Summer is the time of year for fun, sun, holidays and vacations. It’s not the time of year to spend hours in a hot kitchen preparing family meals requiring a heated-up oven. Lazy summer days just aren’t made for that type of cooking. When the temperature is at its peak and the air conditioner is already working itself to the limit, why spend your time sweating over the stove? Instead of adding extra heat to your home, bring out the salad bowls and a slow cooker. Take advantage of summer’s bountiful fresh vegetables and fruits for your salads. Turn your slow-cooker into a one-dish meal cooker and enjoy the beach, swimming, backyard lounging, sunbathing, and sprinkler while it’s cooking.

The staff members of the Gazette-Journal recently held a summer luncheon. Not only does this working group love to eat they know how to cook, too. Here are some recipes that will make your families happy and you happier. They can be done without heating up your kitchen.

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