It's been over 90 degrees for six days in Philadelphia and it will stay that way for at least a few more. I'm melting. Outdoor activities seem impossible. Even sitting on my flower-filled terrace (usually breezy) under the umbrella, isn't inviting.
What to have for dinner? It must be cold and require little or no cooking.
I'm thinking of my favorite Middle Eastern Cucumber Soup -- just blend a quart of non-fat yogurt (Greek if you have it) with 2 peeled and seeded cucumbers cut in chunks, a clove or two of peeled garlic, a few tablespoons of red wine vinegar, and lots of fresh dill (I get carried away and use a whole bunch, but not the stems). Chill in the refrigerator and stir before serving. If you want a very light meal, just serve it with some delicious bread or float a few medium size shrimp on top of each glass bowl of pale green coolness.
If you (and your guests) will need more, I suggest saving the shrimp. Make a salad, laying a bed of mixed small lettuces (Mesclun) and fresh herbs into a big shallow bowl. Top it with chunks or thin slices of ripe tomato or halved cherry tomatoes, sprinkle with thin slivers of sweet onion (red or white), and then top with lots of cold shrimp (buy them cooked and cleaned from a good fish market -- let them do the work). If you want you can add other goodies -- halved artichoke hearts in olive oil, guardineria, and ribbons of very fresh zuchini would all taste good. I usually mix a bowl of lemon or lime vinaigrette dressing and toss it at the table for the freshest taste. And I'd provide some interesting bread, butter, and a slab of cheese for the really hungry.
Dessert is obviously fruit, fresh berries gently washed and placed in a large bowl with my berry spoon and a pitch of cream -- it's too hot to even whip it!
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