lime

A few weeks ago I helped my girlfriend host a girls-only birthday party. Instead of serving a full dinner we did appetizers, wine, and a vodka cocktail. The cocktail — with a rosy-pink hue — was a definite crowd pleaser. I doubled the recipe, made the mixture in a pitcher, and shook two servings over ice. The final drink was perfectly sweetened with a lovely effervescence. For an elegant presentation serve the concoction in champagne saucers instead of martini glasses. This cocktail would be fabulous served at a Valentine's Day party so get the recipe now.

Although Kwanzaa is relatively new as far as holidays go — it was created in 1966 — the foods used to celebrate it are based on old traditions. The final feast of the holiday — the Karamu — showcases fruits and vegetables that symbolize the past and current growth of African culture. Old family meals are often served in order to share them with the next generation. Some of the great dishes that can be found on the Karamu table include Chicken and Sausage Gumbo, African Squash and Yams, and Fruits with Honey-Lime Sauce. To learn the recipes for these traditional family favorites, read more

A few weeks ago, there was a great moment on 30 Rock that made me laugh out loud. Alec Baldwin's character, Jack Donaghy, says to the bartender, "I'll have a white rum with diet ginger ale and a splash of lime." Fast forward a few seconds later and the bartender presents him with his drink, "The Nancy Drew." Naturally, a man as masculine as Jack cannot be seen ordering a Nancy Drew, and therefore corrects the bartender by saying, "For men, it's called a Hardy Boy."

Sadly, there isn't actually a drink called a Nancy Drew — or a Hardy Boy for that matter — however that doesn't mean we can't make one. After all dark rum and ginger beer is perfect in a Dark and Stormy, so a lightened up version featuring ginger ale and light rum must also be delicious! To get the recipe and see the hysterical clip for yourself, read more

The weather has started to take a turn towards Winter — it's San Francisco and we go immediately from Summer to Winter — and while I love the sound of pouring rain, I'm not quite ready to part with Summer. On days where the gloom takes over, I like to mentally transport myself to a warmer place by mixing up a Summer cocktail. This one — a perfect mix of scotch and ginger ale — is called a Mamie Taylor and was very chic in the early 1900s. Today it's relatively unknown, but I think we should change that. To get the recipe, just read more

TeamSugar member aistea311 recently posted one of my favorite tips. I live by this one every day and definitely think it's worth mentioning.

To spruce up an ordinary bottle of water, add fresh squeezed lime juice. For extra kick, do like aistea311 and add a few packets of Splenda and a splash of club soda.

While it is a super simple tip, it's definitely one worth keeping in your repertoire. If you don't have fresh lemons or limes on hand, you should consider keeping a bottle of 100% lime or lemon juice on hand. I personally have both, and find that it's a nice treat to be able to spruce up my water. Plus, guests are usually wowed when they ask for water and you say, "plain, with lemon, or with lime?"

This lychee and lime martini sounds like it would hit the spot this summer. - Never Bashful with Butter

I don't know about you guys, but with summer around the corner, I can't stand to think about standing around in the kitchen all day long. Besides, with things starting to heat up, who wants to deal with the excess warmth a hot stove brings? That's why we're changing things up around here and instead of big elaborate Sunday Dinners, we're going to dig up some great BBQ recipes for you.

I thought I'd start the grill up with a lively Lime & Coriander Chicken. You'll be surprised to know that a dish packed with so much flavor is actually really simple to whip up, just marinate and toss on the grill! Pair it with a nice side salad and a glass of a cold, dry white wine and you're set! To check out the recipe, read more

Yesterday I told you what I did with an excess of lime juice while making my Easter lime tart...but you may have been wondering, what about the lime tart? Well here it is! My original plan was to make a lemon meringue pie, but when I saw that my brother's kitchen lacked everything from a hand mixer to cookie sheets to a large mixing bowl, I realized such an extravagant dessert would have to wait. I still wanted something refreshing, light and citrusy, so I decided to come up with a simple variation of a lime tart meets key lime pie. The crust had to be graham cracker based and the filling blitzed in the blender (which ended up only half working). Overall the pie came out with a delicious lime flavor and smooth creamy texture. It's a simple recipe and a good one to have in your list of desserts, especially if you end up in a poorly stocked kitchen and are in need of a sweet treat. Read the recipe and read more

Have you ever had a cocktail with cucumber as one of the ingredients? If not, you must shake up this cocktail for yourself pronto! I first experienced a cucumber flavored martini back when I was a bartender and was testing out specialty cocktail ideas. Don't be afraid of experimenting with savory vegetable flavors in your drinks, think about how classic the Bloody Mary has become over the years. Surprisingly refreshing, cucumber not only spices up a cocktail, it can also turn an ordinary glass of water into a cooling taste treat. To see how cucumber is muddled with mint to release the essence and aromas to create a revitalizing drink, read more

It is winter and red skin seems overly abundant - the harsh cold and over drying heat can really thrash the tender flesh of your face.

Try this simple mango aloe toner to soothe your chapped or windburned cheeks.

You are going to need:

1 cup aloe vera gel, chilled

2 tablespoons chopped fresh mango

1 lime, juiced

Puree the aloe vera gel, chopped mango, and the juice of one lime. Chill mixture, and apply to face at night with clean cotton pads. The toner will feel slightly sticky from the exfoliating sugars in the mango. Leave on overnight or while you watch your favorite shows, and rinse with cool water (hot water can dry out and irritate your skin. Toner will keep for approximately 2 weeks if refrigerated.