Impromptu Alfresco

Isn't it always the best dinners that come together in the last minute?  Calling up a few friends and grilling some juicy seafood tacos.  A simple, fresh dinner that takes mere minutes to assemble and cook. But, man, they taste so good.  Crack open a few cold beers, invite some friends over and heat up the grill. This dinner is the perfect way to add a little spur-of-the-moment excitement to your midweek lull.

Marinated Shrimp and Scallop Tacos
Serves 4

4-5 long wooden skewers
6-8 large sea scallops
12-14 large raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
1 Tbsp olive oil
juice of 1 lime
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp dried chipotle pepper powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
2 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
pinch of salt

Soak skewers in water.  While skewers are soaking, combine the shrimp and scallops with the rest of the ingredients in a large bowl.  Let seafood marinate for approximately 10 minutes in the refrigerator.

Skewer the seafood.   Grill the skewers over high heat for 1-2 minutes per side.  Remove seafood from skewers and serve with corn tortillas, various sides, black beans and coleslaw (see recipe below).

Cilantro Lime Coleslaw
Serves 4-6
(adapted from a recipe in the July 2010 issue of Bon Appétit)

1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
juice of 1 lime
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 small head savoy cabbage (or one half of a larger head)
salt and pepper

Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice and garlic in a small bowl until combined.  Set aside.  Slice the head of cabbage in half, through the core. Remove the core from each half and thinly slice cabbage into long shreds. Transfer cabbage to a large bowl and add the cilantro and green onion. Pour creamy dressing over the slaw mixture and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Plain, canned black beans get heated on the stove with a sprinkle of warming cumin.

Wrap your corn tortillas loosely in tin foil and warm on the grill.

Topping options:
creamy avocado • salty, crumbly cheese (we used feta) •
sweet cherry tomatoes • tart, juicy lime wedges • minced serrano chile • fresh, bright cilantro • homemade "crema" sauce {plain yogurt + sour cream + fresh lime juice}

Spicy, cool, fresh and satisfying.  Not bad for a quick, midweek meal.