Quick Summer Meals – Fresh Tastes by Bev

By Bev Laumann, Author of A Taste of The Good Life: A Cookbook for IC & OAB

The trouble with summer is, it’s too much fun. Barbecues, graduations, and Fourth of July celebrations can keep us pretty busy. But while the fun gives us an opportunity to socialize, it can also easily wear us out and increase bladder pain. So at this time of year I try to keep meals simple and easy to prepare. Here’s a quick main dish that’s easy to fix. I also enjoy the fact that since it uses a microwave, it won’t heat up the kitchen:

Easy Microwave Chicken

– serves 2

2 chicken half-breasts
2 Tbsp. margarine (stick kind)
2 large cloves garlic, sliced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 tsp. dried thyme
Salt to taste

In a large covered casserole dish, melt margarine. Place chicken pieces in melted margarine, turning to coat. Sprinkle with garlic, celery, and thyme. Season to taste with salt if desired. Cover and cook in a microwave, on high power, about 20 minutes or until juices run clear and chicken is cooked. (Note: time may vary depending on characteristics of your microwave and size of chicken pieces, so adjust accordingly).

Honeydew is one of the few melons that many IC patients can have. And this fruit salad is a perfect complement to any easy-fix summer meal. It’s also is a great dish to take to potlucks and barbecues. If you’re fixing it for others, you can use some colorful cantaloupe (a common bladder-burner) instead of the (safer) blueberries, and use melon balls instead of cut-up chunks for a more decorative touch. (Those with vulvodynia who are avoiding high-oxalate foods should omit the blueberries and substitute more melon.)

Melon-blueberry Fruit Salad

– serves 4

3-1/2 c. honeydew melon, cut in chunks
1 c. ripe fresh blueberries
1/4 tsp. lemon extract
4 tsp. honey
1/4 tsp. ground coriander
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

Cut melon into chunks and place in a bowl with blueberries. Add extract, honey, and spices, mixing well with a large spoon. Chill before serving.