it’s not summer yet

But this kind of weather … it being almost warm enough out to wear capris … the sun staying out to play past 7 p.m. … say it with me, SPRING IS HERE!! Just a few short months until it really is summer. I think spring, at least in Reno, is meant to create a longing. Longing for the sun on your face. Longing to be outside more often than you are in. Longing to barbecue and eat dinner outside every night of the week, creating one new meal idea after another.

But then there are those stand-by meals. The old faithful go-to dinners. One you can always trust to fill you up and excite your taste buds. One that’s always impressive to house guests, even though it’s SUPER easy.

tilapia tacos

there IS tilapia underneath all those toppings

serves four

For the tilapia:

• Four tilapia filets [we just get the frozen kind because they're inexpensive and reliable, but if it looks/smells fresh at your meat counter, grab that]
• Limes – at least six or so, buy extra though in case you get a dud or two
• A bunch of cilantro
• EVOO
• S&P

For yummifying your tacos:

• Shredded up green cabbage
• Sour cream [I use fat free]
• Two ripe avocados, sliced
• Pico de gallo  [Brad makes ours at home; it's much better than store-bought]
• Queso fresco [shredded, if you have the patience. We just slice it]
• Small flour tortillas [I've done this with white corn tortillas too, but it's only worth it if you buy them fresh from King's Ranch Market]

To make:

1. If they’re not already, defrost your tilapia some warm water [not hot, or the fish will start to cook]. Marinate for 5-10 minutes in a mixture of lime juice and zest, EVOO, super-finely chopped cilantro and S&P. Don’t marinate for more than 5 on each side or the citric acid will start to cook the fish.
2. Ask your boyfriend to Grill the fish for 4-5 minutes on each side, until it’s pretty flakey. Be careful pulling it off the grill though, it’ll be delicate. You could also cook it in the oven or stove-top, but grilling gives more flavor and you don’t need any additional fat to cook it. Plus, cooking outside leaves the fishy smell outside.
3. Assemble your taco and enjoy!
4. Assemble another taco … and enjoy!

we ate outside, even though it was completely not outside dining weather.

so, is it summer YET?!