Cool Ways to Spice Up Your Summer Meals

At some point, virtually everyone would like to add a little “spice” to their life. Whether that’s with a stylish new dress, an exotic trip, or just taking a much-needed break from fast food and boring meals, everyone knows that the same old same old can get rather monotonous. 

While we may not be able to help with new clothes or an extravagant vacation, we do have a few suggestions that you can use to spice up your mealtime this summer. From actual spices and a great recipe to some spicy ideas, we’ve got everything you need to change things up.

A Spicy Snack

Let’s start with an appetizer we found a while back that’s not only different and spicy, it tastes great and is easy peasy to make. If you like pecans and spice, you have GOT to check out this recipe that will definitely heat up your palate.

Buttery Cayenne Pecans

Ingredients

• 4 cups pecans 
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 6 tbsp melted, unsalted butter
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp hot sauce
• 1.5 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp mustard powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Prep

• Put the pecans aside for a moment and in a medium bowl, whisk the remaining ingredients together. 
• Add pecans and toss to coat.
• For an even spicier treat, prepare the pecans a couple of days ahead of time and store them in a tightly covered container at room temperature.

Cooking

• Preheat oven to 300°
• In a large cast-iron skillet or rimmed baking sheet, spread pecans out in a single layer
• Place the pecans in oven and toss them every 5-7 minutes.
• Roast for 25-30 minutes or until pecans are well toasted and spices are fragrant.
• Serve warm (my favorite) or let cool for a great anytime snack with a little kick.

A Unique Option

If variety is the spice of life, then a variety of great spices should really make life interesting. While cayenne may be some folks’ favorite way to spice up a meal, we’ve found a line of products that can help in that department without requiring a glass of milk to cool your mouth down.

I’m talking about ZA-HA and their choice of spices and unique mixes from around the world. From spices for beef or chicken Shawarma to a Spanish Saffron and several great products in-between, ZA-HA can definitely spice up your summertime meal and they even have some great recipes for you.

However, it’s the ZA-HA Zaatar Spread that can really spice up any meal. This Mediterranean blend of zaatar seasoning, roasted garlic, toasted sesame, and olive oil is a healthy alternative that is great as a condiment or dip, but it’s great as a spread for just about any meal.

If you want to try it out, they’re giving away a free sample when you pay for shipping.

Change it Up

Of course, besides cayenne and sprucing up a meal with some of the fantastic ideas above, there are things you can do to spice up lunch, dinner, or even breakfast.

International Cuisine 

Whether you use the ZA-HA spices above or you try something else new, going international is a great way to spice up a meal. For breakfast, try Mexican Migas or British sausage and black pudding. For lunch or dinner, opt for Irish spiced beef, crispy fish and chips, or German potato dumplings.

Fire Up the Grill

It doesn’t matter if you’re a wiz on the outdoor grill or a novice, cooking your meal outside in the middle of the week can not only spice things up, but can also help keep the house cooler. Keep the stove and oven turned off and grill up some fish, kabobs, or even some simple burgers and dogs.

Changing things up is a really cool way to spice up your summer meals.

Take it a Step Further

It doesn’t have to be a change in meals to spice things up. Simply switching up how you eat together can be a great change of pace. Whether you decide to grill or whip up something in the kitchen, have a pajama picnic in the backyard. If that’s not an option, move it inside or have dinner in bed. 

Spicing up your meal time can be as simple as changing meal locations and attire, or as extravagant as an international spice or meal but no matter what, the point is to have fun. Experiment a little. Go outside your comfort zone. Do something spontaneous or even a little “crazy.”

Add a little spice to your meals and/or mealtime because chances are good that you won’t regret it.