Cool Food for Hot Days

Although I pretty much could eat mac n' cheese and hot chocolate cookies at any time, when it is this hot, I find myself craving things that are cool, crispy, and creamy. And I am definitely not turning on my oven. Here are two new cool dishes that I discovered this week that were both great and will become new summer staples.

Chilled, No cook, Fruity Oats

I love oatmeal and eat it basically everyday all winter. I was super excited to find this recipe for a cold, no cook, fruity oatmeal on Pinterest. It is AMAZING. I have had it every day this week.

Ingredients

For 1 serving
1/4 cup oats
1/4 cup yogurt
1/4 cup milk (I have been using vanilla almond) milk
diced fruit

Preparation

Combine all ingredients and refrigerate covered overnight. 

I have been using fresh strawberries and blueberries and also adding some vanilla and cinnamon for extra flavor. I'm also thinking that a peach version would be good. 


Chicken Breast With Shaved Brussels Sprouts 

I found this recipe in Health. I love Brussels Sprouts, but I'd never tried them raw. It was a great. I left out the parsley because I don't like it, and used pine nuts instead of hazlenuts. 

Ingredients

• 2 (8-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
• 3/4 teaspoonkosher salt, divided
• 2 broccoli stems
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 cups thinly sliced Brussels sprouts (from 12 medium)
• 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup toasted hazelnuts
• 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, coarsely chopped
• 1 ounceParmesan cheese, coarsely grated
• 
  

Preparation

1. Place chicken and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a small saucepan and cover with water; bring to a boil. Immediately remove from heat, cover, and let stand 15 minutes. Drain chicken and run under cold water. Cool completely; set aside. Using 2 forks, shred into bite-size pieces; reserve.
2. Meanwhile, use a vegetable peeler to remove outer layer of broccoli stems; discard. Continue peeling stems into long strips. In a large bowl, whisk together oil, lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Add broccoli strips, Brussels sprouts, celery, hazelnuts, parsley, and reserved chicken to bowl with dressing; toss. Divide among 4 shallow bowls. Top with cheese.