I was VERY thankful to be in an air-conditioned office building all day. It was about 97 degrees and humid. Not. Good.
When I left work today I knew that I needed a game plan. There was no way I would have survived if I went directly back to my sauna like apartment for the night. So I asked myself, “What would a foodie with a Target gift card do?”
Answer: Fuel up (it’s going to be a while until you have dinner).Go to Target to buy a food processor. Proceed to the bookstore near target to drink your body weight in water and read about wine.
I gobbled down a Peanut Butter Cookie Larabar, filled my water bottle, and braved the heat. ONWARD SPEED!
After about two hours of studying my wine guide, I had to face the sad reality that dinner time was quickly approaching and it was time to head back to my sauna.
Wine Fact of the Day: The “Old World” refers to Europe, where the wines are classified by region. All other wine producing countries must classify by grape.’White Burgundy’ is really just a chardonnay produced in the Burgundy region.
The entire way home I was thinking, “What would a foodie with a food processor and fresh herbs make for dinner when it is 100 degrees out?”
Answer: Make fresh herb pesto. Find a grain, veggies and a protein and make a cold salad.
Basil, Tarragon, Parsley, Mint
My mom sent me back to my apartment yesterday with herbs from her garden!! I wanted to use them as soon as possible and this was a fun, fresh and flavorful way. (Pesto post coming soon!)
For my cold salad, I mixed about 2 TBS fresh herb pesto into 1 serving of brown rice (microwave made haha), asparagus, grape tomatoes, red pepper and topped with pre-cooked shrimp.
This dinner was easy to make and full of crisp summer time flavors. It almost reminded me of a risotto. Brown rice tends to be sticky and the nutty Parmesan Cheese I added to the pesto gave it a ‘risotto’ feel.
For dessert I had a frozen nut brownie.
I’m not sure if I was actually in the mood for a brownie, but I am lacking in the ice cream department. and wanted something cold. Plus, I think I sweat off about 10 pounds while I was making dinner. Need. More. FOOD.
I’m swollen and sweaty but at least I ate well.
Snuggling With My Fan,
Nora
What is your favorite way to use fresh herbs?
I loved this post! I am all about larabars, target and food processors. Your pesto looks amazing, and those shrimp look so plump and fresh. I’m sorry about the heat (it is only 70 degrees here in Colorado) but it seems like you are handling it well!
Could you make that rice dish for us when you come home? I think it would bee good served cold, especially if you used mint in the herb pesto. Love, Mom
AH! Of course I’ll make it
This is such a compliment! It was so good cold, just wish I had time to chill it even more because it is HOT HOT HOT here! Can’t wait to be in our AC home every weekend hahaha
this meal looks delicious! i love shrimp
I love pesto. It tastes so good on paninis! I also like to add fresh herbs to homemade pizza.
Hi. Love this post. On a hot day with a food processor I ended up making some cilantro lime shrimp! But, I can’t wait to see your recipe for the pesto.
Your dinner looks so amazing. I want to eat it and I’ve already eaten my dinner. I hope you survive the hot summer nights.
Pesto is one of my favorite foods on the planet … definitely my favorite way to use fresh herbs! I’m planning to make a pesto potato salad at some point this week.
I NEED A BROWNIE! What to send me some?
Ahhhh! I need a brownie asap!
That was a good call! It was cooler outside in the shade than inside my apartment (actually I think it was 88 degrees in my apartment, according to my roommate)! I sat under a tree for a good while!
Looks like it’s going to be hot all week! Boo! What’s with Upstate NY and lack of AC!?!?
My apartment said 97 when I walked in at 6pm. I stuck my head in the fridge and chomped on some cold carrots while debating my ingredients for dinner. Its like 78 now or something but still hot. I feel your pain…what is this Upstate NY….I live hear to avoid this heat hahaha!!! STAY COOL!
I felt bad for you earlier when you mentioned no AC. And I still do! I can’t imagine trying to sleep in this.
Definitely does look and sound like a great hot-weather meal!
The pesto DOES look great, though! Good for you for still having the motivation to be in the kitchen