Cold Comfort

 The heat is here and that means being cool whether by eating or drinking. Having chilled food and beverages is a great way of lowering your body temp and dealing with sweltering days. Just chill - literally.

I've found that cool drinks are a must during these steamy late Spring (and yes it is Spring until the twenty-second of the month).I've been at McDonald's almost  everyday buying their extra large frozen Coke. THis is perfect if you just crave sweet and frosty. There are several drinks other drinks.A warm Sunday can end with a decaf cappuccino from Dunkin Donuts. of course cold water is a must too and you should always have a fresh bottle in the car to hydrate. 

A homemade cool milkshake made in this would be most welcome on a steamy afternoon.I bought this malted cup on Amazon for only $7.99 i'ts just adding milk ice cream and malt powder.Mix and serve. YOu could edge the malted glass in chocolate and sprinkles if you want to be fancy.

Cold food is important in this weather too. A favorite go to of mine is the Spanish classic gazpacho.This is a simple blend of tomatoes onions cucumber and green peppers along with olive oil and vinegar in a creamy ,blended chilled soup. It's the perfect dinner for a hot June evening.Of course salads are a must . Try another Mediterranean classic- salad Nicoise from the French Riviera. It does call for hard boiled eggs, although you can microwave them instead of dropping them in boiling water. You could also sub in chilled shrimp from  your local grocery instead of the traditional tuna.It can also be made vegan with the addition of chickpeas to instead of the meat. A cold rice salad is always welcome too. Add peas to make it like the Italian hot dish rising bis and then mix in julienned slices of ham or mortadella.Pasta salads can go from side to main dish with the addition of  leftover or precooked steak or chicken.

It's hot. Chill out. Have a cold drink or dinner meal to lower your temperature.Keep coo. Eat cool.