Two Simple Strawberry Ideas and Beat the Heat Tex-Mex Alfredo

It's nearing 90 here today and turning on an oven is the last thing on my mind. I also have a quart of strawberries calling my name. Here's a quick and easy summer menu - pasta, drink and dessert - all without ever turning on the stove.

Tex Mex Alfredo

1 lb pasta

1 can black beans

1 jar Alfredo sauce

1 package taco seasoning

Shredded Cheddar (for topping).

Prepare the pasta per package instructions. Toss with black beans, alfredo sauce and taco seasoning. Top with cheese. It doesn't get an simpler than this!

For desert, I can't resist strawberry shortcake. This is so easy that you don't even need a recipe.

Simply slice your strawberries and add sugar (I use about 1/4 cup of sugar per quart of berries). Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours. Serve over frozen pound cake with a dollop of whipped topping! Summer perfection at it's best.

The strawberries also inspired this summer lemonade cooler. This is perfect for sitting on the back porch and cooling off after a long hot day.

Strawberry Lemonade Cooler

In a hurricane glass mix 3 parts lemonade with 1 part pineapple or pineapple coconut rum. Add strawberries (as prepared for the shortcake above). Serve over ice if desired!