Kohler Kitchen Sink
–
If several household members are sharing a bathroom, follow these tips to help organize it.
1. Clean out every drawer and shelf in the bathroom. Get rid of anything that isn’t being used.
2. Move your medicines to the kitchen. The heat and steam in the bath can ruin them.
3. Give each household member a different colored basket to fill with toiletries. No sharing. Make sure everyone has their own toothpaste, eye drops, cosmetics and grooming supplies. Each person will keep the basket in his or her bedroom.
4. Evaluate your storage. You will need places for: towels, nail care, extra paper, feminine hygiene products,
hair care and back-up supplies of soap and shampoo. Nothing else belongs in the bathroom.
5. Use a shower/bath caddy for shampoo and soap. They are inexpensive and are available in many different styles.
6. Set up a drip-dry container for bath toys if you have small children. Cut slits in an empty wipes box for an
inexpensive solution.
7. Make space for a small, lidless hamper or laundry basket. Otherwise, have a system for depositing used
towels in the laundry room.
8. Use hooks instead of towel racks for kids. They’ll be more likely to use them. Have as many hooks and/or
towel racks as you have persons using the bathroom.
9. Make a checklist of all products in your bathroom as well as those used by each individual. Review weekly before shopping.
10. Explore the variety of storage options you can use in the bath. Small countertop drawers can organize cotton
balls and Q-Tips. Cutlery trays in drawers, plastic shelves under the sink, caddies which attach to doors, and rolling carts can all contain the clutter that so often accumulates
in this much-used room.
Barbara Myers is a professional organizer and speaker. Free tips booklet and e-zine to help you take control of your time by organizing your life. Visit http://www.ineedmoretime.com
QUENCH YOUR THIRSTArleen M. Kaptur
The temperature index is rising and so is your thirst. If you drink any more water, you may just float away. Youd like to try something different, but refreshing. It cant be too sweet or heavy, because the day is calling for light and cold. The colder the drink the better!
The kids are looking for something to drink. Its one of those days that food is not very appetizing. You want to give them something they will enjoy but not pop. So what do you do?
Guests are coming and its suppose to be a sweltering day. Something cold that will slip down their throats to refresh and revive, but – .
Check these out and see if they dont quench your powerful thirst –
STRAWBERRY FRUIT SLUSH
3 cups water, 1 cup lemon juice, 1 cup sugar, 2 cups fresh strawberries, crushed ice, whole strawberries, lemon slices
Put 1 cup of the water, lemon juice, sugar, and 2 cups fresh strawberries in blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth and the sugar is completely dissolved.
Combine the strawberry mixture with the remaining 2 cups water. Add the crushed ice, and float some lemon slices on top. Place a whole strawberry on the side of the glass, add a straw, and enjoy.
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PEACH MILK SHAKE
1/4 cup milk, 1 cup sliced fresh peaches, 1 pint peach flavored ice cream, 3/4 cup milk, and additional peach slices
Put the 1/4 cup milk and sliced peaches in your blender. Blend until smooth. Spoon in the ice cream. Blend again until mixture is smooth.
Garnish with fresh peach slices and you have yourself a very healthy shake.
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COME TO THE ISLAND LEMONADE
1 6-oz. can frozen lemonade concentrate, 1 12-oz. can apricot nectar, very cold, 1 12-oz. can unsweetened pineapple juice, chilled, ginger ale, chilled
Place the lemonade in a jug and add 1 can water. Mix in all the fruit juices. Add the ginger ale slowly and ice.
If you like fizz, add the ginger ale to the fruit juice mixture just before serving.
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FROSTY LIME PICK ME UP
1 12-oz. can pineapple juice, chilled, 1/2 cup lime juice, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 quart of lime sherbet, and lemon-lime carbonated beverage, such as 7-up or Sprite
Combine the pineapple juice, lime juice, and sugar in a blender. Spoon half of the sherbet in and process until smooth.
Pour the mixture into chilled glasses and add additional sherbet. Fill each glass with the carbonated beverage, add a mint leave for garnish and quench your thirst.
