Star-Spangled Cocktail

I decided to experiment with Blue Curacao today.

Saturday is the 4th of July, and I thought I'd come up with a blue cocktail.

Success!  (I spy Clyde behind the chair!)

Apple Dutch Baby Puff Pancake

My daughters and I were discussing pancakes the other day. Well, we really were discussing our dislike of pancakes.

Maybe the reason why I don't like traditional pancakes is because I'm not good at making them.  I don't flip them, I destroy them.

Or maybe the reason why I'm not good at making pancakes is because I just don't like them.

However, I'll take a Dutch Baby Puff Pancake any day.

Especially if it's an Apple Dutch Baby!

You could whip one of these up in the same amount of time that it would take you to measure, mix and pour a batch of traditional pancakes.  And as far as flipping goes---no flipping required!

Cooking Show: College Cuisine!!

We filmed another episode of the cooking show a few days ago.

I was cheerfully assisted by two college students, Becky and Natalie.  They are friends of my daughter, Erin, and they enthusiastically helped me prepare a few dishes that we felt would be a hit with the college crowd.

My dining room was packed to capacity with more college friends, and when we finished filming the show, everything you see in this picture was happily devoured.

I wish I that I had taken a photo when they were through.

We started with Chunky Guacamole.  Becky and I both agreed that we like our guacamole with chunks of avocado.  If you prefer your avocados smooth, however, go ahead and mash 'em up.

Here's the link for the printable recipe.

Then we made Strawberry-Spinach-Bacon-Wonton Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette.  Yum!

Click here for the printable.

(Chipotle Knockoff) Steak Burritos, with cilantro-lime rice, black beans, pico de gallo and all the other necessary accompaniments (sour cream, Monterey jack cheese, avocados).

 I made a double-batch and crossed my fingers that it was enough. (It was.  Phew.)

I don't yet have a blogpost written with step-by-step photos, but you can click here for the printable recipe.

And finally, No-Bake Strawberry Icebox Cake.  I think everyone was surprised by how quick and easy this was to prepare.

Quick & Easy No-Bake Strawberry Icebox Cake

If you can't get enough of strawberries in the springtime and you're looking for recipe ideas, here you go!

No baking required.  Hardly any prep.  The most time-consuming step was washing and slicing the berries!