Prepare a Hearty Meal Without an Oven

It’s H-O-T in Illinois this week. With temperatures near 80 degrees overnight and in the ’90s during the day (with all that delicious Midwestern humidity added in for some extra spice), I’m pretty sure that if I turned my oven on, I would melt on the spot.

Since I’m not in the mood to become a Jessi puddle, I refuse to cook with heat. That leaves me with two options. Spend a bajillion dollars on carry-out for every meal, or prepare cold foods for my family.

I checked with my bank, and my account balance isn’t anywhere near a bajillion. That only leaves me with one choice. It looks like my brood will be dining on some cool eats until there‘s a break in the steamy weather.

Preparing a decent meal without your stove or oven may sound impossible, but rest assured, with a quick trip to the market, it can be done. Achieving delicious and keeping heat out of the equation is as easy as pie.

Start the meal with a tossed salad. You may even have fresh vegetables just waiting to be harvested from your own garden. Nothing compares to a garden fresh tomato, but that’s a matter for another time.

For your main course, whip up a gourmet sandwich. Go to the bakery in your local grocery and pick out a couple interesting types of rolls and loaves. A well-chosen, bakery-fresh bread can turn a sandwich from humdrum to gourmet. Hop over to the deli and choose a few tasty meats and cheeses. Having a variety will not only provide choices for your younger diners, but a flavorful contrast for the more sophisticated palates in the family. If you want to pack an extra punch into your hoagie, get creative with your condiments. There’s a wide variety of flavored oils, vinegars, mustards and mayos to beef up your sandwich.

As a side, you can pick up a potato, bean or pasta salad at the deli, or go for the tried and true sandwich companion, the chip. If you haven’t spent any time in a chip aisle lately, you’re in for a surprise. There are so many different choices, you’re sure to find something that will compliment your super sub. If potato chips don’t toot your whistle, try seasoned rye chips. They’re to die for.

For dessert, make a cream pie with instant pudding in a pre-made graham cracker or chocolate crust. It’s so simple, you can whip one up in minutes. With such a diverse selection of instant pudding flavors, you have tons of wiggle-room to be creative. If you’d like to make it even more ambrosial, garnish it with fresh fruit.

When the thermometer rises, you don’t have to be a slave to your oven to provide a great meal for the people you love. If you serve up this spread, I guarantee everyone will leave your table completely stuffed, and their cravings for something delicious will be totally satisfied.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/squirrel_cottage/3248843719

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