3 Refreshing Summertime Beverages {Blast from the Past}

Very easy to make - a nice change from everyday lemonade...

pretty too. *-* Great way to use up leftover melon. 

Watermelon Lemonade (Sugar Free Option)

Make your own Healthy Refreshment!! 

M-M-M-Good!

Copycat Orange Julius (Healthy Option)

If you want to be refreshed and get some protein too 

(not to mention getting a 'chocolate fix')...this is just the drink for you! 

Healthy Peanut Butter Cup Smoothie

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Cheesey Garlic Crescent Rolls

Man oh man oh man!

I do...I do LOVE crescent rolls.  Dress them up with cheese and they're absolutely irresistible!

I'm wild about this simple recipe.  If you are having company and want to serve a special bread dish...this is it!! 

Add garlic powder and a few herbs to melted butter...spread over crescent rolls, wrapping a piece of cheese in the center of each...OHHHH MY!! 

And did you know crescent rolls come in packages of 4 as well as 8?  Makes it perfect for hubby and me just to enjoy the pkg. of 4.

I used 1 piece of string cheese, cutting it into 4 pieces for a half size portion. 

PERFECT!! 

These rolls take minutes to prepare...and won't take but minutes to be devoured either!

My friend Loy of Grandma Loy's Kitchen allowed me to share this recipe in my second cookbook, Love at First Bite.  

These are so easy and so tasty.  Enjoy every mouth-melting bite!

Guest-worthy!!

CHEESEY GARLIC CRESCENT ROLLS 

1 (8-count) tube refrigerated crescent rolls

3 Tb. butter

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

sprinkles of oregano or basil, optional

8 - 1/4" sticks cheese (string, cheddar, pepper jack - your choice) 

(I cut 1 string cheese into 4 pieces) 

Preheat oven to 375. Line cookie sheet with foil. Melt butter; add garlic powder and other spices, if using. Let stand for 10 minutes allowing flavors to blend. Brush each triangle liberally with melted garlic butter. Place a 'stick' of cheese along the large end of the triangle.  Roll triangle from large to small end, wrapping the cheese inside the dough.  Repeat with remaining dough.  Brush each roll with garlic butter.  Bake 12 - 14 minutes. Remove from oven and brush rolls with any remaining garlic butter. 

Yield: 8 rolls 

Linked to Full Plate Thursday
            Weekend Potluck

You may enjoy these breads too...

E-Z Slow Cooker Dinner Rolls

German Chocolate Zucchini Bread (Lighter Options)

Butter Dip Biscuits

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Super-Easy Scalloped Potatoes (Microwave)

This is a kid-friendly recipe and would be especially great for summertime as you don't have to heat up the oven, only the microwave!

I was SO pleased with the results of this simple dish.  Found in Gooseberry Patch's  Mom Knows Best  Cookbook 

(in which I have my Blastin' Blueberry Crunch recipe! - page 210). 

Recipe submitted by Judy Henfey of Cibolo, TX. 

The consistency was just perfect and we enjoyed this lovely dish with meatloaf. 

Makes a great side dish for any meal. 

And only FIVE basic ingredients! I always appreciate that. 

Add bacon, ham, peas or extra cheese for a change of pace. I think next time I try them I will use a cream of chicken/mushroom soup. You could also try cheddar cheese soup too. 

Simple, delicious and simply delicious!

SUPER EASY SCALLOPED POTATOES 

1 (10.75 ozs) can cream of mushroom soup 

3/4 c. milk

4 potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/8" thick

1/2 c. onion, chopped

(I used 1 Tb. dry minced onion)

salt, pepper and dried parsley to taste

1 c. shredded cheddar (or cojack) cheese

Spray a microwave-safe 2 qt. casserole dish lightly with non-stick vegetable spray. Add soup and milk' whisk together.  Gently stir in remaining ingredients.  Cover and microwave on high for 10 minutes; stir.  Microwave another 12 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.  Serves 8. 

Linked to Full Plate Thursday
           Weekend Potluck
          Meal Plan Monday

You may also enjoy these side dishes...

Cheesey Cottage Potatoes

Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping

Simple Potato Pancakes

Caramelized Veggie Trio

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American Flag Cupcakes & Weekend Potluck #177

WELCOME TO OUR PATRIOTIC WEEKEND POTLUCK 

We're thankful you took time to stop by....

