You can prepare the patties in advance up to the point of dredging them in cornmeal; cover and refrigerate. Purchase precut, fresh pineapple in the produce section to save time.

serves 4
You might need to buy:
  • * Rice:
  • * 2 teaspoons butter
  • * 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
  • * 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • * 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • *
  • Patties:
  • * 1/2 teaspoon bottled minced garlic
  • * 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • * 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • * 1 large egg white
  • * 1/4 cup chopped red onion
  • * 1/4 cup cornmeal
  • * Cooking spray
  • * 1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream

This delicious side dish can also be served as a dip with tortilla chips.

ready in about 20 minutes; serves 5
You might need to buy:
  • * 1/4 cup vegetable broth
  • * 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • * 1/2 teaspoon salt

A reader describes this as “watermelon-scented water.” The flavor doesn’t overpower, but refreshes, especially on hot days.

You might need to buy:
  • * 8 cups water
  • * 1/2 cup sugar
  • * 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
  • * Garnish: watermelon wedges
Belongs to shawn Homemade Lemonade 
You might need to buy:
  • * 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • * 1/2 cup boiling water
  • * 2 teaspoons grated lemon rind*
  • * 1 1/2 cups fresh lemon juice
  • * 5 cups cold water
  • * Garnish: lemon slices
Belongs to shawn Ginger Limeade 

This sweet-tart beverage is refreshing on a hot day. Feel free to adjust the sugar to suit your taste. Tote the limeade in a thermos so it stays cold.

serves 4
You might need to buy:
  • * 1/2 cup sugar
  • * 3 tablespoons chopped peeled fresh ginger
  • * 3 tablespoons grated lime rind
  • * 10 mint leaves
Belongs to shawn Ginger Ale 
serves 8
You might need to buy:
  • * 1 1/2 cups sliced fresh ginger
  • * 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • * 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

Strain out the lime rinds so the lemonade won’t get bitter.

You might need to buy:
  • * 1/3 cup sugar
  • * 3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
Belongs to shawn Basil Lemonade 
serves 8
You might need to buy:
  • * 1 cup sugar
  • * 8 cups lemonade

This colorful appetizer would be a fine addition to an antipasto spread. Parmigiano-Reggiano provides nutty contrast to sweet melons and mirrors the taste of salty prosciutto.

serves 8
You might need to buy:
  • * 2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh mint
  • * 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • * 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper