Summer Fare

Every now and again, I get soooooo sick of my own cucina. But I'm a harsh critic, elsewhere. We seek out places that use first-class ingredients and prepare them simply, without tons of additives and salt. First prize went to a River restaurant, this summer. Ah, their light 'n' fluffy lemon-raspberry dessert was to die for. Once refreshed, I'm rarin' to go again, in an attempt to fill the larder with healthy choices for our family.

Pretzel rolls (topped with sesame seeds instead of salt) and pizza crusts were popular items, this Summer. Just pick a rainy day and make lots of yeast doughs. Sous chefs, aka GrandLoves, are great to have around - they love kneading and punching down. Pre-bake individual crusts to freeze. Make a combination of thin 'n' crispy and doughy 'n' chewy. The kids have different tastes and love creating their own pies: with tomato sauce - without; fresh tomatoes - no, thanks;
lots of cheese - a little; veggies - none; parsley and oregano - or not...
HINT: Substitute about half the flour with white whole wheat. Healthier. No one will know the difference.

We were caught short one day, when Hunter requested ranch dressing for his salad. We use EVVO and balsamic vinegars and never purchase bottled dressings. What to do for the Little Man? 
HINT: Whip together a little Hellman's mayo, a little more Chobani plain, fat-free yogurt and skimmed mild to thin. "This is the best dressing, G'ma!" Jazz it up with some chopped chives for those who like them.

Ah, they all scream for ice cream... yes, they do. Skinny Cow sandwiches were popular, with the kids renaming them Fat Cows, 'cause they ate so many. Well, till I made real sandwiches on homemade pizzelles. Again, that recipe for success won Hunter over with breakneck speed. We're comfortable with Breyer's 5-Ingredient Vanilla, seemingly a popular and healthy choice. 
HINT: Skip the anise in the cookies and make them with vanilla and lemon zest. Again, sub in some white whole wheat flour.

Everyone loves summer fruit. Skip the fruit salad and pile a gorgeous bowl or two with cut-up melons, pineapples and berries. Individual tastes will be satisfied and there won't be a shred of red, yellow or blue remaining.
HINT: So you purchased too many bananas and blueberries, right? Well,you might remember Bananas 'n' Blues, a post from a few years ago. Joe and I are here to say that this dessert didn't get any less delicious or nutritious!

Worth a mention are fingerling potatoes, washed and packaged in a microwaveable bag. You can find them in your produce department. To deem them fantastically flavorful would be putting it mildly. Also, in my never-ending quest to tweak recipes in a healthy way, I've subbed quick-cooking oats for bread in meatballs. They turn out extra tender and again, no one would guess. And before I sign off, I need to mention a new twist on pancakes... Gavin's Pancake Muffins.
Go with your imagination!

KEY TO SUCCESS FOR ALL RECIPES:

You know! Dine al fresco and BUON APPETITO!