GET TOGETHER GOODIES

This weekend, I am sure a lot of people will be having cook-outs and family gatherings.  Hard to believe, but this is summer's last big HOORAH!  Labor Day will be the official start of fall.

Will you be grilling?  Hamburgers, hotdogs, steaks, chicken, oh my!  We also like to grill fruit.  You should try halving peaches and grilling them - oh my goodness they are good.  Pineapple slices are wonderful grilled as well.  It sure brings out the sugars in fruit.
Like Ellen mentioned the other day, grilled zucchini is wonderful too.  I like to cut lengthwise into slabs (you could cut in thick rounds as well), a little olive oil drizzle and season and grill.  Rounds grilled are great on top of a hamburger in a bun!

There are so many options for fun and different goodies for gatherings.


GRILLED CORN
De-husk your corn
Grease up with a little olive oil, season with some Kosher salt, pepper, and smoked paprika and place on grill or grate.  Turn often.  Done in about 25 minutes.


STRAWBERRY WATERMELON SLUSH
 1 pint strawberries, hulled and halved
2 C watermelon, seeded and cubed
1/3 C sugar
1/3 C lemon juice
2 ice cubes

Combine berries, watermelon, sugar and lemon juice in blender.  Blend till smooth.  Gradually add ice and continue to blend.  Serves 5 or 6


BLT PASTA SALAD
8 oz. pkg. elbow macaroni - cooked
4 C diced tomatoes
4 slices bacon fried - and crumbled
3 C shredded lettuce

1/2 C mayo
1/3 C sour cream
1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. sugar
2 tsp. cider vinegar
1/2 tsp. salt and pepper

Rinse macaroni in cold water and drain.  Add next 3 ingredients and set aside.  Mix topping ingredients, stir well; pour over mac mixture.  Serve immediately.


5 MINUTE ICE CREAM CAKE
9 ice cream sandwiches
chocolate and caramel syrup
1 container of thawed Cool Whip

Unwrap and line up 3 sandwiches side by side (touching)
Drizzle with a little caramel or chocolate syrup
Top with 3 more sandwiches
Drizzle with the other type of syrup
Top with the last 3 sandwiches
ICE with Cool Whip and drizzle with both chocolate and caramel topping.
Place in the freezer till whipped cream sets.
Slice and enjoy!

Hope this gives you a few new ideas for your gathering.
Experiment, try new things, and most of all - ENJOY all the yummies!!!!!!