When it's as hot as it's been, those of us with pools must be resigned to the impromptu gathering. And so it goes that last Wednesday we had a few families over for some swimming and noshing with a little late-birthday celebration thrown into the mix.

But I've been hungry, despite the heat (shock) and I wasn't looking for the hot dog/quick pasta option. But I had no desire to whip up the grand feast, just as no one else had the hunger for formality and over-indulgence during the mid-week.

So I ripped through the monthly rags to find something honest and easy. I came up with two winners: grilled pork chops [1] with a sharp garlic-lime vinaigrette and a quinoa [2] dish with black beans. Winners both, the quinoa [3] earned top honors from the eaters. It was the lime juice that kept it zesty and fresh and gave our whole meal a nice summery lilt.

I was planning on an easy chocolate mousse [4]with strawberries for dessert, but alas, the power went out in the middle of dinner and no way was I whipping cream by hand in the suddenly air-conditionless house. Take it outside, strawberries and dark chocolate poolside don't suck.

Today I'm heading to the Arboretum's Summer House [7]to see what kind of fresh goodies they have. Even though we have no plans for entertaining this weekend, it doesn't mean it won't happen.