AND...

You can add buttermilk to the cake mix to 'jazz up' these tasty treats...then easily make a flag on top
using pieces of Twizzlers licorice and icing gel... 

American Flag Cupcakes

May you and yours enjoy a fabulous and safe 4th!

Now, let's take a quick peek back at last week...

The recipe with the most clicks was ~

Best Ever Coleslaw by Mirlandra’s Kitchen

Recipes that caught our attention ~

White Texas Sheet Cake by Cooking with Carlee

Hawaiian Meatballs by Five Heart Home

And, a personal favorite ~

Red, White & Blue (berries) by Simply Suzanne's At Home

Your hostesses ~

• The Country Cook~ Brandie
• Sunflower Supper Club ~ Kim & Julie
• The Better Baker ~ Marsha
• Frugal Family Favorites ~ Tabitha
• Sweet Little Bluebird~ Mary

Remember that when you link up, it shows on all FIVE blogs. Plus…

We TWEET. We PIN. We LIKE.

Linky Guidelines:

If you wish to be a featured recipe or for us to promote your recipe either on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest, you MUST follow these instructions.

1. Please link up to your exact post and not the main page to your blog.
2. LINK BACK HERE from your post so that others can find the fun. Please use a direct link within your post.

When you are kind enough to follow our guidelines, we work hard to get you as much exposure as possible so that your time here is well invested. We want this to be a fun and rewarding experience for everyone!

An InLinkz Link-up

Tasty Lemon Chess Pie

I've been on kind of a pie 'kick' as of late....dunno why. But I found this recipe irresistible. We love chess pie and to 'dress it up' by adding lemon just intrigued me. 

I love Michael Ann's recipes at The Big Green Bowl. They are simple and I've always had great success with every one that I've tried.  So when I came across this one some time ago, I had to try it. Please stop over and say hello to her for me. 

I love that it uses buttermilk....check out my recipe for DIY Perpetual Buttermilk
where you use buttermilk to make more buttermilk...

If you like lemon, you'll love this creamy custardy pie. 

LEMON CHESS PIE 

4 eggs, room temperature
1-1/2 c. sugar
1 TB. white or yellow cornmeal 
1 TB. flour
1/2 tsp. salt (omit if you use salted butter)
1/3 c. unsalted butter, melted and cooled to room temperature
1/2 c. buttermilk*, room temperature
1/3 c. lemon juice, room temperature
(fresh squeezed is bestest!)
1 TB. finely grated lemon zest
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
Whipped cream for serving

Preheat the oven to 350.

(If need be, place chilled eggs in warm water for a few minutes to warm. It's important they are not cold right from the fridge). 

In a large bowl, lightly whisk the eggs. Add remaining ingredients, one at a time, whisking after each addition to blend well.

Pour the filling into the unbaked pie crust. Bake in the middle of the oven for 30-40 minutes, until the pie is golden on top and almost set.  The center of the pie should be slightly loose; it will set as it cools. Remove the pie to a cooling rack and cool completely before serving.

*If you don't have buttermilk on hand, place 1/2 tsp. vinegar or lemon juice in 1/2 cup liquid measuring cup and add milk. Let stand a few minutes.

Linked to 
Full Plate Thursday
Weekend Potluck

You might also enjoy...

Healthy Raspberry Lemonade Smoothie

Luscious Lemon Sheet Cake (3 ingredients)

Naturally Sweetened Lemonade

No Bake Refreshing & Light Key Lime Pie (4 ingredients)

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Patriotic Pound Cake Trifle & Special Pound Cake Recipe

Here's another lovely dessert all dressed up ready to 'salute' America's upcoming birthday! 

The recipe for the pound cake is below...you may prefer using a store-purchased (angel food) cake. Either way, this is a very delicious treat.  Simple enough the kids can help you put it together. 

Just layer pieces of the cake with pudding, Cool Whip, berries and pretty sprinkles. 

I love it in the jars for individual servings too. 