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RASPBERRY PUNCH
4 cups ice-cold water, 1 envelope unsweetened raspberry-flavored soft-drink powder, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 6-oz. can frozen lemonade concentrate, 1 10-oz. pkg. frozen raspberries, thawed, or 2 cups fresh, lemon-lime carbonated beverage, such as 7-up or Sprite, and ice cubes
Put 2 cups of the water, soft drink powder, sugar, and lemonade into a blender. Blend until smooth and sugar is completely dissolved.
Blend the fresh raspberries until blended but not pureed. Combine the drink mixture with the fruit and 2 cups water. Stir, and chill. Just before serving, add the carbonated beverage.
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Try other fruit combinations and see what you can create! Fresh fruit is naturally sweet and sherbet and ice cream will add to your summertime drink creations.
ENJOY
Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 June
Arleen Kaptur has written numerous articles, cookbooks, motivational booklets, and the novel: SEARCHING FOR AUSTIN JAMES
Websites:
http://www.arleenssite.com
http://www.Arleens-RusticLiving.com
http://www.webspawner.com/users/rusticliving/
http://topica.com/lists/simpleliving
OUR FINE FEATHERED FRIENDSArleen M. Kaptur
Do you remember the fun of running under a sprinkler as a child? It was a hot, sunny day and the cold water made the summers heat tolerable and even enjoyable. Well, now you can offer the same relief from the heat to our fine feathered friends.
Providing a birdbath not only enhances your yard but brings the pleasure of watching and enjoying the myriad of birds that will thank you with their songs and their antics.
A bird bath does not have to be an expensive item. It can be as simple as a shallow pan perched on a tree stump for stability.
There are a few items to consider when you place a bird bath in your garden. Birds prefer shallow water, approximately 1-2 inches. Anything more than that is considered a danger to them and they will avoid it. Also, the bottom should have a rough surface. They appreciate having a solid footing. You should also place your bath in clear view or an open section of the garden. Predators have a tendency to lurk in shrub and low lying plants and birds prefer a clear view so that they can ascertain danger. A few simple precautions and birds will be waiting in the wings to have the privilege of your birdbath.
Once you find the perfect place, then concentrate on attracting these wonderful winged delights. Having food nearby will help. They will notice your birdbath a lot quicker and begin using it. Also the sound of water will attract them. When you are watering your lawn or garden, keep it on a fine mist as the sound of the water will also bring birds in from near and far. Once you have established a population of feathered beauties, remember to keep the bath clean. Algae and mud can be a health hazard to the birds, and who would want to step into dirty water anyway? Also, refill with water as necessary, especially in the hot months. Water evaporates and birds need the water to maintain a healthy life balance. If you can, have your bath near some perching branches or tree limbs. After bathing, birds enjoy preening their feathers and making themselves beautiful!
Your birdbath can be a wonderful addition to your garden setting, in the summer as well as the winter months. While your plants sleep away the cold, birds still need water and many local watering holes may be frozen over and not provide the liquid they need. Also, there are different birds in each season, and you will be amazed that you never noticed them before. If your bath is shallow, simply knocking out the ice and providing clean water will keep them happy during the coldest days.
A fun project is to keep a diary of the birds you see in any given season. Compare notes and see which ones are just passing through and which take up housekeeping. The colors are a sight to behold, and their activities will entice both adult and child to watch and enjoy. Birds can be a very welcome addition into your spot in the world. Treat them with a few amenities and they will reward you handsomely. Wherever you live, there are birds that will take delight in the necessities you have provided, and listen very carefully – you will hear them thanking you with their song – a chorus of chirping, singing, and other bird sounds is very entertaining. They have different songs for difference occasions. See if you can tell the difference and soon you will know if they are sending out an alarm to the other birds, courting a possible mate, or just enjoying the afternoon. It can become a lifelong hobby, and a very enjoyable one at that. Your picture perfect garden just got a little prettier, and a lot more musical.
