Welcome to Summer Party

Summer time is coming, and to many parents this means a desperate search for creative amusement for the little ones. While we struggle to find the budget for a summer vacation, we shouldn't fail to acknowledge the opportunities available in our own back yard. After all, with a little effort, and minimal spending on a grocery run, there's some very real potential for a memorable event right at home. You very well may become the most popular mom on the block by inviting over some friends for a "welcome to summer" party! A garden hose/ sprinkler, radio, some outdoor toys and a few smart refreshments are sure to thrill children of all ages, and help to while away the summer doldrums.

*~DRINKS~*

LEMONBERRYADE

• 1 1/2 c. sugar
• 6 oz. package strawberry gelatin
• 2 c. boiling water
• 12 c. cold water
• 2 c. lemon juice

1. In 2 separate gallon-sized pitchers, mix 3/4 cup of sugar, 1-3 ounce package of gelatin and 1 cup of boiling water each until gelatin is completely dissolved.
2. Add 6 cups of cold water and 1 cup of lemon juice to each mixture.
3. Refrigerate to chill. Serve over ice.

CHERRY SLUSHIE

• 4 c. ginger ale
• 1 c. sugar
• 1 tsp. powdered cherry drink mix
• 1 tsp. maraschino cherry juice
• 5 c. crushed ice

1. To make two batches of cherry slushie, repeat the following procedure two times:
2. Mix 1 cup of ginger ale, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/2 tsp. of cherry drink powder and 1/2 tsp. of cherry juice in blender.
3. Add 2 1/2 cups of crushed ice and process until smooth.
4. Pour into pitcher and add 1 cup of ginger ale. Stir to mix.

*~FINGER FOODS~*

MOZZARELLA MELTIES

• Vegetable oil for frying
• 2 c. baking mix (such as Bisquick)
• 1 c. milk
• 2 eggs
• 2 lbs. mozzarella cheese, cut into 3/4-inch cubes

1. Heat vegetable oil to 375 degrees F.
2. Beat baking mix, milk and egg until smooth.
3. Dip pre-cut cheese cubes into milk mixture to coat.
4. Fry coated cubes until browned, approximately 1-2 minutes.
5. Drain on paper towels. Serve hot.

SAUSAGE BALLS

• 2 lbs. breakfast sausage
• 3 c. baking mix (such as Bisquick)
• 4 c. sharp cheddar cheese

1. Mix all ingredients well.
2. Form spoonfuls of mixture into meatballs and drop on baking sheet, one inch apart.
3. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Serve warm.

CORN DOGS

• Vegetable oil for frying
• 2 c. baking mix (such as Bisquick)
• 4 T. yellow corn meal
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 c. milk
• 16 wieners
• 16 wooden skewers

1. Heat vegetable oil to 375 degrees F.
2. Combine baking mix and corn meal.
3. Add egg and milk. Stir until well blended.
4. Dip wieners into batter and deep fry until golden brown.
5. Drain on paper towel. Push a wooden skewer into one end, leaving "handle" for holding exposed.

*~COOL TREATS~*

CHERRY CREAM SANDWICHES

• 10 ice cream sandwiches
• 1 can cherry pie filling
• 1-12 oz. container frozen whipped topping, thawed
• Chocolate chips, to garnish

1. Arrange ice cream sandwiches in a single layer in 9 x 13-inch pan.
2. Top sandwiches with pie filling, whipped topping and chocolate chips.
3. Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours.
4. May thaw slightly for softer sandwiches.

OREO MINI POPS

• 20 popsicle sticks
• 20 Oreo cookies
• 1-12 oz package chocolate chips
• 1 T. vegetable oil
• chopped nuts, sprinkles or M&M-style candies

1. Insert popsicle sticks, one by one, into the cream center of each cookie. Set aside.
2. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine chocolate and oil until melted and smooth, stirring constantly.
3. Dip each cookie into the melted chocolate, coating evenly.
4. Place dipped cookies on waxed paper and decorate with chopped nuts, sprinkles or candies.
5. Leave cookies on waxed paper until completely set.