Summer Recipes

With summer comes heat, which is why some people adapt their cuisine to lighter, juicier and more refreshing meals. In this article, I am going to introduce you to three recipes that are perfect for summer; one main dish, one dessert and one drink. Hope you will enjoy them as much as I did.

Maxim Trevelyan
Writer, Ravenclaw

Watermelon-Strawberry Cooler
First, we will start with a simply made, yet refreshing drink which can stave off even the hottest days.
 
Ingredients:
2 cups water
1/2 cup lemon juice
12 cups cubed watermelon
2 cups fresh strawberries or raspberries
2/3 cup sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh mint
 
1. Take out your blender and give it a wipe down if you have not used it for a while. After that, place 1 cup of water, 1/4 cup of lemon juice, 6 cups of cubed watermelon, 1 cup of berries, 1/3 cups of sugar and 3/4 teaspoon of mint in a blender.
2. Cover your blender (you do not want a mess!) and mix until it is smooth.
3. When you are satisfied with the smoothness, put the mixture into a large pitcher from which you will serve the drink.
4. Repeated the first step with the remaining ingredients.
5. Refrigerate for at least an hour, though more if possible.
6. Serve your drink and add ice cubes according to preference.
Voila! Easily and quickly-made refreshing drink for hot summer days.
 
Summer Squash Chicken Alfredo
This is one of my favorite main dish recipes for the summer. It is light and refreshing, so it is perfect for this season.
 
Ingredients:
2 skinless and boneless chicken breast halves
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 package uncooked rigatoni pasta (or any else you prefer)
6 slices bacon
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 small sliced zucchini
1 small sliced yellow squash
1 cup Alfredo sauce
1/4 cup milk
6 sun-dried tomatoes, softened and chopped
3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
 
1. Preheat your oven to 175C (350F). Take a baking dish with raised walls and grease it.
2. Put the chicken breasts into the dish and coat them with garlic.
3. Bake for 25 minutes or, depending on your oven type, until the chicken juices run clear. When your chicken breasts are done, let them cool and then chop them.
4. Take a pot, fill it with water and lightly salt it. Bring it to a boil. Place the rigatoni (or other pasta) in the pot and cook them for however long it says on the packet (usually between 8-12 minutes). Drain the pasta.
5. Take a skillet and place bacon in it. Cook the bacon until it is evenly brown or to your taste. Drain it, then crumble it and place it aside.
6. Take another skillet or use the same, but do not forget to clean it up first. Heat the oil on it, then sauté the zucchini and yellow squash until the mixture is tender, soft, and lightly browned. Set it aside.
7. Take a bowl and put the milk and Alfredo sauce in it. Mix.
8. Take the pasta, serve the chicken over it and then pour the sauce over the chicken. Top it off with your zucchini and squash, then sprinkle the rest of the ingredients on it as well.
 
Banana Chocolate Treats
An uncomplicated recipe that strays from the ever-loved ice-cream, but keeps the wonder that is chocolate.
 
Ingredients:
3 medium bananas
1 cup dark chocolate chips or dark chocolate in general
2 teaspoons shortening
Chopped nuts, shredded coconut, sprinkles or something else according to your taste for topppings
 
1. Cut each banana into six pieces and insert a toothpick into each.
2. Take a baking sheet and line it with waxed baking paper or something else that prevents too much sticking.
3. Freeze the banana pieces until they are firm, which takes around an hour or so.
4. Using either the microwave or the stove, melt the chocolate and shortening together until it is smooth. Stir it together.
5. Take the bananas out of the freezer and dip them in chocolate. Turn the pieces around over the bowl with chocolate so the excess drips off.
6. Dip the bananas into your desired toppings, and then put them back onto the baking sheet.
7. Freeze for another 30 minutes or so before serving.