ENJOY
Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 June
http://www.arleenssite.com
http://www.Arleens-RusticLiving.com
Arleen Kaptur has written numerous articles, cookbooks, motivational booklets, and the novel: SEARCHING FOR AUSTIN JAMES
Websites:
http://www.arleenssite.com
http://www.Arleens-RusticLiving.com
http://www.webspawner.com/users/rusticliving
http://topica.com/lists/simpleliving
THE TREASURE IN “USED”Arleen M. Kaptur
Youve spent the entire day shopping for new furniture or accents for your home and yet nothing seems quite right. You come home exhausted and in ill spirits. You grab the newspaper to check out the ads and possibly something there will light up that spark in your eyes and put that spring in your step. You sink back down into that old chair that your great Aunt Tessie gave your grandmother, who gave it to your mother, who passed it on to Sister Sue, until she got tired of it and you inherited it.
There you go – the words inherited it. You are a lucky individual. Getting furniture handed down to you from countless sources, or cruising the tag sales and resale shops will never get you into the Great Homes Hall of Fame. Right? Oh, you couldnt be more wrong. Those store-bought items do not insure individuality, heritage, and one-of-a-kind prestige. Yet, taking your hand-me-downs or bargains and polishing them with ingenuity and imagination will get you first-place honors in any Home Show. No one gets too enthused at a piece of furniture that they have seen in a furniture showroom, also at their neighbors house, or even at their bosss summer resort. Definitely beautifully crafted furniture will bring oohs and aahs and everyone will admire their grace and style. However, older furnishings have history, a story behind the previous owners, and a lot of sentiment. Now thats what a home really is – a place to share what you are today, where you came from, and where you are heading.
Using fabric can change an entire color scheme or enhance that chair or sofa. If you add some really bright and beckoning pillows, then you have brought comfort and style together. If there are arms or legs on your sofa, a bit of stain, wood finish, or paint will bring out the shine. As for tables, shelving, chairs, etc. a bit of varnish, finish, or paint will revitalize and renew any piece. Using your imagination, try different brush strokes, or techniques. You may be surprised what happens when you combine different stains with different solid colors. Maybe oak is too somber for you, then pine may be more to your liking. It is now your piece of clay to work with, so mold it to fit your surroundings and other decor.
Old clocks, pictures of previous generations, lamps that recall bygone eras all add that certain something to any room. Throw in a few good old novels, some bright fresh flowers, and beautiful scarves or throws and you have heirloom pride written all over your room. Modern is nice, and brand new will always be great, but throw in a piece or two of some really vintage furniture and you have not only memories but a room that will create its own. If you feel that placing these items in your main rooms is really too much for you, then have a very private area where you read, write in your diary, or just relax. Furnish this with those items that recall, relive, and reacquaint. Here, you can read under your fathers desk lamp, or your brothers favorite horse painting. Grandmas crocheted throw will be a welcome accent, as well as that deer that grandpa whittled.
Using fabric, color, paint, stain, and a whole lot of ingenuity will give your home that very beautiful individuality that most designers seek, and most homeowners seem to miss. Your guests, whether neighbors, family, or those whose friendship is very important to you will feel relaxed, comfortable, and interested. They can touch the brass, or finger the brocade. There is style, detail, and intricate designs that add true character to a home. Dont ever feel bad when you get hand-me-downs. Make them the treasures they truly are. Place your imprint of creativity on them and you will have something that one day you will be proud to hand-down, if you can ever really can part with it.
ENJOY!
Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 June
http://www.arleenssite.com
http://www.Arleens-RusticLiving.com
Arleen Kaptur has written numerous articles, cookbooks, motivational booklets, and the novel: SEARCHING FOR AUSTIN JAMES
Websites:
http://www.arleenssite.com
http://www.Arleens-RusticLiving.com
http://www.webspawner.com/users/rusticliving/
http://topica.com/lists/simpleliving
SUMMERTIME SALADSArleen M. Kaptur
Summertime – the living is easy – or it should be! Meals are lighter, and usually taken outdoors. Appetites are not receptive to hot, heavy food, and cooking time should be at a minimum. So whats the solution – when you come home after a days work, or time out with the family at the beach or the zoo? You want something quick, tasty, cool and refreshing, but it should satisfy those hunger pangs. Summertime salads – fit right into summertime activities and fun.
