Summer is the perfect season for eating outdoors and relaxing with family and friends. Dips, nibbles and cold drinks, before turning on the BBQ are a tradition shared by most Australian families.





We’re staying with my in-law’s in Melbourne for most of January. I visited their local Target store in preparation for my first January sponsored post. Wow it’s a big one and I was in shopping heaven.

With thoughts of summer time traditions and eating outdoors, I headed to the tableware section and was not disappointed by the selection.

There is so much fun and funky outdoor tableware on offer… plus at the moment, it’s all 30% off. Visit the online Target store for a sample of what is available, or visit your local store for the full range.





I bought this Hampton Style Platter with coordinating Dip Bowls. I’m sure it will get a lot of use by my family and because it’s melamine, the kids will be given free reign and allowed to use the bowls without me worrying that they’ll drop them onto the tiled floor and shattering into a squillion pieces.

To test the bowls (and because we had a family gathering) I made a couple of dips to share.

I love avocado and guacamole so used that idea and came up with this Spicy Summer Dip: Avocado & Tomato. It’s really yummy and went down a treat with everyone.





Spicy Summer Dip: Avocado & Tomato

Avocado
Sour Cream
Roma Tomato
Red Onion
Fresh Coriander
Lime
Coriander Seed Powder
Cayenne Pepper
White Pepper
Salt *




Mash the avocado and stir into it, the desired amount of sour cream. I’ve left the measurements out as the dip can be made be according to your own personal taste.

De-seed the tomato and chop up finely.

Chop 1/3 of the red onion finely.

Chop up a bunch of the fresh coriander (1/4 of a cup).

Mix the tomato, onion and fresh coriander into the mix.

Add the coriander seed spice, a squeeze of lime juice and the seasonings to your taste.

Serve chilled and enjoy it with corn chips or crackers.

* Use garlic salt as a yummy alternative



Long hot lazy days. Watermelon. No schedules. BBQ’s and picnics. Beach and the smell of sunscreen and salt water. Family time and relaxation. Water fights.