Beat the Heat!

I don't know about where you are, but it has been hot here in NYC!  Unfortunately, our small apartment just doesn't really seem to cool down - ever!  So, I created a meal that involves no cooking whatsoever!  This meal will not only make you happy because of it's deliciousness, but also because you won't be sweating in the process of making it!

Drink...

Ginger Mint Lemonade

*recipe from: flavordiva

Ok, so I sort of lied...this lemonade did require a little teeny bit of cooking on the stove.  It was not long (just long enough to boil water), and if it really is too hot, you could heat it up in the microwave :)  Anyway..it was quite tasty.  I couldn't really taste the ginger much, but the flavor reminded me of a mojito.  Hmmm...maybe it could be good drink with a splash of alcohol too.

Ingredients:

• 20 medium sized lemons
• 1 large bunch of mint
• 1 two inch piece of ginger, peeled and sliced
• 12 cups of water
• 1 1/2 cups of simple syrup (2 cups sugar to 1 cup water)

Directions:

mint & ginger steeping

1. Make the simple syrup by first by bringing 1 cup of water to a simmer over medium high heat. Then add 2 cups of sugar and stir. Reduce the heat to medium low and stir until sugar is dissolved. Set aside to cool.
2. Bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a large sauce pot. Once boiling, turn off heat and add 1 cup of mint leaves, packed, and ginger slices. Remove pot from heat, cover, and let mint and ginger steep. After 10 minutes, strain infused water to remove mint and ginger, and set aside to cool. Discard the used mint and ginger.
3. Meanwhile, squeeze juice from lemons into a large pitcher. Add ginger mint infusion, six additional cups of water (I added less water because I like the lemon flavor stronger) and simple syrup (I added less simple syrup because I like my lemonade more sour). Stir lemonade and taste for sweetness. 
4. Add several fresh mint sprigs to the pitcher (about 5), cover and let cool for 30 minutes to an hour. Refrigerate over night for best flavor. Serve chilled in glasses with ice and fresh mint.

Dinner...

Sonoma Chicken Salad Sandwich 

*recipe from Cooking Classy

This sandwich can be made completely without any heat if you just buy the pre-cooked chicken or a rotisserie chicken.  I'm a big chicken salad fan and I really liked this one.  It's different than others because of the vinegar in it and the cranberries are a nice touch.

Ingredients:

(makes 5-6 servings)

• 3 1/2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (about 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast halves)
• 1 cup diced celery (about 3 stalks) (I omitted this because I don't like celery)
• 2/3 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
• 2 Tbsp finely grated Parmesan cheese
• Sliced bread, for serving

For the Dressing:

• 2/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup apple juice
• 3 Tbsp honey
• 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp prepared yellow mustard (optional)
• 1 Tbsp poppy seeds
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl toss together shredded chicken, celery, pecans, dried cranberries and Parmesan cheese, set aside. 
2. In a separate mixing bowl whisk together all ingredients listed for the dressing until well blended. 
3. Pour dressing mixture over chicken mixture and toss to evenly coat. Serve over sliced bread, croissants or rolls. Store in refrigerator.

Dessert...

Creamy Berry Goodness

*recipe from Becoming Betty

This dessert doesn't really have a name.  But, it is sooooo delicious! It's kinda like an extra delicious yogurt parfait.  Just make it - you'll see what I mean!  Plus, no cooking of course.  Just stir together a few ingredients and it's ready to go!

Ingredients:

• Frozen mixed berries 
• 1 tub Cool Whip (I just bought whipping cream and whipped it up myself.  Then I added a couple spoonfuls of sugar to sweeten it.)
• 1 large container of vanilla yogurt 
• 1 small package of cheesecake pudding mix (I couldn't find this flavor, so I just used vanilla flavor)

Directions:

1. Pour berries into a large bowl.  
2. Add the Cool Whip and yogurt and then sprinkle on the pudding mix. 
3. Stir together really well until it's all combined and looks pretty.  
4. Chill before serving.