TASTY TURKEY DINNER SALAD-
1-1/2 cups fresh strawberries, washed, hulled, and sliced in half
1 10-1/2 ozs. can mandarin orange sections
1-1/2 cups seedless green or red grapes, or a combination of both
2 heads Belgian endive, Bibb, iceberg, or Boston lettuce, or a combination
16 ozs. sliced fully cooked smoked turkey breast (from the deli) or
honey roasted turkey
Creamy ranch or buttermilk dressing
1/2 cup sliced almonds
Prepare strawberries and drain mandarin oranges. Wash grapes and dry with paper toweling. In a mixing bowl, combine the fruit. Set aside.
Wash, separate the lettuce leaves, and pat dry. Line individual salad plates with the lettuce. Arrange the turkey slices on top of the lettuce leaves, and spoon the fruit on top of the turkey. You can also place the turkey on one side of the plate and the fruit on the other, if you prefer. Spoon your choice of dressing across both the turkey and the fruit.
Sprinkle with the almonds and serve.
Some warm rolls, ice-cold lemonade, and chocolate brownies – you have a great, quick and satisfying meal.
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IN THE ISLANDS SALAD
1 8-oz. pkg. medium noodles
1 avocado, halved, pit removed, and peeled
fresh lemon juice
1 15-1/2 oz. can pineapple chunks in real juice
1 7-oz. can crab meat, drained, flakes, and cartilage removed or
salad polluck, cut into chunks
5 ozs. salad shrimp, rinsed
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup dairy sour cream
3 tbs. sliced green onions
2 tbs. chili sauce
1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp. dry mustard
assorted lettuce leaves
1/2 cup chopped pistachio nuts
Cook the noodles until tender, drain. Rinse with cold water. Slice the avocado into lengthwise slices. Brush with the fresh lemon juice to prevent darkening. In a bowl,
combine the noodles, avocado slices, the drained pineapple, crab meat and shrimp.
For dressing – combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, sliced green onions, chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and dry mustard. Spoon the dressing over the salad mixture. Gently combine so that the dressing coats the mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for
3-4 hours.
To serve, line individual salad plates with lettuce leaves, Spoon salad mixture onto the lettuce leaves and sprinkle with the nuts.
Serve with sliced French bread, iced tea or coffee, and chocolate chip cookies.
Cool and Smooth!
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Decorate your food with these simple garnishes:
Orange Chrysanthemum:
Score the peel or 3 oranges into 8 sections, cutting to but not cutting through the base of the peel.
Carefully remove the peel from the fruit, keeping the shell all in one piece. Pull the fruit sections apart and carefully remove any of the white pulp membranes.
With scissors, cut the sectioned peels into small petals by cutting to the base, but not cutting through. Place some orange sections in one peel shell. Insert this shell into another shell. And then into the third.
You have a very full and beautiful accent on any plate.
***
Frosted Grapes:
Combine slightly beaten egg white with a little water. Brush the mixture over a cluster of red or green grapes, using a pastry brush. Sprinkle with granulated sugar until covered. Shake off excess. Dry on rack and you have a very beautiful color garnish.
***
Serving sandwiches:
Slice pickle lengthwise almost to the stem end, but not through. Make fairly thin slices. Spread each fan and press the uncut end of the pickle gently so that the fan will hold its shape when placed next to a sandwich.
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COOKS CHOICE SALAD –
5 ozs. each sliced turkey, ham, roast beef, Swiss cheese, and American cheese or Muenster cheese
1 cucumber, 2 tomatoes, 1 head iceberg lettuce, romaine lettuce, red cabbage, carrots and radishes (or buy a bag of prepared salad mix for even easier meal preparation)
Cut the meat and cheese into lengthwise slices. Slice the cucumber and the tomato.
