by Stacey A. Smith

Created on: June 15, 2010

 Summertime!

Just that word evokes all sorts of fun ideas of activities you, your friends and family can participate in. And almost all of those summertime activities will be accompanied by food. Picnics with fresh fruits, Grill-Out's with savory meats or Balcony dinner date's with Grilled Fish; whatever the summer occasion, food is usually a component.  

Foods change and compliment the seasons. Whereas great Winter foods would be pot roast and other comfort foods like stuffing, Summer foods are lighter and greener. Foods that don't weigh you down but give you more energy are ideal for summertime.

Picnics during the summer are fun for the whole family. Lighter foods like salads are always a great start. Using argula with sliced tomatoes or baby spinach with bits of bacon can also add a new twist to the common salad. Sandwiches of chicken salad, egg salad or tuna salad are also great summer picnic foods, tasty but light. Finishing off with fresh fruit slices of orange, apple, kiwi or watermelon make a wonderful desserts that's easy to eat.

Summer nights are great settings for outdoor dinner dates. Whether it be a gathering of people or just a romantic two-some, alfresco dining sets the mood. Using a starter like grilled shrimp is ideal.  Fish are great for summer because they are light meals that can carry little or a lot of spice depending on the guests preferences. Carrying on the theme, serving grilled tuna or salmon with sautéed vegetables is a light summery main course to the meal. Concluding the meal with a scoop of sherbet or any other equally cold dessert would just be the perfect finish!

What is the quintessential summer meal? A family Grill-out, of course! Barbeque's or as we call them in my town, Grill-outs are the perfect, summertime gathering centered on food. Grilling any food over an open flame instantly intensifies the flavor. The grill is where meats are king - Sirloins, T-bones, Hamburgers, Hotdogs and Sausage are just a few top choices. Good sides like potato salad or coleslaw round up the meal and voila! you have a perfect summertime grill-out.

So, what have we learned? Foods change with the seasons. Winter foods are heavier and comforting, whereas Summertime foods are light and airy. Perfect examples of the best foods for summer are grilled meats or seafood; sides like fresh fruit or prepared salads. And the best part of the summer season? Well, its bringing friends and family together for food!

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