No appetizer spread is complete with out a sweet dish. For my March Madness night with the fabulous ladies of Sugar, I'm serving a menu of sophisticated snacks. To keep up with the theme, I'll offer these lime squares with pistachio graham-cracker crust.
They're like key lime pie, but in bar form. This type of dish is the perfect party dessert because it can be made in advance and doesn't require utensils for eating. To take a look at the recipe, read more
In an attempt to improve his eating habits, my father recently purchased a steamer. Naturally, he asked me for some healthy and delicious recipes that feature steamed ingredients. Well, Dad: this one's for you.
Lime slices and crisp green beans act as a bed for plump salmon fillets. Fresh ginger and lime zest combine to make a fragrant sauce for the salmon. For a complete meal serve with brown rice. To check out the recipe, read more
Although the assortment of produce seems to be more varied when the weather is warmer, I encountered an unusual fruit on a recent trip to the farmers market: the sweet lime. Also referred to as a Palestine sweet lime, the citrus fruit is native to India, where it's used medicinally to allay upset stomachs, nausea, and throat infections. It's still somewhat obscure in America, but the hardy lime, which blooms in Winter and Spring, has long been commercially grown in Vietnam, Egypt, along the Mediterranean coastline, and in states such as California and Florida. To learn how sweet limes get their yellow color, read more
In many cases, white rice is served alongside a saucy dish. When this happens, the rice is normally overlooked. However, white rice doesn't have to be boring, it can be delicious! Especially if you jazz it up with a simple stir-in of cilantro and lime juice. 
This recipe is incredibly easy — almost as uncomplicated as making white rice. Cilantro, garlic, and lime juice is blended with olive oil before being mixed into the cooked rice. If you don't like cilantro, get creative, white rice would be divine with a basil-lemon or parsley-orange oil folded in. To learn the technique, read more
At Spruce, an upscale bar and restaurant in San Francisco, I came across the papa doblé daiquiri on the bar menu and knew I had to order it. I love this drink for several reasons, and one of them is the legendary story behind it. The papa doblé was the signature drink of prolific writer Ernest Hemingway. Back in the '30s and '40s, he frequently ordered it at the El Floridita bar in Havana, Cuba. The cocktail isn't cloying — in fact, it isn't sweet at all — but it's smooth and easy to drink. Beware of impostor recipes, which will use cherry syrup in lieu of true, colorless, maraschino cherry liqueur. To learn how to make this famous concoction, read more
This exotic variation of chicken salad is the perfect summer meal. It's filling, cool, crunchy, and delicious.
The mango adds a fresh sweetness and lime juice provides a subtle tartness. Seasoned with turmeric and cayenne, this salad is slightly spicy. It's made with low-fat yogurt instead of mayonnaise so it's FitSugar friendly.
To look at the recipe, read more
When planning a menu for a pool party, select a variety of cold and hot (preferably grilled) dishes. Serve small, light bites buffet-style all day, replenishing plates as they go empty.
Offer guests a cool treat the moment they arrive in the form of watermelon wedges with lime ice. Served with tortilla chips, shrimp and avocado ceviche make a nice alternative to classic guacamole.
Skewered hot dogs with toasted croissants and spicy, cold gazpacho round out the menu. For these delicious recipes please, read more
When hosting a large, blowout-style bash ask guests to bring alcohol. Delegate a certain type of liquor or simply let them bring their favorite bottle. Doing this ensures that you won't run out of drinks and anything leftover can stock your liquor cabinet!
However, do make a specialty cocktail and purchase beer. For Fab's black and white luau I'll be making a simple yet chic punch. Fab requested a "white" drink and this colorless ti punch is elegantly refreshing. To check out the cocktail recipe — it's garnished with white rock candy! — read more
A cool and refreshing cocktail comes to mind whenever I hear the words Memorial Day, and this delicious kiwi lime drink is perfect for all types of Memorial Day barbecues. The recipe, which combines fresh chunks of kiwi, minced ginger, simple syrup, lime juice, and ginger ale, is nonalcoholic. However, vodka, gin, or a light rum can easily be added. Choose your favorite spirit and modify the recipe to suit your drinking needs. It's wonderful with or without the alcohol, so consider making and labeling two pitchers.
If the day is especially hot, remember to stock up on ice, water, sodas, and cooling beverages like lemonade or iced tea. For the recipe to this kiwi lime cocktail, read more
During the busy work week, it's easy to get caught in a cooking rut. If your meals have become monotonous, consider making this ham and pineapple rice dish.
Far from dull, the fresh flavors of sweet pineapple and spicy jalapeño are combined to make one incredibly exciting dinner. To entice your family with this recipe, read more
