These recipes originally appeared in the June 2020 issue of HomeLife Magazine.
Whenever something looks effortless, I know a lot of planning went in to making it feel that way. Case in point: Last month my mother was perusing my blog and mentioned, “That’s a great picture of you!” I truthfully remarked, “Well, it only took 26 shots to get that one.” She was shocked as she assumed the photo was taken candidly, when in fact it took multiple tries to capture the end result — good smile, good hair, great pic.
Much of my life’s work happens behind the scenes. I’m an author, freelance writer, and blogger. Our home is used by film crews, we operate a vacation rental home, and extending hospitality to others is my happy place. In each of these areas, I create readiness, or in other words — planned spontaneity is my medium of choice.
Being prepared has allowed me to enhance many situations. Take summer with its casual vibe that no one wants to disrupt. With a little forethought and planning, no one has to. So whether you need some fresh dinner ideas, vacation menus to take to your beach or lakeside destination, or a stay-cation meal inspiration, turn to these quick and easy off-the-shelf, savor-the-season recipes. Stow the ingredients now and you’ll leave your tribe wondering how you threw it all together.
Motivating my crew into helping with meal preparation not only eases the burden of cooking for a crowd but starts the party. Before you know it we’re all having fun as they’re making dinner. But it doesn’t just happen and can get sideways in a hurry if the right ingredients aren’t handy. Flatbread pizza allows for a light and hearty spin on the evening meal and includes ingredients that have a long shelf and refrigerator life so you can plan ahead. A salad is quick and easy.
Summer simply requires a chilled dessert every now and then, but ice cream isn’t a good travel companion. So just pack the ingredients in a cooler or whip it up at home in just a few minutes. Then freeze the desert and save for that evening when the sprinkler has entertained the kiddos for hours and the fireflies just started diverting their attention.
Inspire fun, creativity, and togetherness in the kitchen with these dinner solutions!
Flatbread Pizza Makes 4 flatbreads
BBQ Flatbread Pizza
Naan original flatbread
BBQ sauce (base)
1 c. Mozzarella cheese (shredded) 1/2 c. red onion (diced)
1 c. rotisserie chicken breast (diced)
Caprese Flatbread Pizza
Naan original flatbread
Olive oil (base)
1 c. Mozzarella cheese (shredded) or buffalo cheese ball (sliced) 1/2 c. Roma tomatoes (sliced)
Basil
Balsamic vinegar glaze
Mexican Flatbread Pizza
Naan original flatbread
1 can refried beans (base)
1 c. Colby Jack cheese (shredded) 1/4 c. black olives (sliced)
2-3 green onions (sliced)
1/4 c. tomatoes (diced)
Italian Flatbread Pizza
Naan original flatbread
1 jar pizza sauce (base)
1 c. Mozzarella cheese
1/2 c. Italian sausage (crumbled) 1/2 c. pepperoni
1/4 onion (sliced and caramelized) 1/4 c. green pepper (diced)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place flatbreads on cookie sheet. With a pastry brush or spoon, apply base of choice. Layer with cheese, then proteins and vegetables. Bake for four to six minutes, or until cheese melts and appears bubbly. Take out and slide flatbreads onto a cutting board. Cut into triangles and serve on platters.
Stow the ingredients now, and you’ll leave your tribe wondering how you threw it all together!— Laura
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Laura Schupp is the author of Our Newlywed Kitchen: The Art of Cooking, Gathering & Creating Traditions. Learn more about Laura at OurNewlywedKitchen.com.