More summer feels this week.

Finally some tan lines. Kids everywhere laughing and giddy with delight - no school, just pure freedom. Remember that feeling of summer break? Sprinklers. Feet in the sand, feeling the warm breeze. Early morning light, iced coffee in hand and a good book. Gardens overflowing. I pulled my first head of garlic after almost 9 months and I’ve never been so proud of anything in my life.

Right now is when lazy cooking is at it's best and I’m all for it. And just because I want to soak up all the goodness that is summer doesn’t mean I can’t still have delicious meals. I’m leaving most of the hard work to mother nature bringing all she’s got right now.

There’s something very satisfying about ‘cooking’ when you don't feel like cooking. For me anyways, and it's magical to me the level of joy I find in it. Just like the kids, pure freedom and ease.

It's why I love the seasons so much. And like I said last week when you cook along with them, cooking gets to be fluid. Always transforming. It's also a reminder that it doesn't have to be complicated. It can still be special even when you feel like you haven’t really done much - and it’s always the best feeling.

Here are some of my best moves when it comes to making summer cooking even more relaxed and delicious:

Grill everything - I take advantage of my grill and put anything and everything on there; fruit, romaine lettuce (if you haven’t don’t this, drop everything and do it tonight. Cut a head of romaine in half, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper then through on the grill for a few minutes per side - it’ll make the best caesar salad of your life, I’m promise!), corn in the husks, halloumi cheese, pizza - anything goes!

Do a little bit of stove time at the start of the week - I love to take a little time at the beginning of the week (or whenever) to have a few things that I can grab from the fridge later and toss together. Some of my stapes are;  pasta, potatoes, couscous, soba noodles or beans.

Grill extra of everything - again take advantage of the grill and make extra to keep for salads, sandwiches or just grazing on a plate. Things like salmon, chicken, steak, prawns or veggies.

Cook without the heat - especially on hot days this is where you can take advantage of things like ceviche, salad rolls, or sushi. And I'm a big believer in a charcuterie board being a meal in itself this time of year! Switch up your charcuterie with really good tinned fish, and a make your own sandwich platter is always a good idea.

Up your salad game - like I said, grill the lettuce for something different, think about a good mixture of textures - crunchy/soft, sweet/tangy, hot/cold, and don’t forget homemade dressings and lots of fresh herbs will always knock it out of the park. If you’re going to do the grilled romaine and want to try your hand at homemade Caesar salad dressing (which it would make my day if everyone did) you can see how I make mine HERE

What’s cooking this week: Prawn Ceviche

You can switch up the prawns for white fish like halibut or mahi mahi, even do a mixto with prawns, fish and other seafood like squid and scallops if you want to fancy. Also I love adding 1/2 a mango to add a little sweetness so if fruit’s your thing, give it a go!

Prawn Ceviche⁣⁣
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1 lb prawns, peeled & deveined⁣⁣
1 cup lime juice⁣⁣
3 roma tomatoes, diced⁣⁣
1/2 red onion, minced⁣⁣
1 yellow bell pepper, diced⁣⁣
1 avocado, diced⁣⁣
1 jalapeño pepper, deseeded and minced⁣⁣
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Place prawns in a glass bowl and cover with lime juice to 'cook' for about 10 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. ⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Meanwhile, mix the tomatoes, onion, avocado and jalapeno in a large bowl.⁣⁣
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Remove prawns from the lime juice, reserving juice. Dice the shrimp and add to the bowl of vegetables. Pour in the remaining lime juice marinade. Add cilantro and salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to mix. Serve with tortilla chips or spooned onto lettuce leaves.

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Happy Cooking :) 

love,

Krista  

Nourished & Whole
Eat well. Live well. Cook often.
www.nourishedandwhole.com