As the days feel longer and the temperature rises, our taste buds crave cooler and lighter foods. While summer is only a week away, we question what new refreshing treats we want to try. A few people from the Terra Linda community have shared some tasty recipes perfect for this time of year that you can try in the kitchen.
Terra Linda High School’s history teacher Alex Robins selected a fresh, non-dairy smoothie. One of the things he enjoys about smoothies is that they allow you to use what you have, so you don’t have to go out and buy specific ingredients. “Like if you look in your freezer and you only have a frozen banana and some pineapple, then boom, add some coconut milk and blend that stuff up, then you have a delicious pina colada smoothie,” Robins states. Two words Robins would use to describe a smoothie are “refreshing” and “cold,” which are perfect for the summer. Robins also mentions that the smoothie is not anything too specific, “It’s not some magical recipe. It’s a very democratic recipe, for the people of the people.” When cooking in the heat Robins says, “It is essential when cooling in the summer to not use your stovetop, and just do some sorta of flash cooking.”
Terra Linda Junior Lucia Brignetti recommended a gluten-free, egg-free, and dairy-free raspberry streusel. Brignetti discovered this recipe in one of her mother’s gluten-free cookbooks. “It was like one of the reasons she bought the cookbook that it’s in.” Brignetti also mentioned how simple this recipe is to make, “I think a lot of people can make it with baking stuff they already have at home.” Four words Brignetti would use to describe this recipe are tangy, crunchy, melty, and buttery. While baking in the summer Brignetti recommends, “Do baking later at night or earlier in the morning so your home does not overheat because mid-day is usually the hottest of the summer.”
If you need something to fill your sweet cravings but don’t have much in your kitchen, Terra Linda Junior Emma Onstott recommends a delicious three ingredient shortbread cookie. Onstott says that the cookies are “buttery and they melt in your mouth, and they are also slightly sweet.” Onstott mentioned she found the recipe while browsing the internet. Her favorite way to make these cookies is “with two sizes of cookie cutters so the middles are swapped and they are two different colors inside the same cookie.” While cooking in the summer Onstotts family prefers not to cook indoors because the heat often gets trapped, “In summer, my family either cooks outside on the grill, or we have cold food or snacks for dinner.”
If you are looking for quick and simple recipes to try out the summer, these recipes are great for you! If you’re interested in the recipes, click this link to find a list with the ingredients and instructions.
