Hot Day Dinner Ideas for Sad Days

You need

• 1/2 cup macaroni
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup milk
• handful grated cheese
• salt, pepper

Method

1. Microwave pasta and water in a big mug 3–4 min, stirring once (watch it doesn't boil over).
2. Drain off excess water; stir in milk and cheese.
3. Microwave 30–60 sec more until creamy.
4. Season and eat from the mug.

You need

• 1 ripe banana
• 1 egg
• 3 tbsp oats
• pinch cinnamon
• butter for the pan

Method

1. Mash banana, mix with egg, oats and cinnamon.
2. Fry small spoonfuls in butter, ~1–2 min a side.
3. Stack them up.
4. Top with fruit or a little honey.

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

• 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.

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

• ripe tomatoes
• fresh mozzarella
• basil
• olive oil
• salt
• balsamic (optional)

Method

1. Slice tomatoes and mozzarella.
2. Layer with basil leaves.
3. Drizzle oil, season with flaky salt.
4. Add a little balsamic if you have it.