Punch recipe for kids

One of my sisters or sister in law made a Punch for Mom and Dad's 45th Anniversary party! I remember it being a huge hit with the kids. Who has the recipe? Therese wants punch at her Masquarade Ball TONIGHT!

Summer Recipes

Now that summer vacation is here -- regardless of what the weather is saying -- I want light, fresh food. What are your favorite summer recipes?

Oreo Truffle Pops

I was looking for a cute end of year/summer bday treat and came across these oreo truffles athttp://bakerella.blogspot.com/2008/01/grocery-item-turns-gourmet.html. I put them on sticks and added sprinkles for a fun touch.

1 package of double stuffed Oreos (minus 7) ground to crumbs in a food processor

1 8 oz pkg cream cheese, brought to room temp

melted chocolate for dipping

mix oreo crumbs into cream cheese, using the back of a spoon to combine well. Roll into balls and refrigerate for about 1/2 hour I used the small Pampered Chef scoop and this made about 25 balls. I put the lollipop sticks in before refrigerating to help hold (also holds better if you dip the tip of the stick in melted chocolate before sticking in the ball). Melt chocolate in microwave or double boiler. Dip balls in chocolate and decorate (we used rainbow sprinkles). If on a stick, place in styrofoam to cool and harden, then refrigerate. If not using as pops, place in mini cupcake liners. They are so cute!

Bakerella has lots of different recipes and shapes for all different kids of cupcake pops, etc. They are so cute!

Waffle Cones

Waffle Cones! While at the ice cream shop today, Erin asked could we make waffle cones at home? I found a recipe on-line and thought we might try it but first wanted to check if anyone has tried it? If so any tips or suggestions?  If not here is what I found if you are interested.

http://www.waffle-recipe.com/recipes/waffle-cone-recipe/

Ho-Ho Surprise

Eileen just asked me for this recipe. She and I discovered it a few years ago and it is indeed a favorite with kids, and most adults enjoy it as a guilty indulgence. I can't find the exact recipe, but I think I can recreate it pretty easily. You could also replace the Ho-Hos or Yodels with Twinkies for a non-chocolate version. Eileen -- if I have done anything out of order, feel free to correct me. One of the nice things about this is you can re-create to suit your tastes.

Slice Ho-Hos in half lengthwise and layer in the bottom of a 9X9 pan (or bigger). Spread a layer of any flavor softened ice cream on top and a layer of chocolate syrup and refreeze. Sprinkle with chopped oreos and another layer of ice cream, same flavor or different. Refreeze. Top with Whipped cream and refreeze or serve. It is fantastic!

Birthday Party Lunch

My daughter Megan is turning 5 tomorrow and to celebrate, we are having a few of her friends from preschool and their Moms over for lunch and water games/obstacle course. Hopefully the weather will hold out!

The kids will be having pizza sticks and sauce (we found it on the Rachael Ray Show website), mini hot dogs, and fruit skewers with a yogurt dipping sauce.

The Moms will have Honeydew wrapped in prosciutto, Spinach & Strawberry salad, and Peach and Brie Quesadillas with Lime-Honey dipping sauce. Katie told me about the quesadillas and they look so great, I had to try them!

Quesadillas

1 cup thinly sliced peeled firm ripe peaches (about 2 large)

1 teaspoon brown sugar

3 ounces Brie cheese, thinly sliced

4 (8-inch) fat-free flour tortillas

Cooking spray

You mix the peaches and brown sugar together, then layer in the tortilla with slice of brie. Spray the pan with cooking spray and bake in the oven until the tortilla is lightly browned and the cheese is melted. Fold over and cut into wedges.

Serve with honey-lime dipping sauce: 2 Tbs. honey, 2 Tbsp. lime juice and 1/2 tsp of lime zest. Kate recommended mixing into sour cream for the sauce. I cannot wait to try this!

All of this will be washed down with lemonade and sweet tea, and finished off with a strawberry beach-themed cake.

Pot Luck

Hi all,

I have a pot luck this week in between a pretty full week.  I am bringing a salad. I thought Katie's Classic Potato Salad. I'm also down for a dessert. I'd rather not do bars. I was thinking Chocolate Death, it's a group I haven't made it for yet but there will be lots of kids, its Girl Scouts.  Any favorite suggestions?  I usually try to make something I know Brad will eat, he can be a little picky and he likes to know there is at least one thing he'll like.