An Impromptu Summer Dinner Party

You've reached the end of a long, lazy day spent at the pool or beach with your family and friends. It's time to head home for dinner, but the kids aren't ready to say goodbye to their friends and you wouldn't mind spending a little extra time with your friends, either. That's why it's worth stocking your pantry with a few ingredients designed for impromptu summer entertaining. That way you can keep the summer fun going way past the late summer sunset.

Frozen Cocktails - A summer party just wouldn't be right without a frozen drink after a long hot day in the sun. Keep a Lt.Blender frozen margarita, daiquiri or pina colada on hand in your freezer, and you'll always be ready to serve a slushy, frozen drink to your friends whenever they drop in for a visit. Serve lemonade to the kids or any adult who prefers non-alcoholic drinks.

Salsa and Chips - It's so easy to keep a few tomatoes around during the summer. They're inexpensive, abundant and delicious. With tomatoes, and a few other ingredients you normally keep on hand anyway, it's easy to whip up a fresh salsa. If you'd prefer, keep a jarred salsa in your pantry, although I think the fresh is superior and worth the few minutes of chopping! Remember to set aside a package of tortilla chips in your cupboard for last minute situations like this one.

Grilled Chicken with Poultry Rub - The next time boneless chicken breasts are on sale, stock up on a few packages to keep in your freezer for last minute guests. And while you're stocking your pantry, stir up a little poultry rub to apply to the breasts before grilling. If you're not ambitious enough to make your own rub, you can always order a delicious spice blend from Penzey's Spices.

Cucumber Salad with Dill - Cucumbers seem to be everywhere at this time of the year and this salad comes together quickly. If your children's friends dislike cucumbers, offer them a serving of those mini baby carrots that require little more than a little Ranch salad dressing for dipping on the side.

Lemon Mint Couscous - Couscous is one of the easiest and quickest side dishes you can whip up at the last minute. Add a few flavorful ingredients and you've made something special.

Ice Cream Sundaes - Keep a few flavors of ice cream and/or sorbet in your freezer during the summer months. Allow your guests to make their own sundaes by offerring them candy bits, fudge sauce, whipped cream, nuts or fruit to suit their taste.

Watermelon - It's easy to keep one of those new mini watermelons in your refrigerator during the summer and they're perfect for these impromptu occasions.