Keep That Summer Menu

It may be the start of the school year and the football season but it's still summer on the calendar. The weather is still hot and it's almost impossible to use an oven for baking or roasting.You can stick to easy dishes that are both cool and filling.

Don't put away the grill just yet. You have more than a month to make your faves.In fact you can even have your own back yard tail gate party. If you want, start taking advantage of the first apple harvests and make a  fruit chutney . This would go well with pork chops or even pork burgers.Treat the kids and their friends to burgers and hot dogs ,  especially after a grueling first week of school or after the first big game. There's still time to make all those salads too, like homemade macaroni, potato and cole slaw. Don;t think about making any elaborate veggie dishes either. Use the last of your garden harvest for grilling them with some olive oil and freshly picked rosemary.

Even though the kids would like fresh baked cookies and cupcakes for an after school snack or dessert, again convince  them that cool is better. They can still have their favorite snaps or chocolate chip cookies  but turn them into sandwiches. Have them roll these treats in sprinkles nuts or chocolate chips for added fun. You can also make all natural Popsicles or try frozen bananas dipped in chocolate. For a nice weekday dessert, think about an icebox cake or an ice cream pie which is easy to make. Take a ready made crust, then just add your favorite ice cream and top with fruit,, hot fudge, caramels and whipped cream.It's a nice tasty end that doesnt require a lot of work or a hot oven

Just because it's after Labor Day you have to put away the grill and all those yummy summer foods. The season has a few more weeks and with it , hot days. Don't start in on all those heavy fall foods. Keep it summery and light.