It has finally gotten hot here in Southern California; not as hot here at the beach as it is further inland, but hot enough I've had to close the windows and turn on the AC in the afternoon. Summer produce is still in full swing, so we're focusing on lighter dinners to get us through the warm nights.



For the recipes this week, I'm starting out with a salad that's a great choice for a hot night. Go with peaches, mango, or even nectarines, whatever is good in your region right now, and pair with some grilled shrimp. Throw some corn on the grill while you're at it, and warm up some tortillas; yummy dinner. Next, not so light but oh so tasty, a meatloaf with habañero gravy. My grandfather always had a hot pepper on his plate; he'd slice it thin and eat it along with his meal, saying heat on the inside cooled you down on the outside, so there's that... And finally, a flavorful drum (or other white fish) with a shallot-tarragon butter that you serve over a plate of corn and eggplant. Light and delicious.

Enjoy these recipes, stay safe and healthy, and, as always, let me know what's on your mind.

Best regards,

Susan Ford, Publisher and Editorial Director

Louisiana Kitchen & Culture

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P.P.S. The cookbook is getting rave reviews, check out the table of contents on the order form. Makes a perfect gift!

Previous week's recipes:

 • Shrimp and Grits Ya-Ya • Blackened Redfish • Corn and Black-Eye Pea Salad

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Mango or Shrimp Salad with Shrimp

This makes a delightful luncheon entrée salad, or a light supper (double the shrimp portion to make it more substantial) and comes together in just a few minutes. Bonus: You don't have to turn on the stove on a hot August day.

Meatloaf with Habanero Gravy

This is from the cookbook Turnip Greens and Tortillas by chef  Eddie Hernandez. He blends the classic Mexican cooking he grew up on with some classic Southern cooking tricks he learned while cooking in the south-- a nice blend of two of my favorite cuisines (I admit, I have a lot of favorites).

Drum with Shallot-Tarragon Butter

This is an easy recipe full of the flavors of summer. Use drum or any other mild white fish; you'll have a simple, elegant dinner on the table with minimal effort.