Stay Cool! This August, Beat the Heat at The Kitchn

Stay Cool! That's our theme this August, the hottest month of the year. Cold ice cream, cool noodle salads, icy sorbet, frosty cocktails, and tips for staying cool in the hot kitchen — that's what you can expect all month long. And we want to know: How do you stay cool in the kitchen during the dog days of August?

Starting tomorrow, we'll be asking for your best tips and recipes for staying cool during August. Want to share an ice cream recipe? This is the time! Do you have a special place to grill or garden during August? Share it here!

Also, pictured above, clockwise from left:

• Ginger Ale
• Peanut Butter Ice Cream with Trader Joe's Chocolate Covered Mini Peanut Butter Crackers
• Watermelon with Ricotta Ice Cream
• Plum Sorbet with Lemon Verbena Cream

(Images: Faith Durand)

Comments (5)

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!).

posted by rosebud on August 3rd 2009 at 11:21am
view rosebud's profile

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).

posted by cmcinnyc on August 3rd 2009 at 11:42am
view cmcinnyc's profile

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!

posted by spotonmeg on August 3rd 2009 at 12:30pm
view spotonmeg's profile

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!

posted by HollyDolly on August 3rd 2009 at 2:34pm
view HollyDolly's profile

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.

posted by Kakugori on August 3rd 2009 at 10:47pm
view Kakugori's profile