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| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | AUGUST 2023 | 47 Happy Cookers Laughter is brightest in the place where food is good… Irish proverb The Happy Cookers meets in the South Clubhouse, at 11 am on the fourth Friday of every month. This month's meeting will be on Aug. 25. Please join us for an exciting guest speaker, Pat Pennington, who will speak to us about vegetables. Recipes and pictures can be found on the Happy Cookers Facebook page. August marks the pinnacle of summer, where the sun shines bright, and the gardens brim with an abundance of vegetables. So, why not embrace the flavors of August before we bid farewell to summer? Here are some delightful recipes that capture the essence of August, and offer a delectable culinary experience. 1. Tomato and Basil Bruschetta: Tomatoes are at their prime in August. And nothing showcases their taste better than a classic bruschetta. Toast slices of crusty bread, then rub them with garlic for a burst of flavor. Top the bread with juicy diced tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and a sprinkle of sea salt. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil to complete this simple but heavenly appetizer. 2. Grilled Salmon with Lemon and Dill: August evenings are made for grilling, and grilled salmon with lemon and dill is a must try recipe. Marinate fresh salmon filets in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, mined garlic, and chopped dill. Grill the salmon to perfection and serve it with a squeeze of lemon. The flavors of citrus and herbs compliment the fish beautifully. 3. Corn and Zucchini Fritters: Take advantage of the abundant corn and zucchini in August with these fritters. Grate fresh zucchini and combine it with corn kernels. Scallions, flour, eggs and a touch of paprika. Pan-fry the mixture until golden brown and serve with a dollop of sour cream, or a zesty homemade salsa, it makes a great side dish. 4. Watermelon and Feta Salad: Cool down on hot August days with a refreshing watermelon and feta salad. Combine juicy watermelon cubes with crumbles feta cheese, fresh mint leaves, and a drizzle of lime juice. The sweetness of watermelon pairs well with the saltiness of feta, creating a unique and tantalizing combination. 5. Mango Coconut popsicles: 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and pitted. 1 cup coconut milk, 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional). In a blender, combine the ripe mangoes, coconut milk, and sweetener (if desired), blend until smooth and creamy. Pour the mixture into Popsicle molds and place in the freezer for 4-6 hours, or until completely frozen. Remove from the molds and enjoy these tropical delights on a hot August day. So, if you love to cook, or just love to eat, this is the club for you! Cooking with love provides food for the soul … happy cooking! For general info, call President-Pat Coie at (909) 262-5005 or email patriciaacoie@gmail.com. For information on membership, contact Barbara Elness at (407) 432-8363 or email barbed1951@aol.com. ~ Raelene Kretchman, Publicity.

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