Wash, pat dry, and chop the lettuce. Also shred the cabbage, carrots and radishes. Combine the lettuce, cabbage, carrots, and radishes together. Place in large bowl. Top with the strips of meat and cheese. Garnish with the cucumber and tomato slices.
Serve with Russian, Thousand Island, or Ranch dressing.
Great with rye bread slices, raspberry juice punch, and slices of pound cake topped with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped topping.
This will satisfy even the heartiest summertime appetite!
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Summertime and salads go together like lazy afternoons and gentle evening breezes. They keep the cook out of the kitchen and everyone satisfied.
ENJOY!
Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 June
http://www.arleenssite.com
http://www.Arleens-RusticLivng.com
Arleen Kaptur has written numerous articles, cookbooks, how-to books, and the novel: SEARCHING FOR AUSTIN JAMES
Websites:
http://www.arleenssite.com
http://www.Arleens-RusticLiving.com
http://www.webspawner.com/users/rusticliving/
http://topica.com/lists/simpleliving
A GOOD OLD-FASHIONED ICE CREAM SOCIALArleen M. Kaptur
You may have attended an ice cream social at your local church or even in your town meeting hall. Your grandmother may have told you about the ones she went to as a small girl or your parents took you to some when you were young. Now, let your own children, as well as neighbors, friends, and relatives enjoy this form of entertaining.
It is relatively simple to host an ice cream social. Just make sure to serve plenty of smooth, creamy scoops of luscious flavors of ice cream and a table filled with delectable toppings and sprinkles. The best time is on a week-end when there is plenty of opportunity to chat and visit as well as indulge in sinfully rich combinations of made-to-order sundaes. There is always a lot of laughter, fun, and, of course, great eating. You can even add some excitement to your event – tell your guests to dress in the cool colors of summer and to be ready for calorie-rich, taste-temping delights. You can add several different types of pie, cut into serving slices, and give your guests the opportunity to add a scoop or more of ice cram and the works on their selected choice of pie. You then have a Pie and Ice Cream Social.
Vanilla and chocolate ice cream are very basic and should always be served. These are super as bases for exotic, fanciful flights of the imagination when it comes to creating the supreme ice cream delight. Other flavors can be fruity, minty, nutty or a combination of all three.
Set your containers of ice cream in buckets or bowls of ice to keep them frosty cold.
And the toppings – oh, the array is endless. There are prepared toppings that range from hot fudge, strawberry, butterscotch, to pineapple and the full gamut of the fruit world.
Or you can make your own However you choose, the only limit is what your table can hold.
Then comes the add ons. These can be fresh fruit, such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, apples, apricots, some plain, some soaked in brandy or wine for adults, and in flavorful fruit juice for children. Then add chopped nuts (any and all kinds), colored candy sprinkles, mint or peanut butter chips, mini marshmallows, crumbled cookies, crushed mints, maraschino cherries, chocolate-covered nuts or raisins, crushed candy bars, M&Ms, and crushed malted milk balls. The list is endless and the creations will bring laugher and giggles from everyone.
Serving tables should be sturdy and have plenty of napkins. Have pitchers of clear, sparkling water, and lemonade. Adding a plate of delicate cookies, as well as waffle-creme filled logs, will give you that old-fashioned flavor.
An ice cream social is an easy way of entertaining, puts your guests at ease and in the mood for fun, and everyone can be messy. Use inexpensive kitchen towels as lap covers – your guests will be very appreciative especially if the temperature are high. Have some lively music, and a few games for the guests. As for the bees that are not invited, keep garbage containers covered and away from the main activity.
Enjoy a great week-end party, splurge on some luscious ice cream creations, and have the time of your life. Entertain with an old-fashioned ice cream social – it may just become a yearly event.
ENJOY!
Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 June
Arleen Kaptur has written numerous articles, cookbooks, how-to books, and the novel: SEARCHING FOR AUSTIN JAMES
Websites:
http://www.arleenssite.com
http://www.Arleens-RusticLiving.com
http://www.webspawner.com/users/rusticliving/
http://topica.com/lists/simpleliving
THE PLEASURE OF PEACHESArleen M. Kaptur
A peach is a all-in-one marvel. The scent is light and sweet, the skin is fuzzy and smooth, and the taste – oh, the juice with each bite just drizzles down and the natural flavor penetrates each slice. It is a favorite just plain, warm and succulent – but have a napkin nearby to catch the essence of peach that drips down your chin. The color is the hue of a sunlit morning and the sound of your teeth cutting through the flesh just gets your taste buds ready for an authentic taste of summer.
If you want something a bit more fanciful than a plain peach – try some of these:
FRESH PEACH TORTE –
In a mixer, combine 6 egg whites, 1/4 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. cream of tartar. Beat until the eggs have doubled in volume. Add 1-1/2 cups sugar, very slowly, being sure that the sugar is dissolved. Beat in 1-1/2 tsp. vanilla. Spoon this mixture into a buttered 8 springform pan. Make a depression in the center, about 5 wide and 1 deep. Place in a preheated 400 degree oven. Place the cake in the oven, close the door and shut off the heat. Let this meringue stay in the oven for 12 hrs. or preferably overnight. Do not open the oven door.
The following morning, remove from the oven and run a spatula around the edges. Release the spring and very gently remove the sides. Loosen the meringue from the bottom and place on a serving plate.
Peel and slice 2 lbs. of fresh peaches, sprinkle them with 2 tbs. of fresh lemon juice.
Add 1/4 cup sugar and gently toss. Soften 1 envelope unflavored gelatin in 2 tbs. water. Place in a pan of hot water; stir until completely dissolved. Stir gelatin mixture into peaches, and chill in refrigerator until mixture has thickened.
Whip 3/4 cup heavy cream until very thick, adding 1 tbs. sugar slowly while whipping. Stir in 1/4 tsp. vanilla into whipped cream.
Pile the peach mixture onto the meringue; top with the vanilla whipped cream. Garnish with additional fresh peach slices and serve.
**A bit of work but very well worth it. – This makes a great finale dessert to any special summertime meal.
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PEACH SAUCE
Use on ice cream, or French Toast –
4 large peaches, peeled, stone removed, and sliced, 1/4 tsp. almond extract, 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
In a blender at low speed, blend all ingredients together until smooth.
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BAKED PEACHES
Serve with pork chops or roast, even barbecued ribs
6 peaches, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 tbs. lemon juice, 1 cup water, 2 tbs. dairy butter
Preheat oven to 350. Peel, halve, and remove pit. In a pan over medium-high heat,
blend the sugar, lemon juice, butter, and water to boiling. Lower heat and simmer for about 5 mins.
Place in a baking pan. Add the syrup. Cover and bake for 30 mins. or until fruit is tender. Serve, drained as a garnish or a fruit course.
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Try peach ice cream or ice milk, stewed peaches or add peaches, first dipped in lemon juice to prevent darkening in your favorite fruit salad. Place peeled fresh peach slices on cottage cheese or with watercress and drizzle with French dressing.
Use fresh peaches on ham or even in scrambled eggs.
Fresh peaches are a summertime treat – use your imagination and give them a try.
ENJOY!
Arleen M. Kaptur 2002
http://www.Arleens-RusticLiving.com
http://www.arleenssite.com
Arleen Kaptur has written numerous articles, cookbooks, and the novel:
SEARCHING FOR AUSTIN JAMES
Websites:
http://www.arleenssite.com
http://www.Arleens-RusticLiving.com
http://www.webspawner.com/users/rusticliving/
http://topica.com/lists/simpleliving
A SALUTE TO THE 4THArleen M. Kaptur
Fourth of July celebrations – bands playing, flags waving, firework displays and a lot of parades and fun!
There are games, and outdoor sports, military displays, music, pageants and contests.
Family picnics and barbecues are the choice of the day. Homes and backyards are decorated with flags, streamers, and all sorts of fun items that are red/white/blue.
However you decide to celebrate – have fun with family and friends. Enjoy the great outdoors and let Mother Nature help in your entertaining plans.
