OK! Summer has arrived! And with it comes a lot of the things we really enjoy in our lives like water sports, fishing, good times outdoors with friends and family and let’s not forget the one thing that goes great with all these other activities… food! There are literally thousands of great, easy-to-prepare summertime favorites that keep you out of the kitchen a lot less and on the boat a whole lot more. What’s even better is that we all have recipes for any picnicking or outdoor activity. Appetizers, main dishes, sides, and desserts all have great ways to cool off during these wonderful warm months.
The Lake Channel has gathered a great starting collection of recipes for just such an occasion. From categories like “Breakfast is Ready!”, “Munchies”, “Rainy Day Options” and everything in between, they offer recipes collected from folks at all different lakes around the country. People who know just how important it is to meet all the requirements of a great summertime lakeside dish. And to start and whet your appetite, we’re going to publish just one of these choice recipes…
Cool and Minty Salad
1 large cucumber. Remove peel and scoop out seeds and chop
1 clove garlic, pressed or minced
1/3 Cup fresh mint, chopped
1/3 Cup ripe olives, chopped
1 sweet (Vidalia) onion, chopped
1 Cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 Cup radishes, chopped
1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
2 large ripe tomatoes, chopped
2 tablespoons virgin olive oil
1/4 Cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper
Combine ingredients in a large serving bowl. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour or overnight. Serves 8. If you do not like mint, try substituting cilantro.