Summer 2005

It's officially summer, so we're offering you four cool and easy recipes that are perfect for a backyard evening meal.

Festive Spicy Pasta with Ham and Olives

This is a beautiful and flavorful summer recipe.

• 4 ounces of your favorite whole-grain or regular pasta (spaghetti, angel hair, or small shells work well)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper, optional
• 4 ounces cooked ham, cut into small cubes
• 1 4-ounce can sliced green olives, drained
• 1 4-ounce can sliced black olives, drained
• 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
• Parmesan cheese, optional, as garnish

Set pasta to boil according to the package directions. When al denté (cooked through but still firm to the bite), drain. Set aside and keep warm.

Meanwhile, in a medium pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and crushed red pepper, if using. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the ham, olives, and tomatoes with their juices. Cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 10 minutes.

Combine the ham mixture with the pasta, and stir gently until well-mixed. Garnish with parmesan cheese, if you like.

Serves 2 hungry people.

Toasted Cheese Pitas

A super-fast and easy accompaniment to any meal. I use Toufayan brand pitas: they're 100% whole grain with no added sugar.

• 2 6"-round whole-wheat pita breads
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven broiler. Put pitas on a baking sheet. Top with cheese, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Put under broiler, watching very carefully, until cheese begins to melt and brown. Remove from oven, cut in half, and serve.

Suzy's Summer Smoothies

Perfect for summer and summer fruits, this recipe makes two large smoothies.

• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 cup vanilla yogurt (non-fat works well)
• 1 cup fresh or frozen fruit (berries, peaches, or mango, for example)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon, optional

Put all ingredients in blender and puree until mostly smooth. Garnish with additional fruit for fanciness. Serve with a straw.

Easy Cherry Ice Pops

Fun and easy for you or the kids! Enjoy these outdoors, since just like regular popsicles, they will stain hands, clothing, and carpets.

• 1 packet sugar-free cherry flavored Kool-Aid drink mix
• 1 2-liter bottle Diet Sprite or diet ginger ale
• Ice cube trays
• Plastic wrap
• Popsicle sticks or toothpicks

Pour the Kool-Aid mix slowly into the bottle of Diet Sprite or diet ginger ale. Replace cap and tilt bottle gently back and forth to mix. Pour mixture into the ice cube trays. Cover each tray with a sheet of plastic wrap, and poke popsicle sticks or toothpicks into each cube (the plastic wrap helps them stay upright). Freeze and enjoy!

Cherry pops are also fantastic for chilling your favorite alcoholic or non-alcoholic summer drink.