Tips and Tricks Post 3

More helpful tips for you!

• FUN S'MORES Place camp-fire-toasted marshmallows, fun-size Milky Ways and caramel topping between 2 peanut butter cookies.
  
• KIDS AWAY? Have a simple evening meal. Grab fresh fruit, a loaf of French bread, spreadable cheese and a good bottle of wine. Head outside to watch the sunset with your significant other or a good friend.
  
• SIMPLE SLAW Whip up slaw at a moment's notice. Mix 12 oz. broccoli coleslaw mix; 2/3 c. dried cranberries; 6 green onions, chopped; and coleslaw dressing.
  
• USE ZUCCHINI IN NEW WAYS Grate fresh zucchini and freeze it. When you make vegetable soup, stir in a package from your frozen stash to quickly add in flavor and nutrition.
  
• FREEZE AHEAD When stored mark down vegetables, stock up on sweet peppers. Chop them into 1 in. pieces and freeze them on parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Then put them in resealable freezer bags and freeze for summer flavor anytime.
  
• HOT DOG SWITCH Try grilled Italian sausages instead of hot dogs. Top with Italian seasoning, giardiniera, and sliced provolone. Serve in buns.
  
• HAVE S'MORE S'MORES Try fudge-striped cookies instead of graham crackers and peanut butter cups instead of chocolate bars for an easy switch.
  
• PARTY IDEA Grill a bunch of hot dogs during National Hot Dog Month in July. Set out a variety of fun toppings-mac n' cheese, barbecue sauce, shredded cheese, bacon, chopped onion, and tomato, baked beans, coleslaw, relish, ketchup and mustard. Let everyone go to town!
  
• BRING BACK CELERY To revive celery overnight, snip ends and place it in a jar of cold water in the fridge.
  
• MAXIMIZE FARMER'S MARKET FINDS Head to the outdoor market and stock up on fresh veggies, you can chop onions, bell peppers, carrots and celery 1-2 days ahead and refrigerate for easier meals.
  
• CLEAN OUT Take a little time to clean out the kitchen on a rainy day. Donate unused items to charity. It'll be simpler to find what you're looking for when time's tight.
  
• EASYGOING HANDHELDS For a fast hero they won't soon forget, stir together cream cheese, mayo and green olive tapenade. Smear the mixture on French bread. Top with deli roast beef and ham, tomato and pickle slices, and lettuce.
  
• REMEMBER OTHERS Celebrate National Blueberry Muffin Day (July 11) by baking up a batch to share with friends, family and neighbors.
  
• GRILL IT ALL For ease, grill your entire meal. Burgers or brats, grilled veggies, and a dessert with grilled pineapple and ice cream will hit the spot on a summer day.