To my delight, our No. 1 (only) son is home for a visit, the first one since Christmas. We’ve missed him dearly, but we’ve all been coronavirus-cautious. Before the visit, I (more or less) playfully threw out a few “rules,” such as everybody’s responsible for picking up after themselves, and don’t let your toothbrush get anywhere near mine. Another is: Mama’s tired, it’s hot, and we’re not turning on the oven more than we have to.
I used to be quite enamored of summers — pool parties, meeting boys on the beach, the intoxicating aroma of Coppertone. That was some time ago, however, and, call it age or general peevishness, but summer is no longer my friend. Given a choice, I don’t do heat. I’ve been heard to say lately, “Is it October yet?” So, while our 6 foot-6 inch-tall son with an appetite to match is home — and doing some arduous outdoor work around the homeplace — I’m trying to come up with meals and treats that are refreshing, don’t take undue prep and don’t heat up the house.
A search online for no-bake “sweet” ideas for the strawberry fans under our roof turned up so many that look appetizing. These recipes are my finalists. They might help you make it through these sweltering days, too. Make the most of it. Stay cool. Enjoy your kids, whether they’re 3 or 30.
And, oh yes, only 10 weeks ’til October.
NO-BAKE MANGO STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE
Total time: 45 minutes + chilling overnight
Makes 12 servings
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
2/3 cup butter, melted
1/3 cup sugar
Filling:
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
3 tablespoons cold water
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1 1/3 cups sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 large mango, peeled and cubed (about 3/4 cup)
4 fresh strawberries, chopped
Glaze:
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
3 tablespoons plus 1/2 cup cold water, divided
1/2 large mango, peeled and cubed (about 3/4 cup)
Optional: Whipped cream, mango pieces and sliced strawberries
Nutrition Facts: 1 slice-495 calories, 32g fat (19g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 285mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (38g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
(Source: tasteofhome.com/Elizabeth Ding)
STRAWBERRY PRETZEL PIE
Total time: 45 minutes + chilling
Makes 16 servings
4 cups miniature pretzels
6 tablespoons butter, melted
1/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup boiling water
1 package (6 ounces) strawberry gelatin
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 pound fresh strawberries, divided
2 cups heavy whipping cream, divided
1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow creme
2/3 cup whipped cream cheese
2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece-350 calories, 19g fat (12g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 284mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
(Source: tasteofhome.com/Shauna Havey)
AUNT FRANCES’ LEMONADE
Total time: 15 minutes
Makes 1 gallon
5 lemons
5 limes
5 oranges
3 quarts water
1 1/2 to 2 cups sugar
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup-92 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
(Source: tasteofhome.com/Debbie Reinhart)
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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