Let’s be honest, the 2016 Canberra Summer has been pretty wet and cold… but it’s about to heat up again! So, if you are one of those people who think it’s too hot to cook, this list of ‘go-to’s is for you!
__________________________________________

Hard boiled eggs: are a perfect protein you can throw into a salad, smash onto some wholegrain toast or use as a snack.

Grains to go: quinoa, brown rice or even some wholemeal pasta can be cooked ahead of time. These smart carbs make a great base to a hearty quinoa/rice or cold pasta salad. Mix it up with a dressing made from natural yoghurt and seeded mustard and combine with some fresh salad veggies.

BBQ: Get outside and fire up the barbecue. Alongside your steak/fish/prawns/chicken throw on some zucchini battons, mushrooms, eggplant, capsicum and cobs of corn. Brush with garlic, olive oil and some cracked pepper. Yum!

Picnic: Buy some wholemeal rolls and pack them with salad, add some lean meat/cheese and spread with hummus or avocado. Take your hamper to one of our beautiful lakes or to a big shady tree.

Hand food: Meals like tacos and burritos are easy to prep with little to no cooking. Pack the filling into a wrap or taco and you’ve got a relaxed meal that will satisfy the whole family.

Hot food eaten cold: Meals like meatloaf and frittata are fabulous cold. They make great leftovers and combined with a large salad, make a nourishing and easy meal.

Take a look at these great recipes:
Frittata … Better Than Pizza!?
Lisa’s Turkey Quinoa Meatloaf

Freezer stash: Having meals in the freezer is a top strategy. On the next cool day, do a cook-up and you’ll thank yourself later!

Tinned: Chickpeas, kidney beans, corn and lentils can be added to a pre-washed salad mix with some feta or some tinned tuna/salmon for an instant meal.

‘Brinner’: I love breakfast at dinner. Some poached eggs with spinach, mushrooms, tomato and a slice of wholegrain toast. Even a nourishing Bircher muesli with plenty of protein from the yoghurt to keep you full.

Vege sticks to dins: Keeping some veggie sticks on hand is a terrific way to snack and, on a hot day, they can be sacrificed to the wok to make a really fast stir fry for dinner on the table in minutes. Add some prawns for a quick cooking protein or, if you are vegetarian, some strips of tofu.

Until next time… eat well, be well.

Lisa Donaldson APD
www.FEEDinc.net
4 Kennedy St Kingston ACT