Summers are a busy, yet fun time for everyone. Summer time seems to fly by quickly with trying to fit in ball games, family vacations and gatherings, and county and state fairs. My stepdaughter enjoys participating in the events at our local fair, showing her projects in gardening and photography every year.

A couple of years ago, I purchased a cookbook that contains Iowa State Fair prize-winning recipes. The recipes may be a few years old, but are still great options to try. I am including the St. Paddy’s Pot O’ Gold Potato Salad (first place in 2004) and the Curried Chicken (third place in 2005). Both are great summer recipes to prepare and serve for picnics or any summer outdoor gathering.

Saint Paddy’s Pot O’ Gold Potato Salad

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds ruby gold potatoes, cut in bite-size pieces

1/2 cup chopped green pepper

1 clove garlic, minced

1/4 cup chopped green onions

4 strips bacon, fried and crumbled

1/2 cup mayonnaise-style salad dressing

1 tablespoon stone ground mustard

1 teaspoon lemon juice

Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Boil potatoes until tender; drain. In a large bowl, combine green pepper, garlic, green onion, bacon and potatoes. In a small bowl, combine salad dressing, mustard and lemon juice. Fold salad dressing into potato mixture. Grate Parmesan cheese over salad and chill.

Curried Chicken Salad Sandwiches

It has been said that a classic chicken salad will have more warmth with curry powder. Curry powder contains turmeric, ginger, garlic, cumin and black pepper, and adds a little more warmth and flavor to the sweetness of apples and dried cranberries. This sandwich also makes a great high-protein lunch or hearty snack.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken breast

3/4 cup chopped apples

3/4 cup dried cranberries

3/4 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1/2 cup chopped celery

2 teaspoons lemon juice

1 tablespoon chopped onion

*1 teaspoon curry powder

6 lettuce leaves

Croissants or bread

Instructions

Combine chicken, apples, cranberries, mayonnaise, walnuts, celery, lemon juice, onion, and curry powder; mix well. Place lettuce leaves on croissants or bread. Top with chicken salad mixture.

*If you do not have curry powder, it can be replaced with turmeric, or cumin.

Salmon Loaf

I can remember preparing Salmon Loaf many years ago. Salmon is very good for your health as it contains omega-3 fatty acids and is an excellent source of protein. I wonder if people know that it contains various B vitamins, potassium, and selenium, all which are good for our health. Sometimes it is good to be reminded of foods that are healthy for us.

Ingredients

1 pound can salmon

Milk

1 egg

1 1/2 cup soft bread cubes

2 teaspoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon chopped onion (optional)

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Drain liquid from salmon into a measuring cup. Add milk to make 3/4 cup of liquid. Flake salmon, removing bones and skin. Blend in egg; stir in remaining ingredients. Spoon lightly into a greased loaf pan or one quart baking dish. Bake for 45 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges. Serves 4.

Apple Dump Cake

This is a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert, perfect for any time you are craving something sweet and comforting. This recipe requires very few ingredients and resembles a gooey apple filling with a crisp topping. This dessert can be compared to a cobbler or apple crisp and is best served with whipped topping or ice cream.

Ingredients

1 (21-ounce) can apple pie filling

*1 (18.25-ounce) box apple and cinnamon muffin mix

1/2 cup butter or margarine

Ground cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9-by-13-inch baking pan. Mix apple pie filling with ground cinnamon to taste. Pour mixture into pan. Sprinkle apple and cinnamon muffin mix over top of apples. In a small saucepan, melt the butter or margarine and pour evenly over the top of the cake. Sprinkle with additional cinnamon, if desired. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm with ice cream. Enjoy!

*Recommended brand: Krusteaz Cinnamon Swirl Crumb Cake and Muffin Mix

Loretta’s Tips

1. Plastic wrap will cling better if you moisten the rim of the bowl or pan you are covering.

2. When using paper cupcake liners, spray the liners with vegetable oil spray. They peel away easier from muffins and cupcakes.

3. Applesauce is a great fat substitute for low fat baking. Simply substitute half the fat in a recipe with an equal measure of applesauce.

Loretta Krahling is a columnist with over 38 years of newspaper experience. If you have a favorite recipe you would like to share or any questions, email them to krahling93@gmail.com.