TASTY WAYS TO STAY COOL THIS SUMMER

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For most of us summer is the season we spend out and about whether it be at a pool party, on the water, or at a barbecue. But with the temperatures constantly rising, we’re always in need of ways to beat the heat! Did you know there are certain foods that will help keep you as cool as a cucumber?

Cucumbers

By the way…the water and electrolytes found in cucumbers serve to hydrate and replenish your body.

Watermelons

Watermelon is 91% water and a naturally terrific hydration choice.

Peaches

Juicy peaches also supply vitamins A and C.

These three food items are perfect eaten individually or combined into a quick, easy, and heathy salad.

Peach & Cucumber Watermelon Salad
courtesy of Angela Muir

INGREDIENTS:

Watermelon

Peaches

Cucumber

Bleu Cheese crumbles (I prefer gorgonzola)

Fresh Mozzarella slices

Shallots

Balsamic Vinegar (really really good quality)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. To assemble this salad you'll want to cut your watermelon down the center and cut 1" slices.
2. Then take a cookie cutter and cut out rounds. My cookie cutter was 2.5" diameter.
3. Take a slice of mozzarella and place it on top of your watermelon round.
4. Then chop up your peach and cucumber into tiny squares to top the watermelon & mozzarella.
5. Thinly slice your shallot and place a few slices on each round as well as the bleu cheese, I probably put about 1 tablespoon of bleu cheese on each round.
6. The last step is to drizzle with a good quality balsamic vinegar.

Craving something sweeter than a salad?

Grab a Bomb Pop and celebrate National Bomb Pop Day! If you’re up to try something new, here’s a recipe for DIY bomb pops via The Little Kitchen.

RED, WHITE & BLUE BOMB POPS

 INGREDIENTS:

 SUGAR WATER MIXTURE

• 3 cups water
• 1 1/4 cups sugar

(RED) WATERMELON LAYER

• 3/4 cup sugar water
• 1 cup chopped seedless watermelon
• 2 to 4 drops McCormick® Red Food Color (optional)

(WHITE) COCONUT LAYER

• 1 cup sugar water
• 1/4 teaspoon McCormick® Imitation Coconut Extract
• 1 cup coconut milk

(BLUE) RASPBERRY LAYER

• 2 cups sugar water
• 2 teaspoons McCormick® Raspberry Extract
• 5 to 7 drops McCormick® Blue Food Color

SUPPLIES NEEDED

• Freezer Pop Maker
• popsicle sticks (soak the sticks in warm water for at least 30 minutes)
• OXO Mini Measuring Beaker Set
• baking sheet or tray that fits in your freezer

DIRECTIONS:

SUGAR WATER MIXTURE

Bring water and sugar to boil in small saucepan on medium heat, stirring to dissolve sugar.

Remove from heat. Cool to room temperature.

(RED) WATERMELON LAYER

Pour syrup into blender container. Add watermelon and cover.

Blend on high speed until smooth. Using a measuring cup with a spout or the OXO measuring beaker, pour watermelon mixture popsicle molds to fill 1/3 of the way (for my popsicle molds, that means 0.8 ounce). Freeze for 1 1/2 hours or until set.

(WHITE) COCONUT LAYER

In a measuring cup, mix together coconut milk, sugar water and coconut extract. Fill the freezer pop mold until it is 2/3 of the way full.

Add the aluminum top and add the popsicle sticks. Freeze for 2 hours or until set. At about 1 1/2 hours, remove the aluminum top and put popsicle molds back into the freezer.

(BLUE) RASPBERRY LAYER

Add sugar water mixture to another measuring cup. Stir in raspberry extract and add blue food color. Mix well. Pour into the freezer pop mold until full and freeze 4 hours or overnight or until firm. Follow manufacturer instructions on how to remove the popsicles.
After unmolding, popsicles can be stored in zippered plastic bags in the freezer, use wax paper to keep them separated.

If it’s just too hot to handle outside, these tips will help cool you off indoors. 

Step up your fan game. Ceiling fans, floor fans, or even small fans on your nightstand will do the trick. Cotton is king. Another thing to consider to help you sleep like a baby is cotton bedding. Cotton is a lightweight fabric that is perfect for the summer months. Ashley HomeStore has many options available in coverlets and throws.

Aldis Coverlet and Sham Set in soothing cotton sateen with a classic basketweave pattern.

Amare Coverlet and Sham Set is purposefully finessed with a timeworn hem.

Carencro Throw's airy weave caresses with a featherweight touch.

Enjoy these fun tips to help you get through this summer the cool way!