It never really hits me that summer has arrived until the 4th of July. I find myself saying “I’m not ready for summer as it gets warmer and warmer… then BAM! Summer is here; full effect. 100 degree + temps, mosquitos, and outrageous electricity bills. Summer is NOT my favorite part of living in the great state of Texas but somehow I’ve survived it. Wanted to share a few of my favorite summer-time recipes. Keep Cool + Stay Happy!

Gazpacho Soup

Serves 6

(From the Kitchen of Mary Lou McElyea… respectfully altered by Me)

1 “Family-Size” Can Campbell’s Tomato Soup

1 “Family-Size” Can Water

1 12oz Can of V8

6 Tbsp Olive Oil

4 Tbsp Red Wine Vinegar

2 tsp Minced Garlic

1/2 tsp or more Cayenne Pepper

1 Large Cucumber, Chopped

1 Red Bell Pepper, Chopped

1 Orange/Yellow Bell Pepper, Chopped

3 Stalks of Celery, Chopped

2-3 Large Tomatoes, Chopped

2T Green Onions, Chopped

2-3 Avocados

1/2 Cup Sliced Black Olives

 

Mix liquid ingredients.

Add cayenne and garlic.

Add vegetables, stir well and chill for at least 4 hours.

Notes: Veggies should all be chopped at roughly the same size and on the small side… you want to be able to get a variety with each bite. Also – Keeps in the fridge for about a week. I usually add the avocado one bowl at a time if I’m just making a batch to have in the fridge.

Like a liquid salad, this is the perfect summer-time lunch paired with a chicken salad sandwich or bagel chips for dipping.

 

 

Peach Cobbler

Serves 8

Combine and Toss together:

8 Cups Peaches (ripe, peeled and sliced)

1/2 Cup Sugar

1/2 Cup Light Brown Sugar

2 t. Lemon Juice

1 T. Vanilla Extract

1 t. Cinnamon

Pinch of Salt

Topping

1 Cup Flour

3/4 Cup Sweetened Coconut

3/4 Cup Sugar

3/4 Cup Coarsely Chopped Pecans

1/2 t. Baking Powder

1/4 t. Salt

1/2 Cup. (One Stick) Butter, cold, cubed

1 Egg (beaten)

In a separate bowl, combine dry ingredients, coconut & pecans. Use pastry cutter or two knives to cut in the butter. Should look like peas & sand when combined. Mix in one beaten egg. Mixture will be quiet gooshy. Put peaches in a 2 qt baking dish, add topping in small blobs on top.

Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes.

(Note: Good idea to place a cookie sheet on the rack below to catch the bubbly goodness that you don’t want to be cleaning off the bottom of your oven.)

Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream.

Featured Image From Here