Hot, sticky summer days are here – perfect days to think about NOT heating up the house and about eating light & healthy. And when light and healthy means cool and delicious, too, like this Pesto Pasta Salad, that’s a winner.

Grilled Vegetables with Tonkatsu Sauce
Good news! I was just outside and there was a cool wind! By cooler, I mean cool (85 degrees F) compared to what we’ve had. I think that nasty old heat dome is passing by! I wanted to throw up my arms and dance. And maybe I did, just a little. 🙂 I was like Rose in The Titanic. Well, older, chunkier and without Leanardo DiCaprio…or the ship. Ok, so I was just an old lady smiling into the breeze. 🙂

Tomato Zucchini Bisque
I’m a big fan of tomato soup, like my Simple Tomato Soup (which can be made in the Instant Pot or Not) in moderation, from time to time. It’s one of those things I grew up with and when I crave it, there’s nothing better. Until now. Yup, now there’s this Tomato Zucchini Bisque. I never thought, in a zillion years, that adding a zucchini (admittedly a vegetable I try to like but am not wild crazy about) would make take one of my favorite childhood comfort foods and elevate into something so delicious.

Summer Squashes with Herbed Yogurt Sauce
I believe any food can be made delicious with the right treatment, but I’ve had a hard time warming up to squashes. Too often, I’ve served them because they’re so good for us but my sister-in-law showed me the error of my ways. This little side dish of zucchini and yellow squash is absolutely scrumptious!

Sparrow Tavern’s Veggie Burger . $3.75 for 8
Diners, Drive Ins & Dives is on Netflix this season and this episode features the Sparrow Tavern in Astoria, New York – a run down rock & roll type bar with gourmet style. One of their star items was the Sparrow Veggie Burger and even the carnivores were going on about it. After I made them, I can see why – they’re flippin’ AWESOME! A bit of work, but the best Veggie Burger I’ve ever had!