Featured On: Food is My Porn

One Tequila, Two Tequila, Three Tequila, Floor.
The rumors are true. Tequila makes your clothes fall off. Take it from the true lush that I am. The sheer mentioning of the word "tequila" has caused my bra to unhook itself and find it's way to the floor. Work it.

Cooking with alcohol is perfect if you are looking to bring big, distinctive flavor and aroma to both sweet and savory dishes. It conveys a rich, layered effect without the heaviness. For the Italians, it's wine. For the Germans, it's beer. For me, it's vodka in my morning OJ. (Yep, and like clockwork my pants have joined my bra on the floor)

Today I've gone the Mexican route. I grilled some Tequila Lime Shrimp Kabobs with an Avocado Cream Dipping Sauce. A night around the grill is a great way to entertain your guests during these sizzling summer months: the fresh meats and produce, the smoke wafting in the air, those tantalizing grill marks. Add in some tequila and you've got fun for the whole family. So grab your closest bottle of José and let's get started!

Ingredients (serves 4)
Kabobs
1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and de-veined
1 cp tequila
2 limes
1/4 cp olive oil
1 tb crushed red pepper
1/2 cp cilantro, chopped (sub parsley if you prefer)
1 tb salt
Mixed veggies for kabobs (jalapeño-HIGHLY recommended, onions, peppers, etc.)

Dipping Sauce
1/2 cp guacamole
1/2 cp sour cream

Directions
1. Ok, let's get rid of the elephant in the room. Just do a shot of tequila already. You deserve it.

2. Soak the kabob sticks in water for 2 hours. I soaked mine in tequila and lime juice instead. What can I say? I'm a good time.

3. Marinate shrimp with all kabob ingredients minus veggies for 30 minutes.

4. Mix guacamole with sour cream, set aside.

5. Get the shrimp and veggies on the sticks and grill the kabobs on medium-high heat for about 4 minutes on each side, depending on the size of the shrimp. Baste shrimp with remaining marinade every 2 minutes or so.

6. Convince your friends it's time to start doing shots with you so you aren't drinking alone (yet again). After all, it's a family affair.

7. Plate up the kabobs. Garnish with lots of fresh chopped cilantro and lime wedges. Serve with dipping sauce.

PHEW! Lights out, we're done. Put your clothes back on, drink plenty of Gatorade, and eat some empty carbs before bed. If you play your cards right, your hangover won't be too bad tomorrow and we can forget this ever happened. Cheers!