Another Winner For Hot Summer Nights

It's way too hot to cook these days so what are you preparing for dinner?  I try not to use the oven and use only the stove top, microwave and grill these days.  I was flipping through my cook books looking for something different and came across this recipe that I had forgotten about.  It really fits the bill for keeping the heat down in the kitchen and it is ready in no time.

Skillet Stuffed Bell Peppers
2 large bell peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded
Cooking spray
1 lb ground turkey or beef
1/2 cup water
1 package taco seasoning
1 package refrigerated mashed potatoes
1/2 cup grated cheese such as cheddar
Place bell pepper halves open side down in a microwaveable dish.  Cover with plastic wrap and microwave until tender, about 3 to 5 minutes.  Meanwhile, heat a large skillet and brown meat.  Drain and return to pan.  Add water and taco seasoning; cook and stir until heated.  Heat mashed potatoes according to package directions.  Spoon meat mixture into pepper halves, top with heated potatoes and some cheese.  Microwave 1 minute more until the cheese is melted.

I served canned ranch style beans mixed with a can of Great Northern beans on the side.  Made a tasty dinner without standing over the hot stove too long.  

I hope you are taking precautions while the heat is this severe.  I have found this heat hard to exercise in as well as to do any outside work, like clean the barn.  Yesterday afternoon I went to check on the horses and I felt like a chicken turning on a spit just walking across the yard.  So drink extra water, check on your pets and the elderly and take it easy till this heat breaks.

Meanwhile, here is a fantastic dessert idea you can whip up on these hot nights.  Put a pint of raspberries in a small pot and add 3 Tbsp. of sugar.  Heat over medium heat and stir until sugar is melted and berries break up.  Let cool completely.  Scoop some lemon sorbet into a small ice cream dish, add a Biscoff cookie, graham cracker or ginger snap cookie on the side and top with the raspberries.  Cool and delicious and light on the calories.