Hot Day Dinner Ideas for Anxious Days

You need

• whatever's around: cheese, crackers, fruit, nuts
• hummus or peanut butter
• something crunchy

Method

1. Pick one creamy, one crunchy, one sweet thing.
2. Arrange on a plate so it feels intentional.
3. Add a dip.
4. No cooking required.

You need

• mixed leaves
• cucumber, carrot, whatever's crisp
• 1 part vinegar to 3 parts oil
• mustard, salt, honey
• seeds or nuts

Method

1. Shake the dressing in a jar until thick.
2. Chop everything crunchy.
3. Toss with just enough dressing to coat.
4. Top with seeds for crunch.

You need

• 1 frozen banana
• handful frozen berries
• splash milk or yogurt
• toppings: granola, seeds, fruit

Method

1. Blend frozen fruit with just enough liquid to move.
2. Pour into a bowl thick enough to hold toppings.
3. Add granola, seeds and fresh fruit.
4. Eat with a spoon.

You need

• strong coffee or tea, cooled
• ice
• milk of choice
• optional: a little syrup or honey

Method

1. Brew strong and let it cool (or use leftovers).
2. Fill a glass with ice.
3. Pour over and top with milk.
4. Sweeten lightly if you like.

You need

• 1 bundle soba
• 2 tbsp soy
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp sugar
• cucumber
• sesame seeds
• spring onion

Method

1. Boil soba, then rinse under cold water until cool.
2. Whisk soy, sesame oil and sugar.
3. Toss noodles with the sauce and sliced cucumber.
4. Top with sesame and spring onion.

You need

• ripe tomatoes
• cucumber
• red pepper
• garlic clove
• olive oil
• sherry or red wine vinegar
• salt

Method

1. Roughly chop the veg.
2. Blend with garlic, oil, a splash of vinegar and salt.
3. Chill at least 20 minutes.
4. Serve cold with a drizzle of oil.