PATRIOTIC POUND CAKE TRIFLE 

2 sm. pkgs. (4-serv. size) instant vanilla, white chocolate or cheesecake pudding (sugar free if desired) 

3-1/2 c. (2%) milk

1/2 c. sour cream, optional

1 loaf-sized pound cake, cut into bite-sized squares

1 lb. strawberries, sliced

2 pints, blueberries, washed 

Set aside a few berries for garnish

2 Tb. (fresh) lemon juice

2 Tb. sugar

1 (8 ozs) Cool Whip topping, thawed

trifle bowl or several small mason jars 

In large bowl, whisk together instant pudding mixes and milk until pudding is thick. Stir in sour cream (just makes it creamier, but is optional) 

Refrigerate for about 10 minutes. 

While you're waiting, place the berries in a large bowl; toss with lemon juice and sugar.  Allow to sit for about 10 minutes. 

When ready to assemble, spoon some pudding into each jar, or lightly cover the bottom of the trifle bowl. Top with a layer of cake pieces, (using about half the amount, in trifle bowl) then layer half the berries with their juice, then half the Cool Whip. Repeat layers once more, finishing off top with Cool Whip. Garnish with a few berries.  Cover and refrigerate at least 3 hours until ready to enjoy.  Sprinkle with decorative jimmies just before serving. 

SPECIAL POUND CAKE 

2 sticks real butter (1 cup), room temperature

1 c. sugar

1 Tb. lemon juice (from half a lemon)

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

4 large eggs

2 c. all purpose flour

1/4 tsp. baking powder

Lightly grease a loaf pan (9″ long x 5″). Set aside. 

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

In large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together. Beat until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add lemon juice, vanilla and eggs; blending on low at first, then at medium high until smooth and fluffy. Add flour and baking powder, blending just until incorporated. Pour into prepared pan. Bake for 80-95 minutes (yes, that's right!) until top is golden or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Rest in pan for 10 minutes; run a knife around edges and flip out of pan onto cooling rack. Cool completely before slicing and enjoying. 

Linked to Weekend Potluck
Full Plate Thursday
Meal Plan Monday

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Double Berry Crisp & Weekend Potluck #176

WELCOME TO WEEKEND POTLUCK!!

We're always so glad you stopped by! 

AND.....

When I share something worth sharing...again...

Your choice of a combo of berries cooked with orange juice and cornstarch, topped with

oatmeal and cornflakes...super summertime yum! 

Double Berry Crisp

Now, let's take a quick peek back at last week...

The recipe with the most clicks was ~

Hawaiian Ice Box Pie by Melissa’s Southern Style Kitchen

Recipes that caught our attention ~

Philly Cheese Steak Stuffed Burgers by Dad Whats 4 Dinner

Raspberry Sticky Cake by Table for Seven

And, a personal favorite ~

Fruit Filled Taquitos  by In Good Flavor

Your hostesses ~

• The Country Cook~ Brandie
• Sunflower Supper Club ~ Kim & Julie
• The Better Baker ~ Marsha
• Sweet Little Bluebird~ Mary
• Frugal Family Favorites ~ Tabitha

Remember that when you link up, it shows on all FIVE blogs. Plus…

We TWEET. We PIN. We LIKE.

Linky Guidelines:

If you wish to be a featured recipe or for us to promote your recipe either on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest, you MUST follow these instructions.

1. Please link up to your exact post and not the main page to your blog.
2. LINK BACK HERE from your post so that others can find the fun. (Need help linking back? Read this or watch this great instructional video Please use a direct link within your post.

When you are kind enough to follow our guidelines, we work hard to get you as much exposure as possible so that your time here is well invested. We want this to be a fun and rewarding experience for everyone!

An InLinkz Link-up

4 Patriotic Desserts to add Flare to the 4th! {Blast from the Past}

With the 4th of July just around the corner, I wanted to share these with you now so you have time to plan ahead...have fun!

Just line up jelly beans for a flying flag on your cake...
use a pretzel rod for the pole...fun! 




These adorable cupcakes begin with a cake mix.  Add some licorice and frosting gel to make some individual flags to help the celebration along...

American Flag Cupcakes

These kabobs are sure to be a hit, especially if you serve them with the 2 ingredient Nutella Dip in this photo.  Cut angel food cake into stars and thread on kebobs along with berries and bananas for a lovely addition to your holiday picnic or cookout.  

Patriotic Berry Kabobs

This lovely dessert pizza has a butter/flour crust, a layer of cream cheese mixture and eggless cookie dough dropped over the top, then berries added for that special touch.  Impressive!

Patriotic Cookie Dough Dessert Pizza