Can You Feel Summertime Slip, Sliding Away?

It's the end of August and Labor day weekend, the unofficial end of summer, is swiftly approaching. Those of us in San Diego are lucky to have plenty of summery weather ahead of us but everyone feels the back-to-school vibe - more traffic, schoolkids at bus stops, new fall line-ups getting heavy promotion on the television.

I just looooooooooove summer and like to hold on tightly to it as long as I can. In honor of my favorite season, here are some yummy summer recipes. Let's savor the next few weeks!

Here is an simple go-to recipe that I make at home, especially when I haven't planned anything and I want to eat in the next half hour (oh gosh, that's really frequently...)! What do I love about this recipe? It uses items that I often have around in the summer and I love me some black olives. If you're not an olive-lover like I, substitute in something else (cherry tomatoes, green beans) or just skip them.

Quick & Easy Summer Spaghetti
Serves 4
12 ounces of spaghetti (about 3/4 box)
3 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves of garlic minced
5 small zucchini, sliced
3/4 cup black olives
salt and pepper to taste
optional: grated parmesan cheese

1. Cook pasta according to directions on the box
2. Meanwhile heat oil in skillet, add garlic
3. Add zucchini, salt and pepper to oil and garlic, cook until zucchini is tender
4. Add black olives, simmer for a minute or so
5. Add zucchini mixture to the pasta and toss to combine
6. Sprinkle with parmesan if desired



Check out this Corn and Summer Vegetable Saute from Cooking Light: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/corn-summer-vegetable-saut-10000001622502/
What do I love about this recipe? It's loaded with vegetables so it's loaded with nutrients. It has beans in it, which are great vegetarian protein sources and fabulous fiber boosters, AND it has a jalapeno in it. I love jalapenos!


And here is another fun, summer recipe using an ingredient that really says, "summertime" - hot dogs! This recipe is called: Hot Dogs Run Through the Garden - http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe-hot-dogs-run-through-garden-10000001634699/ Alright, I realize that hot dogs really can't be turned into being actually healthy themselves, however, consider that you have had a summer cookout and possess leftover hot dogs that you want to use up. Why not add a bunch of veggies on top? You'll enjoy that salty, snappy hot dog and actually get some good nutrition from the added veggies. It's better than eating the dog with a bag of chips, people!

Happy eating and SAVOR THE SUMMER!