THE RELUCTANT GOURMET COOKING COMMUNITY

[LADawg]

I’ve been hearing a lot on TV about all of the hot weather we have been having around the country. Down here in Lower Alabama, our little piece of Heaven on earth, it hasn’t been that bad. I doubt that the high temperature has been over 94°. That may seem hot to a lot of you, but remember I liven in the Dallas, Texas area for several years, so I know what hot really is. In fact 4 summers ago when we were volunteers at Devils Tower, WY the temperature hit the century mark several times.
Anyway, all this talk about the heat got me to thinking about cool food and not having to heat us the kitchen any more that one has to. Often on really hot days I try to heat what I like to call “A Cold Plate”. All of which can be prepared in advance after the sun goes down and it’s cooler.
Make some potato salad (see my recipe dated Dec 5, 2009) and some coal slaw (my recipe posted today). Maybe boil up some eggs and make deviled eggs. Bake a ham (see my post today under Cooking Discussion) A few slices of cold baked ham, a serving of potato salad and coal slaw along with deviled eggs and a pickle spear and you got yourself a good meal! You might even want to add some cheese and/or a slice of hard salami that was bought from the supermarket deli.
What, no bread? Then make yourself a ham and cheese using the baked ham and eat away.

[tullius]

Sounds cool & yummy. I have fond memories of corn relish, pickled okra, sliced tomatoes & cukes & onions in sour cream that go along with the cold plate.

[ninjabut]

We haven't had anything resembling a summer yet, but last night was the National night out (neighborhood watch picnic) and I made some 3 bean salad. No heating up the kitchen there!