It is as hot as Hades outside, and even so, the great outdoors beckons.  This is the perfect time to plan a fun, refreshing evening with friends.  Yep- outside in the summer!   I recently attended a dinner with friends that surprised and delighted me.  On a 100 degree evening, we gathered at a shady (reserved) picnic site on the laceName>BlancolaceName> laceType>RiverlaceType>, each of us bringing a cold dish, boxed wine, and non-glass recyclable plates and utensils.  Under the trees, that hot day became very, very pleasant.  We enjoyed a tasty medley of quiches, lettuce wraps, fresh squash, chicken salad, and fresh slaw, and then retired to lounge in the river.  The end result was that we were refreshed to a person, eager to repeat the entire event!

But we sure don't have to leave home to incorporate the great outdoors and light, fresh food into summer get-togethers. 

Our glorious Hill Country seems to have endless evening breezes which can make being out of doors pleasant in the home setting too.  Before your next gathering, sweep the porches, wipe the seats, check the fans and fluff the plants.  You never know when you may be able to comfortably move outside.  You may want to plan a light, fresh Mexican dinner.

Easy and fun this time of year, strips of jicama and mango sprinkled with lime and cayenne pepper, fresh salsa and chips to start. Then fresh chicken and pork tacos, homemade guacamole, peas-and-carrot rice, followed by chilled watermelon or cinnamon-apple turnovers and ice cream.. A bar with silver tequila, fresh squeezed lime juice, triple sec, Modelo beer, fruity tea and bottled water may be just the ticket.  To avoid slaving over a hot stove or grill, prepare the components of your meal at your convenience a few days in advance.  Poach chicken breasts, and roast a pork tender/ refrigerate.  Arrange an assortment of summer grasses and live, plantable native plants to decorate your tables.  The morning of, turn on porch fans to discourage mosquitoes. Prepare and store remaining components of the meal.  In the afternoon, set out your serving dishes and utensils, and ice down drinks and watermelon.  6:30pm- Complete bar set up with a pitcher of lime juice and lime wedges, ice, tea etc.  Check to see if it is pleasant enough to have drinks and/or eat outside, if not, go out for dessert!

Set out mango and jicama strips with cayenne shaker, and plenty of lime wedges.  Set out fresh salsa dip with tortilla chips.  6:40 pm- Reheat tortillas, chicken and pork and serve when hot.  Start the coffee and remember the turnovers.  By the time you have scooped the ice cream, a refreshing summer evening has been enjoyed by all!