Soon it will be time to close the windows and turn on the oven.So many great meals can be prepared in the oven. However I rarely use an oven in the summer. I like to use the grill or make sandwiches. At the end of summer so many foods fill our gardens and farmers markets. If you grow your own food it is the greatest money saver. Even if you do not have time or space to maintain a big garden you can plant some big pots with foods that are easy to grow. For $0.49 cents  I have grown the most wonderful salad mix since early spring. The packet of seeds cost $1.50 I have used only a third of the packet. Shared a third and now that the hot August heat is leaving I plan to plant a new crop that will take me to the first frost.

Simply prepare the soil, plant the seed as shown on packet and water daily. In two or three weeks you can start cutting the tender leaves. I find using kitchen shears makes it easy. You just cut back towards the bottom of the stem and it will grow back.  I have used this mix for  salads, greens on a sandwich and for garnishing.

If you have a well stocked pantry (more on that later) you can make your own salad dressings. Quick easy cheap and fresh. So much better than bottled dressings. Especially on these tender greens.