Who wants to cook when it is this hot?  Not me. But, I still want to eat! Here are some ideas for quick, easy, inexpensive meals with links to my favorite SpendSmart.EatSmart. recipes.

Make Fruit A Meal

• sweet, juicy melons or berries with a side of cottage cheese and whole wheat bread
• yogurt topped with fruit and granola
• Yogurt Parfaits
• Fresh Fruit Cocktail
• Fruit Salsa
• Mango Salsa
• Fruit Smoothies
• Breakfast Splits
• Waldorf Summer Salad

Vegetable Ideas

• Summer Bounty Salad
• Pasta Salad
• Grill vegetables like onions, zucchini, peppers, eggplant, mushrooms and potatoes. Here’s how …
  • Just slice them 1/4 – 1/2-inch thick and marinate in whatever Italian salad dressing or vinaigrette you have on hand. (If you use potatoes you need to microwave them for a few minutes before you put them on the grill.)
  • Preheat the grill, then either use a grill basket or lay right on the oiled grate.
  • Grill over medium heat for 5-20 minutes depending on the vegetable. Sometimes I make skewers with chunks of beef or chicken, but I can make a meal of just vegetables.

Top Of The Stove Dishes – These dishes don’t take long to make, and when I am cooking, I make extra so I can just reheat them in the microwave.

• Build Your Own Omelet
• Three Can Chili
• Vegetable Fried Rice
• Taco Rice Skillet
• Meat and Veggie Mac

No Cook Or Skillet Sandwiches

• Tuna Melt Sandwich
• Wraps “Your Way”
• Grilled Cheese and Fruit Sandwich
• Vegetable Sandwiches

Dips To Eat With Baked Tortilla Chips

• Jicama & Black Bean Dip
• Cowboy Caviar

Salads  that are big enough for a meal

• Whole Meal Salad
• Anyday Picnic Salad
• Chicken Club Salad

Finally, don’t forget your slow-cooker. You can plug it in anywhere and cook a roast or chicken and vegetables while you are at work.

— pointers from Peggy