Don't Cook – July 2023

It’s inevitable. At some point this summer, it’s going to be too hot, too humid, too overwhelming to cook. So don’t. Don’t turn on the stove. Don’t preheat the oven. Don’t melt or sear or sauté. This 36-page tabloid-size special section, published July 16, 2023, features large color photos and 24 easy-to-read recipes made for the heat by skipping its application altogether, instead prioritizing fresh produce, prepared proteins, assembling, mixing and chilling.

Where an original recipe may have called for some cooking, we’ve offered tips and swaps to make sure you don’t turn on the stove, oven, even the toaster. Of course, there’s no shame in a meal of chips and salsa or a juicy mango eaten messily over the sink. And while some sandy cold cuts at the beach, tucked into hand, then into mouth, may be memorable, they aren’t exactly Proustian. So, make some food — and some memories. But definitely don’t cook.