Zesty

When it’s as hot as it’s been, those of us with pools must be resigned to the impromptu gathering. And so it goes that last Wednesday we had a few families over for some swimming and noshing with a little late-birthday celebration thrown into the mix.

But I’ve been hungry, despite the heat (shock) and I wasn’t looking for the hot dog/quick pasta option. But I had no desire to whip up the grand feast, just as no one else had the hunger for formality and over-indulgence during the mid-week.

So I ripped through the monthly rags to find something honest and easy. I came up with two winners: grilled pork chops with a sharp garlic-lime vinaigrette and a quinoa dish with black beans. Winners both, the quinoa earned top honors from the eaters. It was the lime juice that kept it zesty and fresh and gave our whole meal a nice summery lilt.

I was planning on an easy chocolate mousse with strawberries for dessert, but alas, the power went out in the middle of dinner and no way was I whipping cream by hand in the suddenly air-conditionless house. Take it outside, strawberries and dark chocolate poolside don’t suck.

Today I’m heading to the Arboretum’s Summer House to see what kind of fresh goodies they have. Even though we have no plans for entertaining this weekend, it doesn’t mean it won’t happen.