Too Hot to Cook/Grill Ideas?

CuteMonkeyGal
CuteMonkeyGal Posts: 138 Member
in Recipes
So it's been in the upper 80s/90s this past week and next week looks to be more of the same. I've had about all the sandwiches, salads, and wraps I can stand. I don't want to eat tv dinners because they usually aren't very filling and are full sodium. And, I also don't want to use the grill in 90 degree temps plus ridiculous humidity.

Any ideas for eating dinner during this heat?
«1

Replies

  • Narcissus112
    Narcissus112 Posts: 7
    Lately Ive been addicted to the frozen steamer vegetables you cook in the microwave. My favorite is the macaroni and cheese with broccoli. I also like steaming vegetables in the rice cooker, which takes longer but is fresher and definitely cheaper. :)
  • coliema
    coliema Posts: 7,646 Member
    I've been making a lot of stir fry, I use steamed veggies, with either steak or chicken and I put it over rice. It's delicious.
  • cramernh
    cramernh Posts: 3,335 Member
    There are days where an ice-cold plate of veggies, some cut-up chicken and a homemade dip is more than sufficient for a nice, easy meal.

    And then... like yesterday, I decided to have one of my frozen protein smoothies... I froze up some fresh strawberries, raspberries and blackberries and toss them in the blender, my protein powder and Silk Light Vanilla Soy milk... OHHHHHHHHH that lunch was AWESOME! And it held me until dinner time when it was alot cooler to cook a meal.
  • Dauntlessness
    Dauntlessness Posts: 1,489 Member
    I always grill on hot days, I don't like to heat up the apartment with the oven or stove... that's kind of the "point" for me, anyhow.

    Stir frys
    Rotisserie chickens at the store
    Fruit and veggie plates
    You can buy precooked pastas and chicken at the store, add some pesto and yum.


    Your pretty limited if its quick or cold food.
  • briyowes
    briyowes Posts: 757 Member
    I have a Cuisinart Griddler and I've been using that a lot recently. Temps here have been in the upper 90s/low 100s for the past week and will be this week as well! I love the Griddler because it can close to make grilled sandwiches or cook things both sides at once, or it can be opened to cook larger items. Also, the grill plates can be flipped to a smooth griddle surface. I've made grilled sandwiches, veggies, chicken, fish, etc.

    Another thing I love to cook on hot days is a quick stir fry. I toss in some meat, veggies, and sauce and it's quick and tasty.
  • Paiche
    Paiche Posts: 92
    -Greek salad (cucumber, feta, tomatoes, EVOO, parsely)
    -Homemade healthy sushi ( i like to make ti myself because i don't like the rice or raw fish so i use cooked meat and more veggies)
    -cottage cheese w/ fruit and some seeds/nuts sprinkled on top
  • nitepagan
    nitepagan Posts: 205 Member
    Potato or pasta salad, bean salad for a no cook option, straight out of the can. Search on the net for recipes. Hot dogs or hamburgers grilled outside, we grill boneless chicken thighs on the grill. Marinate them first for extra flavor. steak on the grill, I like mushrooms sauteed in butter to go with the steak and some potato salad and some corn on the cob. eat outside in the yard.
  • LemonSnap
    LemonSnap Posts: 186 Member
    Grill - is that indoor or outdoor cooking? Do you guys in the USA barbecue much?

    During the summer, here in Australia, I cook almost exclusively on the barbecue. It keeps the house cooler and I love quick cooked meats and seafood from the barbecue with salad or barbecued vegetables.

    Gas fuelled barbecues are pretty cheap these days.
  • caraiselite
    caraiselite Posts: 2,631 Member
    turn on your grill. get some heavy duty foil (or a few pieces of regular)

    cut up zucchini, onions, bok choy, garlic, peppers, celery, etc and put it in the foil.
    fold it up, throw it on the grill/bbq .
    broccoli/cauli is good in it too and brussels sprouts. omg. i could eat this every single day.

    you could also add potatoes if you're so inclined, and not watching carb intake.

    don't forget the oil/butter, salt n pepper or whatever seasonings you like (montréal seasoning is wicked killer)

    alternatively, you can just plank the zucchini and cut the potaotes in half and do them right on the grill. (oil and season liberally!)

    grill a steak, some pork chops, chicken, whatever.

    no dishes if you eat right out of the foil.

    okay a fork. and the tongs to take it off the grill. and maybe a platter.
  • caraiselite
    caraiselite Posts: 2,631 Member
    Grill - is that indoor or outdoor cooking? Do you guys in the USA barbecue much?

    During the summer, here in Australia, I cook almost exclusively on the barbecue. It keeps the house cooler and I love quick cooked meats and seafood from the barbecue with salad or barbecued vegetables.

    Gas fuelled barbecues are pretty cheap these days.

    grilling is bbq'ing in the states. propane tank. so easy peasy.
  • cramernh
    cramernh Posts: 3,335 Member
    Grill - is that indoor or outdoor cooking? Do you guys in the USA barbecue much?

