HANGER STEAK WITH MARGARITA MARINADE

Serves 4.

From Rachael Ray.

• Zest and juice of 2 limes

• 1/2 c. tequila

• 2 tbsp. vegetable oil, plus additional for the grill

• Salt

• 1 hanger steak, about 2 lb.

Directions

In a large bowl or casserole dish, whisk together the zest and juice of the limes, tequila, oil and a hefty pinch of salt. Add the meat to the marinade, toss to coat and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to overnight.

To cook, preheat an outdoor grill or grill pan over high. Lightly brush the grill with a little oil and grill the steak until seared, 5 to 6 minutes per side for medium. Let the steak rest on a cutting board for a few minutes before slicing.

MARGARITA ICE CREAM

Serves 8.

From Nigella Lawson.

• 11/2 c. plus 2 tbsp. heavy cream

• 6 large egg yolks

• 13/4 c. sweetened condensed milk

• 31/2 oz. (7 tbsp.) tequila

• 2 tbsp. orange-flavored liqueur, such as triple sec, Grand Marnier or Cointreau

• Juice of 6 limes and zest of 1 lime

Directions

Make a custard by heating the cream (do not boil) in a medium saucepan, whisking it very slowly into the egg yolks in a medium bowl, and then pouring the mixture back into the cleaned saucepan. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 4 minutes. (Again, do not let boil.) Pour mixture into a clean bowl and leave to cool a little, then stir in the condensed milk, tequila and orange-flavored liqueur, lime juice and zest and then cool completely. Pour into a container with a tight-fitting lid and freeze for at least 4 hours.

Serve in margarita glasses rimmed with sugar.

GRILLED MARGARITA SHRIMP

Serves 4 to 6.

Note: Shrimp, patted dry, can be sautéed. From About.com.

• 1/4 c. tequila

• 1/4 c. cilantro, chopped

• 1/4 c. olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 jalapeño, minced

• 2 tbsp. orange-flavored liqueur, such as triple sec, Grand Marnier or Cointreau

• 2 tbsp. lime juice

• 2 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined

Directions

In a medium bowl, combine tequila, cilantro, olive oil, garlic, jalapeño, liqueur and lime juice. Add shrimp, cover and marinate in refrigerator for 30 to 45 minutes. Thread shrimp onto skewers and grill for 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally. Remove and serve immediately.

MARGARITA FRUIT SALAD

Serves 6.

From Fabulousfoods.com.

Tequila orange-liqueur dressing:

• 3 tbsp. tequila

• 3 tbsp. orange-flavored liqueur (triple sec, Cointreau or Grand Marnier)

• 3 tbsp. orange marmalade

• Juice of 1 lime, approximately 2 tbsp.

Salad:

• 4 c. fresh strawberries, sliced

• 4 oranges, peeled, sectioned and cut in small pieces

• 1 small honeydew melon, rind and seeds removed, and cut in small pieces

• 1 small cantaloupe melon, rind and seeds removed and cut in small pieces

Directions

In a large bowl, mix together tequila, orange-flavored liqueur, orange marmalade and lime juice.

Add strawberries, oranges, honeydew and cantaloupe. Stir to combine and refrigerate for several hours or overnight to allow the flavors to blend.