This time of year, many home gardeners are starting to ask themselves these questions:

“What the heck am I going to do with all these vegetables?”

“How on Earth did I forget to celebrate “National Sneak Some Zucchini onto Your Neighbor’s Porch” night?”

If you missed the opportunity to celebrate on August 8th - or have neighbors who take a dim view of trespassing, here’s a tasty alternative.

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Looking for ways to keep cool this summer? The Times Herald-Record, a paper in New York State’s Hudson Valley, has this low-tech list of suggestions that includes using a damp bed sheet as a “blanket” at night and practicing a Yoga breathing method to rid the body of heat.

But my favorite tip is this nugget from the West Indies:

“Spicy foods make you perspire more, which cools the body. Spices also help stop foods from spoiling as quickly, and give you an endorphin rush that feels good in any temperature.”

Wow! Who can say no to food that cools you off, tastes great, improves your mood, and also may help you avoid Alzheimer’s?

It’s time to whip up a bowl of fresh, homemade salsa.

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By: Alexine

Over the years of social events and get-togethers I had to find a recipe that even lousy cooks could master. I wanted something that was easy and required little preparation as I lacked experience in the kitchen. Anyhow, here is the wonderful bean dip recipe that has gotten me very far with guests.
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Here’s a delicious appetizer that everyone enjoys. In some areas, these are called “Deviled Eggs.” But whatever you call them, guests love them – particularly children.

Ingredients:
12 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and sliced in half length-wise
2 tablespoons sweet relish
2/3 cup mayonnaise
salt to taste
¼ teaspoon paprika

1. Remove yolks from eggs and mash together in a mixing bowl.
2. Add relish, mayonnaise, and salt. Mix well.
3. Spoon mixture into eggs and sprinkle paprika over the tops.