24/Savvy Food and Travel

Eccckh, how we loathe firing up the stovetop during summer.  It's hard enough to regulate the temperature of our apartment with the requisite, wimpy New York City air conditioner window units, but add stove/oven heating into the mix?  Forget it.  Total Bikram-yoga-style sweatbox.  To keep cool when the temps are soaring, Mr. Savvy and I have collaborated on some rocking meals of utter deliciousness, no cooking required.  

Melon & Proscuitto: Cut honeydew or cantaloupe in eighths and wrap slices of prosciutto around them. (Draping is ok too, if you're feeling lazy).  We serve about 1/2 melon per person as a main course.

Caprese Salad: Alternate slices of buffalo mozzarella (thinly sliced) with vine-ripe tomatoes (thickly sliced) and basil leaves.  Top with fresh cracked pepper, a little salt and drizzle of olive oil.

Panzanella (Italian Bread Salad): A centuries-old staple for using up stale bread, this meal is a super-savvy money-saver.

Smoked Salmon Flatbreads: Cut flatbreads into wedges or squares, depending on the shape and spread with creme fraiche.  Top with slices of smoked salmon, thinly sliced red onion, capers and a squeeze of lemon. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Chilled Tomato Soup: Remember our recipe last week for raw tomato sauce?  If you puree it until it's smooth, it makes an incredible no-cook soup.  A zesty alternative is this quickie gazpacho.

Paninis are a delicious take on modern comfort food and easy to make whether or not you've got one of those fancy presses.  If you're lucky enough to have a panini press, don't let it be one of those appliances you never use.  Put it to work for a fast, cheap and chic dinner—you'll have warm food on the table in under 10 minutes.  If you don't have a panini press, don't fret!  Take your bread, fill it with one of the toppings below and put it on a skillet.  Take your heaviest pan and place it on top of the panini and cook on medium heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side.  Slice it in half and voila!  Instant panini.