Maximize the Taste of the Season: 3 Easy Summer Cooking Strategies
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Summer is the perfect time to embrace vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and simple cooking techniques that let nature shine. Whether you're preparing a weeknight meal or entertaining guests, these three strategies will help you get the most out of every summer bite.
1. Use In-Season Fruits and Vegetables
Summer is a treasure trove of ripe, juicy produce. Tomatoes, corn, cucumbers, berries, and stone fruits are all at their peak, delivering unbeatable taste and texture. Shopping at your local farmers market or growing your own ensures you get produce that’s fresh from the vine — not a truck. When ingredients are naturally sweet and flavorful, you'll find you need fewer seasonings or dressings to make a dish stand out.
2. Choose the Right Cooking Fat
Not all oils are created equal — especially when heat is involved. Using the wrong oil can lead to overcooked food or even unwanted bitterness. Here's a quick chart of popular cooking fats and their smoke points to help guide your choice:
| Oil/Fat | Smoke Point (°F) | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 375°F | Light sautéing, drizzling |
| Avocado Oil | 520°F | Grilling, high-heat searing |
| Butter (unsalted) | 300°F | Baking, low-heat cooking |
| Grapeseed Oil | 420°F | Stir-frying, roasting |
3. Use Fresh, Seasonal Herbs
Fresh herbs add dimension and brightness to summer meals. If you're in Texas, consider growing these heat-loving herbs right at home:
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Basil – perfect for pesto or tomato-based dishes
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Oregano – adds a punch to grilled meats and Mediterranean plates
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Lemongrass – infuses dishes with citrusy freshness and pairs well with seafood
Recipe: Avocado Strawberry Summer Pudding
Ingredients
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1 ripe avocado
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1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled
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2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Juice of ½ lime
Instructions
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Scoop out the avocado flesh and blend with strawberries, honey, vanilla, and lime juice until smooth.
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Chill for 1 hour before serving.
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Top with fresh mint or extra sliced strawberries.
This pudding is creamy, refreshing, and full of summer’s best flavors — no oven required!
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