Summer Sides

If you're like me, coming up with dinner ideas is a lot more difficult in the summer.  It's hot outside, so who wants to be in the kitchen when you could be out doing fun "summery" things!  For me, the main dish is easy (grill something!), but the question of "What do I serve with this?" is a bigger one.  Here are two quick and yummy recipes that I've found that go with many different summer dinner meals...

Homemade Potato Wedges
5-8 potatoes (washed, with skins still on)
olive oil
vegetable cooking spray
seasoned salt
grated Parmesan cheese (I use lowfat)

Line a large pan (I use a cookie sheet with sides) with foil.  Cover the bottom of the pan with a light coating of olive oil.  Cut potatoes into wedges and put them on the pan, skin side down.  Spray the wedges with the cooking spray, then sprinkle with seasoned salt and the Parmesan cheese.  Bake for 35-50 minutes (usually 45 minutes makes them perfect for me).  Easy and SO good!

Sweet Coleslaw
1 bag of coleslaw mix (16 ounce)
2/3 cup mayo or Miracle Whip
3 T. vegetable oil
1/2 cup sugar
1 T white vinegar
1/4 tsp salt

Mix the last five ingredients in a bowl, then add the coleslaw mix and combine well.  Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.  (NOTE: This recipe is really yummy, but it gets kind of runny.  It will seem too dry at first, but you'd be amazed at how the time in the fridge really helps make it creamier.  Actually, I think it's a little too creamy for me.  The last time I made this, I mixed up the dressing part, then divided it in half and kept the other half to use in the fridge a few days later.  I just used half the dressing with the entire bag of coleslaw and it turned out great!  Seemed way to dry at first, but was just right after a little time in the fridge.)

ENJOY!!  Let me know if you try either of these!