It’s Summer…and It’s Hot!
Celebrate Summer in Cool Style with these
ingredients perfect for making
NO-COOK MEALS from Chef Jamie Gwen

In order to prepare No-Cook, throw-together meals keep your pantry stocked with items that are full of flavor. Keeping these foods on hand will help you create simple, delicious meals.

• CANNED TUNA Tuna packed in olive oil is my favorite…Rich and delicious. Prepare the tuna in the traditional fashion for a sandwich or salad or stuff roasted peppers with it for a Spanish-inspired appetizer. Or, buy ready-made pizza crusts, spread with olive tapanade and top with flaked tuna, for a No-Cook Pissaladiere!

• OLIVES The perfect snack with a cocktail or delicious in salads and sandwiches. Make olive paste for sandwiches using black or green olives or a pungent olive, like kalamata.

• BOTTLED ROASTED RED PEPPERS, BOTTLED ARTICHOKE HEARTS, BOTTLED CAPONATA (EGGPLANT) and SUN-DRIED TOMATOES PACKED IN OIL These antipasto items are all scrumptious in salads, on sandwiches and pureed to make dips and spreads. Or serve all of them, with the abovementioned tuna along with crackers or French bread for a tasty cold meal.

• FROZEN SHRIMP I recommend that you always keep a bag of frozen COOKED shrimp on hand at all times, just for unannounced guests. Cooked shrimp can be easily thawed under cold running water and served with bottled cocktail sauce (add some extra horseradish) or tossed with your favorite dressing for an elegant snack.

• CANNED BEANS Perfect for preparing healthy meals and packed with protein. Puree white beans with extra-virgin olive oil and fresh herbs for a delicious dip or toss them in a salad for added protein.

• CHILIES I love canned chipotle chilies in adobo sauce for adding heat and smoky flavor to salad dressings, sauces and so much more. Reconstitute chilies and top a pizza or add them to taco fillings. Or, grind the chilies to a powder and season store-bought food to create great flavor.

• NUTS Add flavor and texture to sauces, salads and desserts but be sure to keep them in a cool, dry place to keep them from turning rancid.

• LEMONS The essential produce bin item….I always keep lemons on hand in my refrigerator. Use fresh lemon juice and zest to add a zing of flavor to all of your dishes.

www.chefjamie.com