    During the summer, here in Australia, I cook almost exclusively on the barbecue. It keeps the house cooler and I love quick cooked meats and seafood from the barbecue with salad or barbecued vegetables.

    Gas fuelled barbecues are pretty cheap these days.

    grilling is bbq'ing in the states. propane tank. so easy peasy.

    For me (I live in New Hampshire) - I dont care if there is 6ft of snow, my grills are going! I have both propane-fueled and a wood-fired grill complete with smoker!!!!!!!!

    Was actually considering getting up around 5am to start the smoker for some pulled pork and smoked chicken for the 4th!
  • caraiselite
    caraiselite Posts: 2,631 Member
    Grill - is that indoor or outdoor cooking? Do you guys in the USA barbecue much?

    During the summer, here in Australia, I cook almost exclusively on the barbecue. It keeps the house cooler and I love quick cooked meats and seafood from the barbecue with salad or barbecued vegetables.

    Gas fuelled barbecues are pretty cheap these days.

    grilling is bbq'ing in the states. propane tank. so easy peasy.

    For me (I live in New Hampshire) - I dont care if there is 6ft of snow, my grills are going! I have both propane-fueled and a wood-fired grill complete with smoker!!!!!!!!

    Was actually considering getting up around 5am to start the smoker for some pulled pork and smoked chicken for the 4th!

    pulled pork?! bring me some, thanks :D
  • cramernh
    cramernh Posts: 3,335 Member
    Grill - is that indoor or outdoor cooking? Do you guys in the USA barbecue much?

    During the summer, here in Australia, I cook almost exclusively on the barbecue. It keeps the house cooler and I love quick cooked meats and seafood from the barbecue with salad or barbecued vegetables.

    Gas fuelled barbecues are pretty cheap these days.

    grilling is bbq'ing in the states. propane tank. so easy peasy.

    For me (I live in New Hampshire) - I dont care if there is 6ft of snow, my grills are going! I have both propane-fueled and a wood-fired grill complete with smoker!!!!!!!!

    Was actually considering getting up around 5am to start the smoker for some pulled pork and smoked chicken for the 4th!

    pulled pork?! bring me some, thanks :D



    Ive been busy the past few weeks getting my homemade spice rubs made up ahead of time. Just made a rub for chicken that is now a permanent recipe in my book.....
  • knittingbandmom
    knittingbandmom Posts: 190 Member
    My old grill finally bit the big one last year. Seriously - the bottom fell out of it but I had used it so much it deserved to go in peace lol. It's been 104 here and I really can't afford to just go buy another one but you guys are tempting me. I miss my grill so much and the George Foreman is just not the same :-(.
  • bcollins500
    bcollins500 Posts: 9 Member
    My wife and I griill our vegetables all the time on the grill. Especially aspargus, bell peppers, onions, potatoes and spaghetti squash. We also like to grill chicken, shrimp and turkey too. Yes, lean meat too. :smile:
  • wftiger
    wftiger Posts: 1,283 Member
    I use my crockpot when it gets like this. It doesn't heat up the house and I can still be lazy and not actually have to do much work to get a good meal done. Chicken and salsa in there now. Chicken tacos and taco salads for the rest of the week when that is done.
  • knittingbandmom
    knittingbandmom Posts: 190 Member
    I use my crockpot when it gets like this. It doesn't heat up the house and I can still be lazy and not actually have to do much work to get a good meal done. Chicken and salsa in there now. Chicken tacos and taco salads for the rest of the week when that is done.

    Wow - great minds must think alike :-). Since my grill bit the big one I've been using my crock pot several times a week. I have Chicken in mine right now also but it is the Santa Fe Chicken recipe from skinnytaste.com. Check it out. It looks and smells amazing with the Rotel and fresh cilantro. Will let you know how it really is after we eat it tonight if you like! I'm planning on tacos and salads with mine as well.
  • veggiemuncher12
    veggiemuncher12 Posts: 93 Member
    I use my crockpot when it gets like this. It doesn't heat up the house and I can still be lazy and not actually have to do much work to get a good meal done. Chicken and salsa in there now. Chicken tacos and taco salads for the rest of the week when that is done.

    Wow - great minds must think alike :-). Since my grill bit the big one I've been using my crock pot several times a week. I have Chicken in mine right now also but it is the Santa Fe Chicken recipe from skinnytaste.com. Check it out. It looks and smells amazing with the Rotel and fresh cilantro. Will let you know how it really is after we eat it tonight if you like! I'm planning on tacos and salads with mine as well.

