Too Hot to Cook: Chef-Parents Share No-Cook Summer Recipes and Baby-Friendly Tips

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When the summer heat hits, even professional chefs like Mike and Anastassia turn down the burners. In this Chefs’ Choir feature, the culinary couple—and proud parents to 7-month-old Mila—share their favorite low- and no-cook recipes, clever prep hacks, and baby-approved snacks to help you beat the heat without compromising flavor or family time.

“Who Wants to Turn on the Stove in July?”: A Chef Couple’s Guide to Beating the Heat with Baby in Tow

By Mike and Anastassia, aka Mom and Dad to 7-Month-Old Mila

We’re chefs. We love our kitchen. We live for that rush of heat from the oven and the crackle of something searing hot in a pan. But when July rolls around and our home already feels like a sauté pan by 9 a.m., even we say: no thanks.

This summer, with our daughter Mila hitting the 8-month milestone (and entering peak “grab everything off the counter” mode), we’re not about to crank up the oven or stand over a hot stove. And honestly, we don’t think anyone should have to. Whether you’re a new parent like us or just trying to survive the swelter, we’ve pulled together our favorite low- and no-cook recipes, snacks, and drinks—plus some chef-tested, baby-approved tips to help you stay cool without sacrificing flavor.

🥒 Crisp, Cool Meals

Chilled Sesame Noodle Salad
Toss cooked noodles (we make extra during a cooler morning and chill them) with sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, shredded carrot, cucumber ribbons, and scallions. Top with cold rotisserie chicken or silken tofu.

Chef Tip: Use baby’s bath water warm-up time to thaw pre-cooked noodles or grains from the freezer. Efficiency is key.

Summer Rice Paper Rolls
Dip rice paper in water, fill with avocado, mango, lettuce, shrimp or tofu, and roll it all up. Serve with peanut dipping sauce or nuoc cham.

Chef Tip: Let kids get in on the rolling fun (once they’re older than Mila, of course). It’s like edible arts and crafts.

🍉 Snacks That Don’t Sweat You

Watermelon + Lime + Tajín
Chop and chill watermelon. Right before serving, hit it with lime juice and a sprinkle of Tajín. It’s juicy, cooling, and wakes up your mouth.

Cottage Cheese + Tomato + Everything Bagel Seasoning
We spread this on crackers or cucumber slices—no toaster or stovetop required.

Yogurt Bark with Berries
Spread Greek yogurt onto a sheet tray, swirl in honey, top with sliced berries and granola, freeze until firm, and break into shards.

Chef Tip: Freeze in bite-sized squares for one-handed snacking while bouncing a baby on your hip.

🍨 Sweets that Chill, Literally

No-Churn Banana Ice Cream
Blend frozen bananas with a splash of coconut milk and peanut butter until smooth. That’s it. It tastes like soft-serve, and Mila can even enjoy a tiny lick!

Mason Jar Cheesecake Cups
Mix cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and a touch of maple syrup. Layer with crushed graham crackers and fresh fruit in jars. Refrigerate for a cool, no-bake treat.

🧊 Drinks That Don’t Require a Degree in Mixology

Cucumber Mint Cooler
Blend cucumber, mint, lime juice, and a touch of honey with sparkling water over ice. Add a splash of gin for the adults if bedtime went well.

Cold Brew “Affogato”
Pour cold brew over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Dessert and caffeine fix, all in one.

Chef Tip: Freeze leftover coffee in ice cube trays to keep drinks cold without watering them down.

☀️ Bonus Heat Hacks from Two Sweaty Chefs and One Cute Baby

Soak your wrists in a bowl of ice water while prepping your no-cook dish. Instant body-cooler.
Do your prep in the morning when it’s cooler and your baby is (hopefully) in a good mood.
Keep a chilled washcloth in the fridge for baby (and you!) to cool down mid-afternoon.
Freeze fruit puree in silicone molds for homemade baby popsicles. Mila loves frozen peach and pear!

This season, don’t sweat it—literally. Whether you’re a parent navigating solids for the first time, or just trying to avoid turning your kitchen into a sauna, low- and no-cook meals can still be deeply satisfying. We’re learning that simplicity, creativity, and a good blender go a long way in the summer heat. Stay cool, eat well, and hug your little ones a little tighter—preferably somewhere near the air conditioner.

With love (and extra fans),
Anastassia, Mike & Baby Mila

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