I’m spending my 2-week summer break (summer classes begin June 18) doing a “mini-internship” for the Hunger Intervention Program, a Seattle-based nonprofit organization that partners with other community organizations in the region in their aim to end hunger. They provide nutritious meals, cooking classes and demonstrations, weekend food “backpacks” for kids with limited food resources, and much more. I’m writing up a bunch of nutrition content for them for use at one of the local food banks, to help folks who get food at the food bank learn more about key health and nutrition issues, learn new recipes, explore new foods, and maximize the usability of the food they get at the food bank.

In researching recipes for this project, I came across some good ones (and pulled up some of my old standbys/favorites too!), so I thought I’d share with you all. My focus has been on using all the great summer produce we’ll have available here in the great PacNW, via farmers’ markets, CSAs, food banks and traditional grocery stores.

1. Peach-Mango Salsa (great on chicken, fish and just about anything else you can imagine).
2. Grilled Veggie Sandwich (add some roasted turkey or chicken breast, or a slice of cheese if you’d like. And, feel free to vary the veggies. Just about anything is great grilled or roasted!).
3. Black bean, corn and tomato salad (I usually opt for the canned black beans instead of dried, to save time. Use 2 16-ounce cans and save a couple hours if short on time).
4. Gazpacho (yes, that’s right, another recipe. I swear, I cannot get enough of this in the summer, and it’s so easy and good for you!). Great for lunch with a sandwich or for dinner alongside grilled chicken or fish.
5. Asparagus, tomato and fontina frittata (feel free to substitute 1% or 2% milk for the heavy cream! Shaved parmesan will also work in place of the fontina, but it will be a bit less creamy).
6. Watermelon Yogurt-Ice (a great “treat” on a hot day)

By the way, some great sites/publications for healthy recipes that I really love are:

• Eating Well Magazine
• Clean Eating Magazine
• Anything from Elie Krieger (She also has a page on the Food Network.com)
• Whole Living Magazine
• PCC Natural Markets and Whole Foods also have great recipes on their websites (and Whole Foods has a great iphone app as well)

Happy summer eating. Even if it looks like January here in the Pacific Northwest….

Diana