Seasonal Summer Herb and Spice Recipes

Soaring temperatures can dampen otherwise hearty appetites, and can make the thought of cooking pretty unappealing. Still, you've got to eat. Cold soups, like this Watermelon Gazpacho, are a brilliant solution. Your blender or food processor does all the work, and clean up is minimal. Best of all, they're refreshing, nutritious, light and satisfying at once -- and they fit the bill when drinking sounds better than eating. Just pour them in a mug and sip away.

No-fuss foods you can eat with your hands make for great summertime snacking, and are perfect for outdoor entertaining. Summer Rolls With Mint require no cooking, and are especially refreshing thanks to mint's cooling properties. Dips -- particularly those with a bit of a spicy kick, like Muhammara -- are another nice option. Served with pita and sliced veggies for dipping, (and maybe some olives and cheese if you want to get fancy) they're almost a meal in themselves. Plus the heat from the spices will leave you feeling cool.

Summertime gives vegetable lovers plenty of reason to rejoice. Backyard gardens are thriving, and there's an abundance of freshly picked produce at roadside stands and farmer's markets. From succulent summer tomatoes and tender baby greens to sweet corn and bumper crops of zucchini, there's plenty to choose from. The trick is to stick with simple preparations that let the vegetables' flavors shine. Balsamic Tomato Salad is a perfect recipe for showcasing utterly ripe tomatoes, while gingery Asian Slaw makes for a cool and crunchy counterpart to a wide range of grilled foods.

The best summertime main dishes are light and fresh, and come together quickly without overheating the kitchen. If they're easily transported outdoors for al fresco dining, so much the better! With basil growing at it's peak (and overtaking many a garden) it's the perfect time to make Bucati With Basil Pesto. Totally adaptable recipes, like this Vegetarian Paella are also a great choice. Vary the vegetables based on whatever looks good at the farmer's market, or what's ready for picking from the garden. Toss in cooked seafood, chicken, or whatever else strikes your fancy. If you're craving something truly simple, whip up this Chive and Cheddar Omelet, and serve with a salad.

You can't go wrong with fruit desserts in the summertime. Juicy peaches dressed in cinnamon and sugar shine in this Peach Merba . Redolent of vanilla bean and full of ripe cherries, this Cherry Vanilla Ricotta Tart makes a lovely, light dessert or breakfast. Ice cream lovers can opt for this easy-to-make Chocolate Mint Syrup , which is equally delicious over pound cake or fresh fruit, or as an add-in for blended drinks or iced coffees.

Water is optimal for keeping hydrated, but sometimes it's nice to kick back with a flavorful thirst quencher. Cocktail lovers should check out Mama Linda's Cosmojitos; teetotaling mint aficionados can opt for this Minted Grape Lime Cooler instead. This Fruity Ginger Beer Smoothie does double duty as a breakfast smoothie or mocktail (though you could certainly spike it with a little rum if you're so inclined).