summer

Depending on where you live, it can really get oppressively hot during the summer months. When the heat becomes dangerous, weather authorities will issue a heat advisory for the public. Here are a few tips for how to stay cool during a heat advisory:

Tip #1. If you don’t put an AC on at any other point during the summer to save energy, put it on during a heat advisory. If you don’t have access to the lovely comfort of central air or an AC unit in the window, travel to your local library, coffee shop or a big box store and spend the hottest hours of the day relaxing there. Also, it is often cooler sitting outside under a large shaded tree than in your enclosed home. Get a comfy chair and have a seat there with a small battery operated fan and a spray bottle filled with cold ice water to spray on your skin (don’t forget your sunscreen and bug deterrent).

Tip #2. Do not allow sunlight to penetrate into your home. All it does is raise the temperature in your home. Invest in affordable room darkening shades or blinds that will block out the heat. Keep fans on in every room to keep air circulating.

Tip #3. Eat foods that don’t require you to turn on the stove top or oven. You can try eating cold sandwiches, salads, etc. If possible, consider ordering take out.

Tip #4. Wear thin light colored clothing. Dark clothing absorbs more heat therefore, raising your body temperature. 100% cotton clothing is best since it’s a breathable fabric. Stay away from polyester or polyester blended materials.

Tip #5. Avoid all types of alcoholic beverages. Alcohol causes your body to dehydrate. Instead of consuming alcoholic beverages, keep a bottle of ice water with lemon and fresh mint leaves handy. Make a pitcher of ice water and make sure to squeeze in plenty of lemon juice while muddling in the mint leaves. This drink will keep your body hydrated and cool.

Tip #6. Fill a bucket with ice and get a clean washcloth. Dip the washcloth in the ice water periodically, wring it out and drying your face and neck with it frequently during the day to stay cool.

Tip #7. Take a cold shower at the hottest time of the day. A cold shower really helps to balance out your body temperature, rinse away sweat and make you feel refreshed.

Follow these simple tips to stay cool during a heat advisory. Also, make sure you check in on older folks to ensure that they’re staying cool during the summertime.

Posted by Eve

Photo credits: Flickr/gagilas, Flickr/stevendepolo

When it’s time to grill, sometimes you feel like getting a little creative. A regular burger is great, but it’s just…. regular. Here are three deliciously different ideas for making an amazing gourmet burger for grilling.

Chorizo and Mexican Cheese Burger

This burger is sure to delight people of all ages–it’s like eating a Mexican meal on a bun. Add Mexican seasoning to the meat including chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. Mix everything up well. Remove chorizo sausage from casing, cook thoroughly and drain excess oil. Allow it to cool. In the meantime, make two medium sized patties. Place one of the patties in the palm of your hand and create a well or depression in the middle. Add some chorizo and shredded Mexican cheese to the center. Place the other patty on top and pinch edges to create one big burger. Grill and serve on a toasted brioche bun with salsa or pico de gallo.

Mushroom and Gouda Cheese Burger

This is a great burger to make if you want something classic with a touch of sophistication. The Gouda cheese will give your burgers a wonderful smokey flavor. First, add salt and white pepper to the meat, then mix well. Slice mushrooms and chop Gouda into small chunks. Again, make two patties remembering that they will come together as one. Place one of the patties in the palm of your hand and create a depression. Add the mushrooms and Gouda to the center generously and pinch the edges closed for grilling. Serve on a toasted ciabatta or asiago roll with a bacon topping, dijon mustard and a drizzle of steak sauce.

Mediterranean Burger

Here’s a burger idea inspired by Mediterranean style cooking. It’s simple to prepare and contains a lot of flavor. Add salt and Greek seasoning (here’s an example) to the meat and mix thoroughly. Make your two patties again, make a depression in one and add sliced black olives, crumbled feta cheese and fresh chopped spinach to the center. Place the other patty on the top and closed up the edges carefully. Grill and serve on toasted focaccia bread, a pita pocket or asiago roll with a slice of fresh tomato, tzatziki sauce and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

All of these burgers will impress you, your friends and your family. Maybe this year you’ll finally be crowned “The Grill Master.”

Tip: When you’re buying ground beef for burgers, check the package for the meat to fat ratio.Your ground beef should be a minimum mix of 80% meat and 20% fat. This will yield a nice juicy burger.

Tip: You might choose to replace the ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter option.

Tip: Allow the meat to grill on both sides and do not press down burgers when on the grill.
Enjoy these gourmet burger ideas for grilling!!!

Posted by Eve

Photo credit: Flickr/ladymissmarquise, Flickr/u-suke, Flickr/go2net

Tips to Stay Cool During a Heat Advisory

3 Gourmet Burger Ideas for Grilling (Stuffed with Goodness)

summer

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