"Slashfood Ate 8" news and stories

I can't resist picking up jug apple cider whenever I stop by my local farmer's market. I've always loved the stuff, and I remember begging my mom to bring some home from the supermarket every fall when I was younger. Now that I can get it on my own and drink as much as I want (that's right, mom: sometimes I drink juice not milk), I love it even more. It's just so thick and delicious -- perfect in a cold, tall glass on an autumn afternoon, but also for cooking, mulling, and even baking! Here are some innovative ways to incorporate this fall treat into your daily diet...

Apple cider chicken -- One of my favorite fall recipes from Eating Well

Martha Stewart's spiced apple cider from Martha Stewart

Apple butter from 101 Cookbooks

Mulled apple cider sorbet from Epicurious

Warm autumn punch from All Recipes

Garden salad with apple cider vinaigrette from the Food Network

Apple walnut cake with apple cider glaze from Big Oven

Cider-glazed root vegetables from the Washington Post

By August, I usually find myself exhausted by the constant oppressive summer heat. The sweltering heat drains all the energy out of my body and leaves me walking to work sluggishly. To combat this end-of-summer lethargy, I hydrate myself throughout the day by drinking water.

Drinking water is not the only way you can refuel your body during the summer. Many fruits and vegetables can help you meet 20 percent of your daily fluid needs. Also, doctors have proven that a diet rich in H20-loaded foods can prevent dehydration and foster a feeling of fullness without adding too many extra calories. Below are 8 fruits and vegetables that can help recharge your body:

1. Watermelons
2. Cucumbers
3. Bell peppers
4. Pineapple
5. Lettuce
6. Tomatoes
7. Apples
8. Citrus fruits

What are some other fruits and vegetables you eat in the heat to prevent dehydration?

And to blog about it. And to share it with your friends. Don't believe me? Check out these recent items from around the interweb. As I said: All the cool kids are doing it.

Grilled pizza...

With caramelized fennel and olives from 101 Cookbooks

Margarita from Mario Batali on the Food Network. It's also in his new book, Mario Batali: Italian Grill

With minimal toppings from the Washington Post and toppings of your choice from the Boston Globe

Tips from Serious Eats

With bacon, brie, garlic and arugula from House Spouse, a blog I recently discovered

Without sauce (White) from Andrea's Recipes, another blog I recently discovered

With herbed mascarpone, asparagus, and smoked salmon from Napa Style

The Book: Grilled Pizza and Piadinas by Craig Priebe

You're cool too? Share your grilled pizza recipe with us!