Watermelon Salad

Who wants to break a sweat while making dinner? Not me - especially in this heat! So this week I am beating the summer heat by cooking dishes that don't require my stove top or oven. Last night I made a watermelon salad, and it was easy, healthy, refreshing, and most importantly delicious. This salad packs a punch without the calories - sweet watermelon, tangy lime juice, spicy serrano chiles, and salty feta cheese. These complex flavors really shine through. It may sound odd but, trust me, this recipe is a keeper!

Cucumber Grape Gazpacho

A cold and rainy weekend is behind us, and the sun has come out. So, I am taking advantage of this nice weather and will be relaxing outside and soaking up the sun's warm rays. It's a perfect time to whip up a batch of this cool, refreshing, super easy, and healthy cucumber grape gazpacho. This gazpacho pairs nicely with grilled pork and a crisp, light sauvignon blanc. Come on, get into the kitchen - nothing can be easier than this!

Pesto Pasta

I'm settling into my new home in Utah, which means I've been busy unpacking and organizing my kitchen so that good food can be prepared, eaten and blogged about! So far I'm loving the change in scenery. The weather here is gorgeous - blue skies, sunny days, bright green foliage, and snow capped mountains are the views from my windows. It's been hectic trying to reorganize my life, so cooking fast and easy recipes is a must, and light and refreshing meals are a plus to help wind down after the long hot days! Here's a classic dish that hits all the marks - pesto pasta!

Skillet Granola

I love starting my day with a bowl of granola, plain yogurt, and berries. This is my favorite spring/summer time breakfast, because it's cool and refreshing and so simple to make. Pick your favorite dried fruit - raisins, apricots, cherries, craisins, or coconut (currently I'm using cherries and coconut). Then add your favorite nuts - almonds, cashews, peanuts, or macadamia nuts (I'm using peanuts). Use a non-stick skillet to cook this dish in less than 5 minutes! Cook up a batch and store it in an air-tight container for a tasty and wholesome breakfast. With milk or yogurt it will keep you full for hours!