May 26, 2013

This no-fuss, festive Fruit Flag is the perfect patriotic dessert to take to your Memorial Day or 4th of July celebration!

I found this idea on http://pinterest.com/bigsistexas/ and it was super easy and fun to make.  You could make your flag larger or smaller, depending on the size of your platter. My platter was approximately 12″ x 16″ so I used fourteen 10″ bamboo skewers. To make this size, you'll need 9 or 10 bananas, a couple of quarts of strawberries and one quart of blueberries.

Wash the strawberries and blueberries, cut the top off the strawberries and cut in half lengthwise. Cut the bananas into about 2″ slices and put a little lemon juice on them to keep them from turning brown so quickly.  Put the fruit on the skewers, line up your fruit kabobs nice and pretty on your platter, and your Red, White, and Blue Fruit Flag is ready to go!

(I made four extra skewers with just the blueberries on top and laid those in between the others to fill in the blue part of the flag.) You could also use large marshmallows for the white stripes instead of the bananas, if desired.)

We hope everyone has a very safe and Happy Memorial Day!

~LilSis

July 4, 2009

As I've already mentioned, the theme for our 4th of July party on our boat dock is Hawaiian Luau, which I'm so excited about! Hawaii is one of my most favorite spots on this entire planet.

I just read an article about a woman who went to Maui on vacation and never returned to her home in NYC. I've actually met a couple of people who live in Maui and have told me similar stories. Also, after reading many articles like those on https://www.dbtribute.org/3-amazing-hawaiian-experiences/ about the amazing things you can do in Hawaii, I know that if I went there right now, that's exactly what I would want to do.

One of my friends is leaving for Hawaii on Sunday and I'm so envious. (I know envy isn't a good trait, but I'm just keepin' it real.)

I talked earlier about sharing our Luau menu. Since I've got a broken camera, just like BigSis, I won't be able to take my own photos, but I still wanted to share the recipes. So, without any further rambling, here's what we'll be serving to all our ‘grass skirt wearing' friends today.

Caramelized Maui Onion Dip

To start off, we'll be munching on this Caramelized Maui Onion Dip and Maui Chips. This recipe is from the June, 2009 issue of Sunset.

Lemon Shrimp Crackers

These Lemon Shrimp Crackers from Kraft may not technically be Hawaiian, but I thought they looked festive and very easy to make! (And SirHoney loves Ritz crackers, so this is a little treat for him.)

I also have one friend bringing the rice and some sweet and sour meatballs to go along with the appetizers.

Char siu-glazed pork (photo by Evil Chef Mom)

For the main course, we'll be having this char siu-glazed pork. I first saw this recipe on Evil Chef Mom way before I saw it this week when flipping through all of Bo's past issues of Sunset. It's from the same June 2009 issue that featured a great article on hosting a modern-day Hawaiian Luau.

Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes (Flickr Photo by Ami Sue)

For dessert, I'm making these fantastic Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes that Bo made this past weekend while we were in Chicago. This photo is very similar to how hers turned out, except that she put whipped cream on top before the cherry! A lot of the cupcake recipes that I found used the pineapple rings, but Bo used the chunks instead. These were so good!

Basically, there are no real measurements needed.

• Make a yellow cake mix according to directions.
• Pour a little melted butter directly into the cupcake pan.
• Brush a little butter on the sides also.
• Sprinkle a little brown sugar on top of the butter.
• Add the pineapple, and pour the cake batter on top.
• Bake according to cupcake directions on cake mix.
• Let cool for a few minutes.
• Turn upside down.
• Top with whipped cream and a cherry.

Gratineed Pineapple (Photo by Noble Pig)

And, for the finale, I'm serving this Gratineed Pineapple from Noble Pig. Isn't it beautiful?

I hope you enjoy your 4th of July Celebration as much as we will.

Aloha!

~LilSis

July 4, 2009

I'm a huge planner and a huge fan of being organized, but for some reason, a lot of our get-togethers and parties are planned at the last minute. Trust me when I say that there have been many times that I'm still scrabbling the morning of a party to finalize my menu. Last year, I threw together my New Years Eve Party all in one day and it turned out great! If anyone is like me and might be searching for some quick and easy last minute recipe ideas, here are some of my favorites.

Insalata Ala Caprese

Insalata ala Caprese is my absolute all-time favorite! It's always a hit and can be served either as an appetizer or a side salad.

Heirloom Tomato Salad

Here's a different twist on almost the same ingredients. You can't go wrong with this Heirloom Tomato Salad.

Summertime Fruit Salad

I think this Summertime Fruit Salad would be a great start for a 4th of July Celebration.

Ceviche Salad

This Ceviche Salad is light and simple and would be great to take to a cookout.

Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Potato Salad

This Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Potato Salad isn't your every day potato salad.

Homemade Pita Chips

Healthy Hummus

How about some Pita Chips and Hummus? Easy and healthy, too!

Deviled Eggs

Okay, I know that there's nothing special about Deviled Eggs, but in a pinch, if you have to take something to a cookout, no one will complain about having these at the party!

Angel Hair Pasta Salad

This Angel Hair Pasta Salad is a great choice for a crowd. The recipe may say that the pasta needs to marinate in the lemon juice overnight, but I've done it for just an hour or so and it turns out fine. This salad requires a little more prep with just chopping ham and grating cheese, but it's so worth it. It's an all-time family favorite.

Lastly, if you go here, you'll find recipes to these favorites; Sun Dried Tomato Spread, Grilled Shrimp wrapped in Bacon, HVR Cheese Ball, BigT's Peppers, Artichoke & Spinach Dip Restaurant Style, and Bo's Version of Brie and Cranberries. I promise you that you CANNOT go wrong with any of these ‘go-to' favorites.

Whatever you decide to make for your own party or to take to share with friends, have a safe and Happy 4th!!

~LilSis

June 28, 2009

Not that we really need a reason to host a party or a cookout, but we love getting a group together to celebrate Independence Day. I'm so happy that July 4th falls on a Saturday this year. Even if you're not having a party, maybe you'll be getting together with friends or family to watch fireworks. Either way, any of these red, white, and blue sweet treats would be fun to share.

These Red, White, and Blue Ice Cream Cupcakes from Annie's Eats are adorable!

Red, White, and Blue Ice Cream Cupcakes

This Four Layer Meringue Berry Dessert from Cookie Madness is a cool, light and fluffy dessert for the 4th.

Four Layer Meringue Berry Dessert

Of course, you can't go wrong with this Flag Cake from Martha Stewart.

Flag Cake

And for the kids, I love this Red, White, and Blue Finger Jello from The Recipe Girl.

Red, White, and Blue Finger Jello

This will be our first year celebrating Independence Day on our boat dock at the Harbor. It's a big tradition to decorate the boats and dingys and have a big parade of boats right before the fireworks. We're really looking forward to it.

The theme for the party this year is Hawaiian Luau. I love everything about Hawaii, so I'm thrilled that we're having a Luau. Be sure to check back here in a couple of days as I'll be sharing our festive Hawaiian menu for the party.

~LilSis