Rainy Day Foodie Fun

It's summer (well, late spring, really) and now the weather can be unpredictable. What happens when a planned beach or park day winds up being rained out? Head to the kitchen. There are some projects and some fun ideas that will keep any foodie occupied.

Fridge cleaning is not really up there with being entertaining but it is something to do. It's time to get those questionable leftovers out and either thawed or tossed. It's also time to get rid of last year's ice cream (come on, how many of you have some ice pops left from the summer of 2008 or for that matter 2007 or 200????6). You can also spend the time cleaning ice trays and defrosting the fridge too. Get rid of those funky gunky bottles you've had lying around since the winter holidays. It's a good, productive way to spend an afternoon.

A better way is baking. There's nothing like making cookies on a rainy summer's day. If you're too lazy to whip up the dough from scratch, then just get the slice and bake kind. You could also spend the day baking pies or cakes (just don't try lemon meringue because damp weather affects the meringue).Don't attempt candy making because humid temps do a number on all sorts of candy except fudge. This last again is a rainy day activity that can be done within a half hour. Have some when you're watching that favorite DVD later on

If you're really bored then get involved in labor intensive pasta or ice cream making. With the first you can create a variety of different shapes and widths. Double the amount of dough and you can make both fettuccine and lasagna noodles. If you want something different make the filled ravioli or lumarche, using ricotta and /or meat. Ice cream making is another good way to use up a wasted day. You can make a French style one , that involves cooking the eggs and cream or a quick one that uses whole cream thrown into the ice cream maker. Add some fresh ingredients that are out right now like blueberries, strawberries or peaches for a farm fresh taste . Add some chocolate and fresh mint for a more gourmet one. If you have room in your recently cleaned out freezer then make several batches of different flavors.

When beach weather turns sour, head to your kitchen for a sweet time.There are a dozen ways to keep you and your family busy. You just may enjoy it more than a romp in the ocean.