Weekly Bits: Summertime
There's plenty to love about warm-weather eats. On this week's menu of reader comments: spice rubs (great for grilling!) and a seasonal veggie salad, perfect as a side dish at a summer cookout. Plus, weigh in on our next taste test.
"I have made broccoli salad the Southern way and have always added carrots and sweet red or yellow peppers cut julienne style. Really does add extra color and flavor! Try it." --Sharon
"I just discovered a great substitute for mayo...tofu! I threw silken tofu, wasabi powder, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, lime juice, sweet rice wine, cilantro, green onion, and a little toasted sesame oil in a food processor, whirled it up, and stuck it in a squeeze bottle. I've been throwing it over everything. I've used it as a sauce over cold soba noodles, as a salad dressing over spinach, and as a mayo substitute in sandwiches. Just last week I made a broccoli slaw with it, and it turned out fantastic. I haven't tried any other flavoring yet, but I imagine the possibilities are endless since tofu is like a blank canvas." --Julie
"My favorite spice to make is a southwest spice with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder and pepper. I don't add salt to this blend so I can add it to the item I'm cooking when needed. I find this great sprinkled onto unpeeled sweet potatoes sprayed with cooking spray or tossed with olive oil, and then baked at about 375º till nice a golden brown (about 15-20 min). I find it good baked on vegetables like carrots, broccoli, asparagus or even green beans as well." --LaDawn
We're gearing up for our next taste test: Greek yogurt. We've heard plenty of love for the thick, creamy dairy, so we posed the question to our Facebook fans.
"My own--I make my own yogurt, then drain it for about 4 hours--voila! Greek yogurt. I use a strainer, a bowl, and a coffee filter to strain a pint of yogurt. You end up with 1 cup of Greek yogurt. It's awesome with blueberries and a packet of Splenda or a touch of honey." --Sandy
"Working a late night shift calls for a healthy snack when I get home, to hold me over until breakfast. In contrast to not eating past a certain time, I stick by the more-realistic advice of, if you're hungry, have a snack! If you're hungry, that means your body has expended enough energy and needs more, regardless of what time it is. I also find it very difficult to sleep restfully when hungry, so a healthy snack it is!" --Maria
TELL US: Have a food tip or creative cooking idea? Share it on the blog, Twitter or our Facebook page.
