Summertime Recipes Pt. 1

Everyone equates summer time with grilling out. Why wouldn't you? Beautiful weather + great food = winning combination. Foods that are thrown on the grill can still be low calorie and guess what, no one will know but you! Here are a few of my favorite recipes for the summer time (more will come as summertime progresses). Some of these recipes can be found on the internet, therefore, I will be giving credit where credit is do. Some of these recipes will be low calories, others will not; simply for the reason that everyone deserves a treat now and then.

Roasted Vegetables (South Beach) - Servings Per Recipe: 4, Calories Per Serving: 155 - 160 
What you'll need:

• 1 Squash
• 1 Zucchini
• 1 Red Onion
• 1 pounds Asparagus
• Bell Peppers (any color, I normally use red and yellow)
• 3 Tbsp. Olive Oil
• 1 Teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 Teaspoon Pepper

1. Preheat oven to 450
2. Cut veggies into bite size pieces (I actually do them a little larger than bite size)
3. Toss veggies in olive oil, salt and pepper mixture
4. Spread in single layer on roasting pan or cookie sheet
5. Roast until tender and lightly brown, about 30 minutes

My variation: I use additional veggies, when I was first introduced to this, it was by the recipe above. The second time my cousin fixed it for us, she threw in a few carbs (such as sweet potatoes). But, this can also be done with eggplants! Instead of roasting it in the oven, during the summer, throw it in some aluminum foil and place it on the grill. It makes it even more delicious! 

Dirt!
What you'll need:

• 1 trifle bowl, punch bowl, baking dish, individual cups, etc. (just to hold your masterpiece)
• 1 package brownie mix (the brownies will be crumbled after baking so use your judgment as to size of box)
• 2 packages chocolate pudding (3.9 ounce box)
• 1 package Oreos (any kind that you like)
• 1 container of cool whip - any flavor you like (again, this will be divided amongst layers so use your judgment as to the size)
• Any additional toppings you would like (I have heard of people using thin mints, Hershey's candy bars and of course gummy worms!)

1. Bake brownies according to package directions and let cool; once cooled, crumble
2. Prepare pudding mix according to directions
3. Crush your 'dirt' mixture (Oreos and any other additional topping you chose)
4. In your dish layer your ingredients, starting with brownies, followed by pudding, cookie mixture, cool whip; repeat
5. Garnish with gummy worms if desired

My variation: Nothing can go wrong with fixing this recipe because it is a chance for you to express your creativity. Whatever chocolate you like, throw it in there. It is meant to be sinful, but the best part is that you can make it lighter (lighter cool whip, reduced fat Oreos, etc.). This should serve around 12 - 20 people (depending on how much they take and who wants seconds)

Summertime Sangria
This recipe is one that you can't go wrong with, therefore everything is a variation.

What you'll need:

• 1 bottle white wine (I have used Chardonnay before, but have a bottle of Moscato in the refrigerator that will be used soon)
• Any fruit you like (this is why this is perfect for the summer time: use peaches, mango, pineapples, oranges, strawberries, etc. - any fruit that you like)
• Optional: brandy or schnapps
• Optional: sugar (depends on how sweet you want it)
• Sparkling water, ginger ale, club soda etc. (your preference)

1. Mix wine and fruit and let chill in the refrigerator
2. When ready to serve, add in your choice of either sparkling water, ginger ale or club soda
3. Serve

My variation: this is really a time to clean out your refrigerator. I use pineapples, strawberries, grapes, peaches, orange juice, pineapple juice, white grape juice, etc. Anything can be included in this recipe and make this drink a success, especially if you give it time to chill and let the flavors mix.

Stay tuned for more recipes! In the meantime, what are some of your favorite summertime recipes? I am eager to find out!