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The Best Summer Recipes


by brodysseus

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The sun is blazing and the humidity is starting to kick up in many areas around Neopia. Masses of people are jetting off to Mystery Island for beach vacations, the price of sunscreen is starting to skyrocket in player shops everywhere, and Mynci Volleyball is having its yearly surge of popularity. You are surely to be covered in sweat and exhausted from a little too much sun exposure, and when that happens you really have to be careful about what you eat. No one wants to eat greasy, heavy food in the middle of a heatwave, that will just slow you down and make you feel gross. Picking the best fuel for your body in this weather will keep you moving and keep you outside enjoying the warmth of the sun.

Lucky for you, I have the perfect ideas for the things you can munch on this summer. A repertoire of easy to make, but still delicious recipes, that will keep you cool and keep you moving all summer long. I even have something for those of you locked in eternal winter up in Terror Mountain, so don't worry about being left out! There is something to satisfy everyone's cravings here.

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Banana Ice Cream

3 bananas, frozen

Freeze three bananas for at least 24 hours, make sure they are frozen all the way through. Toss them into a food processor or high speed blender with a little bit of water, about two tablespoons, and blend until smooth and creamy! This will make a soft serve consistency ice cream treat that is packed with potassium to help heal your muscles, and full of good carbohydrates to give you a boost of energy. This also makes a good late night snack as bananas have a property that promotes healthy sleep. And it isn't full of artificial sugars so you won't feel bad about having as much ice cream as your tummy can handle!!

Feeling adventurous? Add a spoonful of peanut butter with a dash of cinnamon before you blend it, or some mango chunks for a fruity twist. It's highly customizable so get creative!!

Usul Summer Tacos

1 can black beans, rinsed (or Scorched Sutek Beans for a desert twist)

1 Plain ol Rice Bowl

1 cup salsa

1/2 cup Tasty Guacamole

1 Lime (not a Lime Chia)

Cilantro

Taco shells

Tacos are one of the easiest foods to put together. Just grab your taco shells and filled them with rice and beans, spoon some salsa and guacamole on top, sprinkle with cilantro, then squeeze some lime juice all over the top. The lime adds in a refreshing kick, and the coolness and creaminess of the avocado will beat the heat. There is no bad fats or cholesterol if you use beans, and these tacos have the protein to speed up recovery from running and biking and swimming all day. Your body will thank you, and your tongue will be happy!

Again, this recipe is customizable. Toss in your favorite additions, some crisp lettuce or tater tots, or some fresh chopped tomatoes. These are perfect for a dinner with friends because you can just have different bowls with each ingredients and allow your guests to pick and choose which ones they want to add.

Scorchio Summer Jelly Salad

Scorchio shaped jelly

Fresh fruit, strawberries are best

Edible flowers

First you'll want to make your jelly as directed by the box's instructions, many like to use a combination of both lemon and lime jellies for this recipe. Once it sets up in your Scorchio mold, you can turn it out onto a plate and garnish. Strawberries are a very popular addition, but any type of berry will do. To spruce up the presentation a bit, add in fresh edible flowers.

Altador Cup Chili Chips

1 can of your favorite three bean chili

3-4 potatoes, preferably from Meridell Farms

Slice up your potatoes into strips, thickness according to your preference. Bake at 425F until they are nice and browned, with a crisp but not burnt exterior. Place in a bowl and top with your chili.

The lack of oil on these chips makes them a much healthier alternative to typical french fries, and the chili elevates it to being an actual meal. These are best on cool summer nights watching the Altador Cup with your friends, as they are similar (but healthier) than what you can buy at the stadiums.

Pumpkin Soup

1 carton Vegetable stock

1 can of pumpkin

1/4 of an onion

Teaspoon thyme

Teaspoon garlic

Teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

Pumpkin soup is warming to the soul, and completely inappropriate for summer anywhere but Terror Mountain. But for those who spend their summertime in the frigid tundra, this soup will hit the spot. Bring all the ingredients to a boil, then allow to simmer for about a half hour. You'll want to puree the soup, a little at a time, to create a creamy and smooth texture at the end. Once all the lumps are out and it is smooth, return to a boil before serving.

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These recipes are only a small glimpse into all the delicious things you could make this summer. Having a barbecue with friends, throwing zucchini on the grill alongside tofu and other fresh vegetables, is an amazing choice and super healthy. Fresh fruit is always an option as well, it is hydrating and packed full of carbohydrates that will boost your energy levels. Plus, it's easily available! Especially in places like Mystery Island, where the fruit hits full bloom after Gadgadsbogen and an abundance of sweet treats are found on every tree. Washing everything down with an ice cold lemonade or homemade iced tea is going to bring your meals to the next level, staying hydrated is important! Make sure you keep a constant supply of water around, nothing worse than getting sleepy and dehydrated on a long bike ride in the summer sun.

Enjoy these summer meals and snacks, and get creative by making your own. These are great additions to potluck picnics with friends, adding a new element to the same old tired fruit salads and cheeseburgers, you are going to be the hero of the event. So what are you waiting for? Get cooking and get eating!! If you can't stand the heat, get INTO the kitchen and start making some of these refreshing options.

 
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