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Keep your cool with simple summer recipes

Try these delicious, easy-to-make dishes from chef Giada De Laurentiis

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July 2: TODAY contributor Giada De Laurentiis cooks up some of her favorite easy summer recipes to keep cool.

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updated 12:19 p.m. ET July 1, 2008

Want to please your palate without slaving over the stove? TODAY contributor and Italian chef Giada De Laurentiis offers recipes for delicious appetizers and sides that will keep you cool and take just minutes to create.

Apricot and chicken bruschetta
Giada De Laurentiis

10 bruschetta

INGREDIENTS

1/2 loaf ciabatta bread
1/4 cup olive oil
3/4 cup apricot preserves
6 ounces roasted chicken breast, cooled and thinly sliced
5 ounces Fontina cheese, thinly sliced
3 ounces (about 5 slices) prosciutto, thinly sliced
Extra-virgin olive oil, to drizzle

Recipe continues below ↓
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DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Slice the bread into 10 slices, each about 1/2-inch thick. Brush the bread slices with the olive oil and arrange on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes until crisp and golden. Cool to room temperature.

Spread each slice of the toasted bread with the apricot preserves, then place a slice of the cheese on top. Arrange the sliced chicken on top of the cheese. Cut each piece of prosciutto in half and place on top of the chicken. Transfer the bruschetta to a serving platter. Drizzle with the extra-virgin olive oil and serve.

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Fennel slaw with prosciutto and pistachio pesto
Giada De Laurentiis

4-6 servings

INGREDIENTS

2 cups (lightly packed) fresh flat-leaf parsley
3/4 cup shelled and toasted pistachios
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
3 garlic cloves
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fennel Slaw

4-5 (about 3 1/2 pounds) fennel bulbs, thinly sliced
4 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced

DIRECTIONS

For the pistachio pesto: Combine the parsley, pistachios, thyme, and garlic cloves in the bowl of a food processor; blend until finely chopped. With the machine running, gradually add the olive oil, processing until well blended. Season the pesto with the salt and pepper.

For the fennel slaw: Place the fennel in a large serving bowl. Add the pesto and toss to coat well. Tear the prosciutto into 1-inch pieces and add to the bowl. Gently toss to combine. Serve.

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Spinach and cannelloni bean dip
Giada De Laurentiis

4-6 servings

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 (6 ounce) bags baby spinach
1 (15 ounce) can cannelloni beans, drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS

In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add 1/2 of the spinach and cook for 2 minutes until wilted. Repeat with the remaining spinach. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes.

Place the remaining olive oil, spinach mixture, cannelloni beans, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper in the bowl of a food processor.

Blend until the mixture is smooth.

Transfer to a small serving bowl. Serve with endive spears, crostini or pita chips.

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Frothy chocolate espresso shake
Giada De Laurentiis

4 servings

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup water
1/4 cup gourmet hot chocolate mix (recommended: Marie Belle)
2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
1 cup fat-free milk
1 pint reduced-fat frozen vanilla yogurt, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla

DIRECTIONS

In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil over medium-low heat. Add the hot chocolate mix and espresso powder. Stir until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the milk.

Place the frozen yogurt and vanilla in a blender. Pour the chocolate mixture into the blender and blend until smooth and frothy.

Pour the shake into 8-ounce frosted glasses and serve immediately.

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