The flowers are blooming, the weather is warming up, and I am oh, so ready, to sit on the patio with a cool drink and a little nibble. These choices are recipes shared by my friend, Chef Joy, whose food is ALWAYS fabulous!

for the nibble, I like to call this AGA:

apricot, goat cheese and almond

Smear a fresh apricot half or quarter with goat cheese and press a smoked almond on top.  Or, you can used dried apricots if fresh are not an option. A quick snack to pop in your mouth, or have your guests assemble their own, as we do at Sizzleworks.

and for a refreshing drink:

portuguese coolers
 A light, summer refresher

Chef Joy, first introduced me to this fresh, wonderful choice for summer afternoons.

Fill 4 tall or stemmed glasses with ice. Pour tonic and white port over ice in each glass, then add a squeeze of lime. Garnish with lime wedges or slices.

Serves 4.