically vegetables and cream cheese. What's not to like? In your journal today, take a few minutes to write out a recipe, a picnic list or something new you'd like to try. Just be sure to stay away from your oven!