If you will be renting a fully-outfitted vacation house this season, be sure to still take time for rest and relaxation for yourself! Just because the rental has a kitchen, does not mean you need to be in there slaving away over a hot stove every minute.

With the high cost of living these days, it is tempting to want to prepare all meals without going out to fine dining establishments. That’s fine. Just be sure to keep your recipes easy and simple. Here are a few examples:

Lovely Lobster Legs

Who doesn’t love lobster when at the beach (or anywhere else, for that matter!)? Dice cooked lobster tail from the fish monger into bite sized pieces. Add chopped celery, thinly sliced. Mix in chopped spring onions, if you like scallions. For a sauce you can use regular mayo. Or, if you prefer a more low cal approach, use lemon juice and a bit of cider vinegar. Chill before serving.

Cool Crab Concoction

Refrigerated canned crab is great for vacation dishes, because the hard work of shelling the crab is already done. Combine crab pieces with 1t of Old Bay crab boil seasoning. Add finely cut grape tomato pieces. Mix lightly with 2t chopped scallion or dried onion flakes. Add 1C sour cream (garlic and herb flavor is a winner). Refrigerate fully prior to serving on lettuce leaves.

Saucy Shrimp Cocktail

Bottled seafood cocktail sauce can save time. Just add some diced parsley to it for a fresh taste and beautiful presentation. Peel cooked deli shrimp with your shrimp peeler. Allow a dozen small shrimp per person. Marinate shrimp in pickle juice in the refrigerator. The shrimp pick up the flavor of the  marinade quickly, but over night in the refrigerator will yield maximum flavor. Pour parley and cocktail sauce into cocktail glasses first, then add your shrimp. Serve with a slice of lemon on the rim of the glass.

Being on vacation is a special time. Be sure to enjoy it with special food, and much rest and relaxation.