Lively Limes

Limes are often overlooked in favor of lemons, yet their tartly crisp flavor and striking green skin can add a burst of bold, clean flavor to any dish. They're also an excellent source of Vitamin C and are low in calories. Here are some tips and ideas to liven up your kitchen with limes.

If you have a juicer make your own limeade. Always choose limes that feel smooth and heavy, with an unblemished green skin. Simply cut them in half, juice them and pour into a pitcher. You can dilute it with some water to taste and add a small amount of simple syrup or your favorite artificial sweetener. Make your pitcher look pretty by adding sliced limes into the drink and/or a sprig of mint. You can drink this straight out of the fridge, use it in cocktails, or freeze in popsicle molds for a tart summer treat.

Try limes instead of lemons in your favorite Mexican dishes, such as guacamole. It lends a tarter, unique flavor that is a nice change. Squirt a lime over your south of the border dishes just before serving and garnish with a wedge of fresh lime and a sprig of cilantro. You could also mix some lime juice and zest, a dash of hot sauce, and some freshly chopped cilantro into fat free sour cream for a tangy Mexican topping.

Squeeze some lime juice into your favorite smoothie recipe. You can make a healthy and delicious fruit dip by combining light lime or vanilla yogurt with a drizzle of lime juice and some zest. Marinate fruit salad in lime juice and place in the freezer 15 minutes before serving for an icy tart summer snack.

Make a lime vinaigrette. Simply blend ¼ cup of lime juice with 2 tablespoons EV olive oil, a clove of garlic, lime zest, a tablespoon of honey, either basil or cilantro, and salt and pepper to taste. If you want an Asian twist add some light coconut milk and a teaspoon of hot sauce to the blender. You can drizzle this on salads, or use as a marinade or sauce for fish, shrimp or chicken.

You can create a simple lime granita by pouring your limeade into a shallow pan and placing it in the freezer. After it's frozen scrape the surface with a fork to form this delicious "Italian ice." Serve it in an elegant martini glass with a lime zest garnish. You could also drizzle a little bit of lime limoncello over the top for a more adult treat.

Make a lime meringue pie by substituting lime for lemon in your favorite recipe. If you don't want to make a meringue you can just top it with a light whipped topping. It's a unique twist on a traditional dessert.

Of course, one of the best ways to use limes is to cut them into wedges, pop them into an icy cold bottle of Corona Light, and enjoy it on your patio, by the pool, or at the beach. Cheers to limes!