RHYS BOWEN: Here in Northern California we have been experiencing an unusual heat wave. Yes, it's climate change for you unbelievers! Our house has no air conditionng. We've lived in it for 40 years and never needed it until now. There are usually a few hot days in September when we use fans and keep blinds closed but nothing like this. One day last week as 103!
One thing we are not doing is cooking. I went out and bought a rotisserie chicken for dinner. I came home to find husband is boiling potatoes and carrots. I pointed out sweetly that it we raised the temperature in the kitchen one more notch the ceiling fan would melt. He didn't get it.
So I've had to be inventive with what we eat. Trader Joe's has some good meals that can be microwaved. We've had the asparagus risotto with some ham added. We've had the scallops and mushrooms. But there are days when I just don't want anything hot, period.
This means salads. When I grew up in England a salad was just something you had for a Sunday high tea. Lettuce, tomato, cucumber, spring onions with a bottle of salad dressing ready and waiting. Husband still has this mentality. He can't picture salad as an actual meal.
I'm trying to convert him. I'm a big fan of arugula, pear, cranberries and gorgonzola. I love beet salad. But neither is filling enough for a man who thinks that every meal should be meat and two veg.
So I'm asking for suggestions:
One thing I do make and love is Asian chicken salad. I usually cheat, buy the Asian kit then added broiled chicken, but that means I have to broil chicken, which I'm not going to do.
So what are some good hearty salads that require no cooking? I'm thinking cooked shrimp, sliced mushrooms, baby greens?
Over to you, brilliant cooks:
