Yet another post that comes without a recipe! I’ve been completely flattened by end-of-summer ennui, where it’s too hot to do anything other than just lay there. I’d like to pretend I’ve been distracted by important thoughts or exciting adventures, but one amazing wedding aside, I’ve basically done nothing with my life. (Well, to be completely accurate, I’ve done this with my life. Seriously, download this app now and you’ll never be bored again.)
Worst of all, I’ve been completely uninspired in the kitchen. Forget cooking, which has been shunted aside completely — I’ve barely been interested in eating, making it impossible to figure out what I want and even *gasp* going hours without thinking about my next meal. It’s especially frustrating since the grocery stores and farmers’ markets are bursting with summer produce: peaches and berries and zucchini and peppers and tomatoes and nothing is pushing me to cook.
So, I turn to you friends: What are you cooking? What’s inspiring you? How do you deal with bouts of cooking listlessness or the dog days of summer as a whole?
HELP ME. Please.
Fresh and cold gets me through! A favorite is zucchini ribbon salad with fresh ricotta and lemon zest. It’s as simple and delicious as it sounds and no cooking involved. I also love a good bean salad – protein from pre-cooked, canned beans and then all of the fresh veggies you like.
This is one of my husband’s favorites and can be modified to add whatever you like – even though it’s a yogurt-based dressing, the whole thing is very light:
http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/bar-tartine-cauliflower-salad-recipe.html
Unfortunately, I am right there with you (as proven by the dubsmash video), so I can’t help you out with my own motivations. BUT maybe if I send you food related dubsmashes, you will be more motivated?
Make something with figs! Figs are my new obsession, even though I might be mildly allergic to them when fresh. Try the ricotta/salami crostini idea or make a pizza or just roast them and crumble goat cheese on top? For something more meal like you can try this Chicken Provencale which does require some oven time but is so easy – you literally just throw things together in the pan. It’s a nice lemony flavor that goes well with a glass of white. The other day I also heard someone mention a dumpling pizza, not sure who came up with it but it sounds like a really great idea to me.
http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017327-roasted-chicken-provencal
I’m already on football Sunday planning. I’m thinking about the healthy meals I can make on Sunday afternoon (e.g. turkey chili or lentil soup) that will last a few days into the work week. Also, pumpkin baking excites me, but it’s not QUITE time yet 🙂