Photo by Laura Taylor

We all know guacamole is finger-licking tasty, especially in the summer when avocados are ripe and in season, but who would’ve thought guacamole can be whipped up and enjoyed in less than twenty minutes with five simple ingredients? Lara Land transforms and elevates the traditional summertime snack by adding minced yellow peppers to the mix with lots and lots of cilantro. A few splashes of homemade lemon and lime juice add the perfect tang and acidity just begging to be scooped up with your favorite tortilla chips. We kid you not that all you need for this fabulous recipe are these five ingredients, some salt, pepper, a fork and a pretty little bowl  to mix everything together. Ten minutes in and you’ve got yourself a new twist on an old favorite.

Photo: Linda Wagner

It’s still hot here in Austin, and by hot I mean 105 degrees. Yep that’s right, while most of you around the country are getting out your boots and jackets and making hot apple cider, we are still in the throws of a full blown heat wave!  After lounging by the pool this weekend I decided I needed something cool and refreshing and alas, this Strawberry Lime Parfait was born! I will definitely be making this the next time we have friends over. It is so pretty and freezes well so can be made well in advance. Read More

Another season comes to a close this week as August ends and Labor Day passes. While many anticipate the arrival of brightly colored leaves, comfort food and fall sports, there are still those of us who are savoring these last days of summer’s pleasures. There’s no better way to say goodbye than to sip on a favorite summer cocktail and relish the flavors that go so well with the heat. The caipirinha is the perfect drink to do the trick. Read More

Photo: Adam Macchia

KITCHEN DAILY VIDEO

August nights call for festive dinners made with refreshing ingredients. I like how light and cool this chili lime shrimp tastes.

In the mood for another light summer dish, try my Mediterranean Chicken Salad. Read More

Photo: kaylacasey

What better way to cool off this summer than with a tasty Popsicle? What makes this recipe even more interesting is the classic cocktail recipe that we added to our icy treat. Who says adults can’t enjoy Popsicles as much as kids can? Read More

Photos: Suzanne Lehrer

Limes, the ultimate sweet and sour, have been making people pucker since before the 10th century. They originated in Southeast Asia and subsequently Arab traders brought the trees to Egypt and Northern Africa. Three centuries later, the Arabian Moors brought the trees over to Spain, and from there the trees were dispersed throughout Southern Europe during the Crusades. Read More

Forget lemonade! This summer, limeade is what it’s all about. Read More