With the end of Summer looming like a dark fog in the distance, I've taken to eating as much seasonal produce as I can. Topped with Summer squash, zucchini, and tomatoes, this tart is a perfect use of September's bounty.
The vegetables are roasted in the oven before being covered with puff pastry. Once the pastry is cooked, the tart is inverted, making for a fun presentation. To make the most of the warm weather while it lasts, read more
Recently I read an interesting article in 7x7 magazine about the pleasures of dive bars. It got me thinking about dive-bar food. You don't have to admit that you frequent dive bars, but 'fess up: What is your favorite dive bar snack?
A delightful alternative to the classic caprese salad, these skewers are bite-sized pieces of heaven. The recipe couldn't be easier, and the simplicity highlights the pure flavor of ripe tomatoes and fresh cheese. To make these easy appetizers, I tossed pieces of bocconcini, or mozzarella balls, with homemade pesto. The next time I make them, I want to use longer, fancy toothpicks. To get the recipe to this delicious dish, read more
Meet the guavarita, the rosy-hued cousin of the classic margarita. Made with a splash of guava nectar, this cocktail is refreshing and slightly sweet. If you find margaritas too potent, give this variation a shake.
The guava juice balances the sometimes overwhelming flavor of tequila. Since the tequila was subdued, I found the salted rim unnecessary. When I made round two, I left the rim alone.
At a recent outdoor festival, a friend of mine ordered this sandwich, called the "Gutbuster," from a barbecue stand. The soft bun was piled with three kinds of meat — beef brisket, pulled pork, and beer-braised bratwurst — and topped with spicy sauce. Though it looks kinda gross, I have to admit that it was full of delicious flavor. Would you dare to bust your gut with this monstrosity?
This week I'm celebrating the waning days of Summer with a Mexican-inspired menu for my campfire fiesta. But I know that if I don't serve s'mores, there may be a wilderness mutiny. So I'm bringing along milk chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers to make the traditional fireside treat.
But I also want something special to kick the s'mores concept up a notch, so I'll use the same marshmallows and chocolate as filling for easy cream puffs. Baked in foil, these gooey goodies are made from buttery biscuit dough that's dusted with cinnamon and sugar. They're even better with high-quality milk chocolate, so be sure to splurge on the fancy stuff. To get the recipe, read more
This soup ends up being a good source of three blood pressure-lowering minerals since the milk adds calcium and the potatoes deliver a dose of potassium, as well as magnesium.
With the end of Summer looming like a dark fog in the distance, I've taken to eating as much seasonal produce as I can. Topped with Summer squash, zucchini, and tomatoes, this tart is a perfect use of September's bounty. 
Suss
Lola Cruz
Gabor