By: Jodie Shield, RD

The next time the weather forecast predicts record highs, there’s no need to sweat.  A healthy and tasty dinner can be on your table in minutes.  Here are some staples to keep on hand for those hot summer nights.   Just use your imagination- - toss them together and your family will be eating together in record time.

In the refrigerator keep: grated reduced-fat cheese, low-fat yogurt, fat-free or low-fat milk, eggs, 100% fruit juice, fresh fruit, prewashed and sliced veggies, and ready-to-eat salad bags.

In the freezer keep: frozen vegetables, boneless/skinless chicken breasts, lean meat and pork, frozen yogurt, tortillas, waffles, and leftovers.

In the bread box keep: whole-wheat bread, pita pockets, bagels, rolls, English muffins, crackers, and bread sticks.

In the pantry keep: whole-grain pasta, instant whole-grain rice, ready-to-eat spaghetti sauce, tuna packed in water, and peanut butter.

Read my next few blogs and you’ll find some easy recipes for quick, cool and healthy summer family meals.   When you need to whip up a quick summer meal, what ingredients do you keep on hand?