    I also advocate for the crockpot in the warmer months.. I've heard of people plugging them in their garage or outside on the deck to avoid the heat of anything (although it isn't much).
  • kristidem
    kristidem Posts: 160 Member
    Some of you metioned grilling veggies/potatoes. How you do grill them / recipies - oil, seasonings, wrap in foil or no, grill basket, temp, time? How do you time it if you're also grilling meats?
  • arkenny
    arkenny Posts: 125
    Grilled portabella mushrooms...so addicted! maranate with balsamic vinger a bit of olive oil and some garlic powder.... can slap it on a bun to make a burger...
  • sylviastaten
    sylviastaten Posts: 6
    The Chicken and salsa recipe sounds delicious. Could you please send a recipe for that?
  • Susan2BHealthier
    Susan2BHealthier Posts: 130 Member
    Another easy 2 ingredient Crockpot slow Cooker recipe....put chicken, or pork, or beef in the slow cooker and pour 1 can of Old El Paso Enchilada Sauce (MILD) over it. Shred/slice the meat when done and put in tortillas with your favorite toppings
  • knittingbandmom
    knittingbandmom Posts: 190 Member
    "I also advocate for the crockpot in the warmer months.. I've heard of people plugging them in their garage or outside on the deck to avoid the heat of anything (although it isn't much)."

    That is an excellent idea. Last night I noticed it was certainly warmer in my kitchen and we only used the crock pot and rice cooker. I've got a table out on my patio and am going to try that this weekend! Thank you for the tip.
  • determined2lose89
    determined2lose89 Posts: 342 Member
    I know you said you're sick of salads, but give this a try:

    Cheese Burger Chop

    -1 veggie or hamburger (the veg burgers I buy have only 140 calories_
    -1 slice of low fat cheese melted on burger
    -Chopped onion
    -Chopped peppers
    -Chopped celery
    -Chopped mushtooms
    -3 cups of shredded iceburg lettuce
    -2 tbsp croutons

    Cook the burger, then chop it into bite size pieces. Toss everything together with your fav low cal dressing and enjoy!
  • NovemberJune
    NovemberJune Posts: 2,525 Member
    When it gets into the 100s I use the slow cooker because it doesn't make much heat in the house.
  • knittingbandmom
    knittingbandmom Posts: 190 Member
    The Chicken and salsa recipe sounds delicious. Could you please send a recipe for that?

    I'd like the Chicken and salsa as well. Here is the Santa Fe Chicken from skinnytaste.com. It was awesome! Both my teenagers scarfed it up and never once questioned it. We ate ours over rice and there is a lot left over. We all decided it would be fantastic in burritos, or as a quesadilla filling.

    Slow cooked shredded chicken with corn, tomatoes and black beans. Prepare the night before and turn your crock pot on in the morning for an easy weeknight meal. Low fat and low in points. Serve over rice with chopped scallions, fresh cilantro, fat free sour cream and reduced fat cheddar.




    Crock Pot Santa Fe Chicken
    Skinnytaste.com
    Servings: 8 servings • Size: 1 cup • Old Points: 3 pts • Points+: 4 pts
    Calories: 190 • Fat: 1.5 g • Fiber: 5.6 g • Carbs: 23.1 g • Protein: 21 g

    Ingredients:

    24 oz (1 1/2) lbs chicken breast
    14.4 oz can diced tomatoes with mild green chilies
    15 oz can black beans
    8 oz frozen corn
    1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
    14.4 oz can fat free chicken broth
    3 scallions, chopped
    1 tsp garlic powder
    1 tsp onion powder
    1 tsp cumin
    1 tsp cayenne pepper (to taste)
    salt to taste


    Directions:

    Combine chicken broth, beans, corn, tomatoes, cilantro, scallions, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, cayenne pepper and salt in the crock pot. Season chicken breast with salt and lay on top. Cook on low for 10 hours or on high for 6 hours. Half hour before serving, remove chicken and shred. Return chicken to slow cooker and stir in. Adjust salt and seasoning. Serve over rice or in a tortilla (extra pts).
  • MinnieInMaine
    MinnieInMaine Posts: 6,400 Member
    When it's this hot out, the meat part of the meal gets grilled/bbq'd outside by hubby and I quickly boil up the veg and starch sides inside. It's usually starting to cool off by the time we eat dinner (around 7pm) so it's not too unbearable. There are so many options out there for meat marinades, we have something new and interesting just about every night! Much more interesting than our usual weekly meals during the cold months.

    Crockpots are great too. Plenty of recipe ideas out there on the web!
  • SmallMimi
    SmallMimi Posts: 541 Member
    Great recommendatons for the crockpot, thanks everyone. When the heat hits here I'm in 100% grill mode. Love Beer Can Chicken but the calories bite so have modified by using Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast cut into cubes for Kabobs and seasoned with Beer Can Chicken rub. Grill until done, serve with your favorite grilled veggies. Yummy, I make extra chicken to use the next day on salads.
  • terrigrace
    terrigrace Posts: 199 Member
    sometimes all my family wants is something cool to eat. We'll actually pull out the cereal and milk! Fruit and yogurt with something crunchy on top is always nice. I know it's really hot to try and stand over the grill - those are the days I make "hobo pockets" You can put pretty much anything in heavy duty or double layer aluminum foil and let it "bake" on the grill at a medium/low heat. I like potato wedges, onion, sausage, and cheese sauce. Fish, lemon, and asparagus is also popular at my house. We've done O'brien style potatoes with a burger patty on top too.
  • softballmom33
    softballmom33 Posts: 128 Member
    bump

Categories