I kicked off August 1 with making peach ice cream. I plan to utilize my ice cream machine as much as possible this month. The other way I stay cool is by drinking refreshing wines such as rose, moscato and lighter sauvignon blanc's and pinot gris'. That helps as I usually heat up my kitchen regardless of the temp outside (thank you central heat and air!).

The microwave. I was a resister for many years, but discovering that I could microwave fresh corn on the cob was my conversion moment. I love corn, but I do not love boiling a huge pot of water on a hot night. I use the Crockpot to make ratatouille and the micro for most veggies and keep the kitchen cool(er).

I work nights, so when I'm home to cook dinner, the house has thankfully already cooled off significantly. But during the day, I've been keeping to cool breakfasts of kefir and fruit and chopped salads for lunch.
And where would I be without a grill? I've even figured out how to cook brown rice on it!

I am so glad there is going to be a whole month of "cooler cooking"! Here in Az we have had 110 degree weather for over a month and a girl can only eat so many salads and so much cold pasta--and you tell me if grilling when it is 115 outside really sounds appealing!

I've been eating a lot of sandwiches and mini bagels, or taking the total opposite and making pita and roasted potatoes. But there has been lots of ice cream. I know few here cared for the grape recipe I shared for the Best Lick contest, but I've found an improved recipe:

1 pint heavy cream
1 1/4 cups unsweetened grape juice
1/3 cup sugar
lemon juice, to taste

Mix, chill in the fridge, then churn. And, uh, find yourself 'accidentally' licking the spoon because it is good stuff.