A Taste of Summer

This summer, I made it a top priority to indulge more in cooking and meal prepping. As an avid baker and lover of all treats, from chocolate chip cookies and banana bread to mint chocolate chip ice cream, I decided to try and expand my kitchen experience. In order to slowly do this, I followed basic recipes on Tik Tok and Skinny Taste as well as used my mother’s own techniques. I explored seasoning chicken, roasting an assortment of vegetables, and making soups. Above all, I continued to make bowl style meals, in order to have leftovers. Some of my favorite basic meals include: 

1. Salad: Salad has always been a go-to meal of mine. Whenever I don’t know what to make for dinner, I look through my refrigerator and pull out whatever assortment of greens and vegetables I have on hand. Some of my favorite salads include a Cobb salad with blue cheese, avocado, egg, tomatoes, and chicken, as well as one with Granny Smith apples, dried cranberries, crunchy nuts, and a light vinaigrette. This summer, my favorite salad was made with sweet watermelon, cucumbers, creamy and salty feta, fresh mint, and arugula. It is so refreshing and pairs perfectly with barbecue foods.
2. Chicken Caesar Wrap: For years, I have been on the hunt for the best chicken Caesar wrap, specifically one with the perfect ingredient proportions. From Lenwich in NYC to Millburn Deli in Millburn, NJ, I have had fun seeking out the best. At the same time, I’ve realized how simple this meal is to make at home. It requires finely chopped lettuce and chicken, grated Parmesan, tons of croutons, and Caesar dressing. The challenge is executing a method to wrap them tightly, but with some help I’ve managed to make it work.
3. Burger Bowls: I’ve found that bowls are a great way to get plenty of protein while incorporating fresh ingredients. My burger bowls feature ground beef, pickles, red onion, fresh dill, shredded carrots, and cheese. I serve my healthy burger bowls with a side of crispy homemade air fryer French fries or roasted potato wedges with chipotle lime aioli.
4. Sweet Potato, Chicken, Edamame, and Rice: This was definitely a repeat meal for me this summer! By using Trader Joe’s frozen white rice and edamame, I was able to have this meal ready in just a few minutes. Cooking the sweet potato in the microwave  requires a few piercings, a damp paper towel, and some seasoning with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Pre-seasoned chicken patties from Uncle Giuseppe’s cook quickly on the stovetop!
5. Grilled Chicken Pita: Another meal I loved making this summer was a simple Greek grilled chicken pita. I fill a warm pita with grilled chicken, cucumber, tomato, red onion, feta, and lettuce, then add a generous drizzle of tzatziki. Hummus or roasted potatoes also make great sides. I love how fresh and flavorful this meal is without requiring much preparation or time.

• #food
• #life
• #summer