During the dog days of summer who wants to slave away over a hot stove? Well with these simple tips not only can you beat the heat, but you can also reduce your energy bill. Salads are always a cool crowd pleaser, but you can also prepare entrees and side dishes without taking any heat.
Deli meats like smoked turkey or a rotisserie chicken are the perfect choices for adding quick, cool protein to your meals. And when corn and garden peas are at their sweetest, they don't need to be cooked in butter. And for dessert how about a frozen treat with fresh fruit toppings? If you do have to cook an item, a pressure cooker or counter top griddle can dramatically reduce cooking times on top of the stove, or you can prepare items on the grill. Whether it's corn on the cob, a thick juicy steak, marinated chicken breasts or skewers of pineapple, at least you're keeping the heat out of the kitchen.