Strawberries with lime curd

A little bit different from the norm, strawberries with lime curd is a true crowd-pleaser. It's a "Barefoot Contessa" recipe, and I've served it at a number of events now to rave reviews every time. The juice and zest of 4-5 limes are combined with sugar, eggs, and butter. All ingredients are stirred over low heat for about 15 minutes until thickened. The result is both sweet and tart and decadent and delicious. Served alongside strawberries for dipping, it is absolutely sensational...

Chilled cucumber soup

For a perfect first course or light, warm weather entree, this chilled cucumber soup is ideal. It's also really easy with a food processor. I tossed in unpeeled, seedless cucumbers, green onions, chopped jalapeno, watercress, and garlic with lowfat yogurt and sour cream. I then whirled it around before adding fresh dill, mint, cilantro, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt and pepper. The result is a cool, refreshing, tasty soup that is sure to surprise and satisfy. I garnished mine with chopped grape tomatoes and mint leaves.