Too hot to friggin' cook? Try these ideas from Edge!

NYC has just had one of the hottest, stickiest July's on record & August isn't looking much better. Mistakenly, on one of the grossest days thus far I decided to use my broiler to cook some fish. What am I?! I'll tell you what! An idiot! That's what! Yeah I have air conditioning but so what. It's a window unit & when it's 100 degrees outside & your broiler is on your entire apartment will become 100 degrees AND smell like fish! Genius!!! Do yourselves a favor & don't use your oven or broiler when it's hot outside unless you like sweating & foul odors. Here are some fun ideas that you can enjoy this Summer for simple dining.

1) Taco or Burrito Night! Just brown some ground beef, chicken or turkey with your favorite Mexican seasonings & put out all the toppings so you & your family or Guests can make their own! Shredded lettuce, tomatoes, radishes, onions, cheese, avocado, sour cream, salsa, limes, etc... Get taco shells or burrito wraps & your set. Olé!

2) Pasta!!! Screw the carb bulls#$@*%t! Boil, drain, top with favorite sauce. Marinara, pesto, oil & garlic, white or red clam, bolognese, amatriciana, puttanesca, fra diavola, carbonara, alfredo,...I could go all day here! Add a salad & a glass of vino & voila!

3) Fry a steak!!!! You can call it pan roasting but it's still frying & there's nothing wrong with it. You can also use a stove top grill that drains some of the drippings if you have one but to me the best way to eat a really good piece of meat is to pan fry it! Buy a good quality steak. I like a rib eye 'cause it has nice fat on it. Let it get to room temperature (about a half hour out of fridge), pat with paper towels & sprinkle with kosher salt & cracked pepper. Heat up a good skillet on med high heat until a drop of water sizzles & throw in steak. Depending on the thickness sear on both sides for 3-5 min depending on temperature you want. Medium rare should feel slightly firm in the center to the touch with your finger. Don't forget to sear the sides as well to hold in juices. Let it rest for a few minutes before cutting & serve with a simple arugula salad & some sweet summer corn. Mmmmmmmmm. So good. Feel free to do the same with chicken or fish but remember to use some butter or oil n the pan because they aren't as fatty as meat! Duh!

4) How about just a big salad!? You can stand to lose a few. Just don't fill it up with cheese & dressing! Make it colorful to get lots of nutrients & make it pretty. Colored peppers, corn, peas, carrots, kidney, cannellini, black or garbanzo beans, turkey, tuna, salmon, chicken, hard boiled eggs, etc... It wouldn't kill ya to have this meal a few nights a week. Am I right!?

5) Eggs! I looooooove eggs! Make a wonderful stove top frittata or omelette or poach, scramble, fry, baste what ever you want!!!! They're good for you & be creative with what you add. Cheese, veggies, herbs, meats, etc... If you haven't tried adding sauteed garlic or shallots to your eggs do it!!!!! It's de-lish! Add a salad, some crusty bread & a glass of white wine & it's tres elegant!

6) Sandwich Night! 'Nough said!

7) A bowl of your favorite cold cereal! You have your milk & most cereals are fortified with all sorts of vitamins & minerals. Get fancy & add berries & bananas for extra nutrients & prettiness! I like eating pretty foods! Don't you?

That's it!!!! A meal for every night of the week that won't make your home feel like a sauna. So enjoy this Summer or anytime of the year with these simple meals that not only keep you cool but are easy, creative, nutritious & take very little time to prepare so you can stay cool this Summer & all year round! edge