Here are some ideas for Fourth of July entertaining:
Firecracker Punch –
2-1/2 cups cranberry juice cocktail, icy cold
1 6-oz. can frozen lemonade concentrate that is thawed but not diluted
1/2 cup sweet vermouth, chilled
3/4 cup ice water
Combine all ingredients. Serve with red or blue straws and lemon slices.
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FRUITY FAVORITE COOKIES
Need a fast dessert – but one that will impress your guests –
try this –
Using sugar cookies, cut them in half. Using vanilla frosting divide the frosting into two bowls. Color one with red food coloring for a pretty watermelon pink/red and the other with green food coloring.
Cut each cookie in half and frost with the pink frosting. Pipe the green food coloring around the edges for the rind. Then using chocolate chips, give your watermelon cookies some seeds.
Place on a pretty plate and dazzle your guests! Your watermelon cookies will be the hit of the barbecue!
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Or try cutting your favorite cookie dough with star-shaped cutters. Then sprinkle the cookies with colored sugars – some red, some blue, and some white. Place in a basket with a colorful napkin and your stars will shine!
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Use fresh fruit to bring out the colors of the fourth. –
On a large platter, lined with lettuce leaves, place a bowl of creamy fruit dip in the center – 1 pkg. (8 ozs.) cream cheese, softened, 1 jar (7 ozs.) marshmallow cream, 1 tbs. milk
In a bowl, combine all the ingredients until smooth.
Around the bowl of dip, place strawberries, uncut, washed, with stems intact for easier handling, and tiny skewers with tiny white marshmallows and juicy blueberries. All the colors and delights of the day!
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Paper plates, napkins, cups, and plastic utensils can vary – some red, some white, and some blue. Tie a basket with a colorful ribbon and place your utensils or napkins inside.
Colorful straw hats, make-believe firecrackers made from construction paper and gold
trim will give your table all the beauty of the Holiday!
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Having children at your doing? Make a treat they cant resist – Serve home-made popsicles that are layered with three flavors of kool-aid. Strawberry or raspberry for the bottom, icy white lemonade or other flavor for the middle, and cool, blue raspberry for the top. Place a tiny piece of red licorice string in the stick layer before freezing. There is your wick for your firecracker pops.
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GRAND FINALE DESSERT
Using a frozen pound cake, cut into ten slices. Place on bottom of a clear glass baking pan. Place a combination of cut-up strawberries, and blueberries on top of the cake slices. Frost the entire cake with Cool Whip or any dairy topping. In the upper left-hand corner, place whole blueberries for the states on our flag. Then line strawberries that have been cut in half lengthwise for the stripes. Refrigerate until serving time. Cut along the cake slices and each guest will have a beautiful, colorful treat.
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Menu Ideas –
Grilled chicken legs, corn on the cob, macaroni salad, and grand finale dessert
**
Barbecued spareribs, Tomato/lettuce/cucumber salad, creamy cole slaw, corn on the cob, peas and onions, ice cream sundaes with blueberries, strawberries and raspberries
**
Barbecued chicken, buttermilk biscuits, coleslaw, watermelon slices
**
Lemonade, grilled steak, grilled potato wedges, tossed salad, and dessert
**
Burgers and franks on buns, baked beans, corn on the cob, red/white/blue fruit plate with dip, and watermelon cookies
*********************
However you celebrate, have a great time and
ENJOY!
Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 June 3
Arleen Kaptur has written numerous articles, how-to books, cookbooks, and the novel: SEARCHING FOR AUSTIN JAMES
Websites:
http://www.arleenssite.com
http://www.Arleens-RusticLiving.com
http://www.webspawner.com/users/rusticliving
http://topica.com/lists/simpleliving
Kohler K-19480-4-BN Symbol Single-Control Bathroom Faucet
Kohler K-19480-4-BN Symbol Single-Control Bathroom Faucet Kohler K-19480-4-BN Bring sophistication into your home with the Symbol single-control bathroom faucet. With clean, seamless lines and a gleaming solid brass construction, this item is not only irresistible but functional. Mix and match with the Symbol fixture suites for a complete look. Features: -Available in the following [...]
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