Courtney’s Cilantro Key Lime Pie

Okay, y’all, I’m usually a fancy dessert person. Think crème brûlée, tiramisu, and île flottante, but this pie—this pie!—I might love it a tiny bit more than any dessert I’ve ever had. It’s super light, and the cilantro counterbalances the extreme tartness of the limes, giving it a unique but addictive flavor.

Cilantro-lime is a pretty popular flavor combo these days, especially in the Southwest, but I’d never really thought of making it into a dessert until I went to an Austin ice cream parlor called LICK. They have the most imaginative flavor combos, things like strawberry basil, lemon lavender, and goat cheese thyme & honey. One of their seasonal flavors is cilantro lime. When I took my first taste, I about fell on the floor. It was that scrumptious! The cilantro sneaks into the palette so subtly, but it’s just enough to tantalize you and drive you crazy with how delicious it is.

September 14, 2015November 13, 2015

Mama’s Beso Caliente Margaritas

This time of year always has me missing home, and now with the birth of Darlington, I can’t help but think of the transition from summer to fall in New Mexico. It’s the most miraculous time of year, with miles of unharvested produce as far and wide as the mirroring skies.

I like to imagine the day when she’ll run through those giant corn mazes, which rise from the earth and consume the imaginations of curious children for hours. At night, when the desert sun hides behind the moon, sounds of laughter will fill the air. Our friends and family will gather around, telling stories and sipping spicy margaritas, while majestic mesquite trees sway in the nighttime breeze. The scent of rain will mingle with the aroma of freshly picked corn and chili being churned in large metal roasters—signifying the end of yet another glorious day along the Rio Grande with Border people who inhabit unofficial towns with dirt roads, adobe homes, and farm animals meandering from yard to yard.

April 9, 2014November 13, 2015

Juice: Minty Mean Green

Nothing says spring like greens—fruits and veggies and fresh leafy mint—that is. And this little no-brainer juice is the perfect jumpstart to warm weather health and happiness. For patio parties, try mixing it together with some wonderful limeade, served in Mason jars with a sprig of fresh mint to garnish.

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