It’s the most wonderful time of the year- peach season! So sweet, juicy, and flavorful. The perfect fruit. Have you picked up a box of peaches yet? If you’re looking for new, exciting peach recipes to try, check out this list of 25 peach goodies that will rock your summer!

1. Fresh Peach Crumb Bars– Ok, I’m already drooling at these pics from Saving Room For Dessert!

2. Peach Caramel Blondie Cheesecake– Omg, I think I just died and went to heaven. Check this out at Life, Love and Sugar.

3. Peach Cookies– Aren’t these cookies from Party Pinching gorgeous?

4. Peach Jam– The perfect pair with a slice of toast, or even better, on a waffle! Find it at Crystal & Co.

5. Peaches & Cream Scones– A Family Feast‘s scones make me want to sit out in garden with my fancy hat, and enjoy a cup of tea.

6. Healthy Caramelized Skillet Peaches– If you’re looking for something a little healthier (but still totally delcious!), you’ll love 90/10 Nutrition‘s recipe!

7. Ginger Peach Lemonade– Talk about refreshing! Try this recipe at Thyme & Love.

8. Homemade Peach Ice Cream– This ice cream from Events to Celebrate looks heavenly!

9. Peach Pretzel Salad Dessert– The Creative Bite‘s dessert is a perfect combination of sweet and salty!

10. Homemade Fresh Peach Crisp– Mmmm! I can already taste this peach crisp from Hostess at Heart!

11. Peach Hand Pies– These little pies from Shugary Sweets are the perfect treat for an outdoor picnic!

12. Peach Snickerdoodles– As if snickerdoodles weren’t already scrumptious enough, Butter with a Side of Bread added peaches- a snickerdoodle upgrade!

13. Easy Baked Peaches with Cinnamon Sugar Topping– Oh my, these peaches from I Heart Naptime are absolutely dreamy!

14. Ripe Peach Popsicles– The View from Great Island‘s popsicles are a fantastic way to cool down on a hot summer’s day!

15. Two Two Easy Peach Cobbler– Need something quick and easy? Check out our peach cobbler, right here at This Grandma Is Fun!

16. No Bake Peach Cream Pie– What is it about peaches and cream that makes them the perfect combination? Find this easy recipe at A Latte Food.

17. Peach Sorbet– Nothing feels better in the middle of summer than a nice, cold treat, like this one from Chef Not Required.

18. Peach Bread– Is this even real?! Tastes of Lizzy T‘s peach bread sounds too good to be true!

19. Grilled Peaches with Mascarpone & Honey– This dessert from Erhardts Eat is so simple yet elegant.

20. Peach Butter– Imagine spreading this on a slice of bread and enjoying it on your back patio in the early morning hours. Ah, pure bliss! Find this recipe at The Redhead Baker.

21. Peaches & Cream Empanadas– The picture alone is making my mouth water over Taste Made‘s empanadas!

22. Peach Pie Bars– Forget about slicing up a pie, now you can have it in a convenient, more delicious bar with Life Made Simple‘s recipe!

23. Peach Slushies– Kids are sure to love this fun treat from Bite of Delight!

24. Peach Upside Down Cake– Isn’t this cake from An Italian in My Kitchen beautiful? What a presentation! And it’s absolutely delicious!

25. Ridiculously Easy Peach Dumplings– When you have little kids running around the house, sometimes you need something quick and easy, like these yummy dumplings from Home Is Where the Boat Is!

What do you think about these 25 peach goodies that will rock your summer? Let us know which you’ll try first!
 

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Summer looks a little different this year, and many of us have had to postpone our beach vacations for a season. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have your own backyard beach party! Get ready to dig out your swimsuit because we’re bringing the beach to you! Here are 23 ideas for a beach staycation! 

1. Beach and Sea Squish Bags– Kids can start to explore the wonders of the ocean with Fantastic Fun and Learning‘s sensory bags.

2. Water Fight Kit– Can’t have a beach day without water and Inner Child Fun‘s water fight kit is just the thing!

3. Butterscotch Crunch Starfish– These yummy starfish look almost real! Try this treat at Hungry Happenings!

4. Mason Jar Aquarium– Make this fun aquarium without all the maintenance at A Little Claireification.

5. Pool Noodle Fishing Game– Here’s a fun easy game from Happy Tot Shelf that is perfect for your littler grandkids!

6. Shark Fruit Salad– Maybe if sharks tried some fruit salad, they wouldn’t be such dangerous predators anymore…. Find this amazing idea at Kid Friendly Things to Do.

7. Marbled Seashell Art– Turn seashells into a work of art with Projects with Kids‘s marbles seashells.

8. Flying Fish Catch– A fun, easy water game from Mrs. Plemon’s Kindergarten  that kids will love!

9. Glitter Fish Painted Rock– Learn how to make these beautiful rocks at I Love Painted Rocks.

10. Sea Glass Candy– Happiness is Homemade ‘s sea glass candy looks almost too real and pretty to eat…. almost….

11. Beach Water Table– Little hands will love exploring the wonders of the ocean with Sugar, Spice, and Glitter‘s fun water table idea!

12. Beach Fruit Dip– This fun fruit dip is a kid favorite! Make it right here at This Grandma is Fun!

13. No-Sew Felt Mermaid Headband– If you have a mermaid for a granddaughter, then you will love Lia Griffith‘s pretty and simple headband!

14. Shark Surfboard Craft– Nothing says the beach like sharks and surfing. Find this craft at Artsy Momma.

15. Clam Cookies– If you’re looking for a treat that is easy but eye-catching, then this is the treat for you! Check it out at Frugal Coupon Living.

16. DIY Slip and Slide– For some natural beach waves in your hair, you’ll have to try All Things Thrifty‘s slip and slide! It’s sure to do the trick!

17. Candy Seashells– Just from the picture, I know I’d be snacking on these gorgeous chocolates all day long. Learn how to make them at The American Patriette.

18. Jellyfish Races– Bring out the family competition with Living Porpoisefully‘s exciting game!

19. Ocean Sand Art– What’s the beach without sand? Make beautiful works of art with The Growing Creatives‘s sand activity.

20. Mermaid Ice Excavation– This activity from Mama. Papa. Bubba. is sure to keep the kids occupied for hours. Perfect for when you need a break!

21. Flip-Flop Sandwiches– These sandwiches from Cutefetti really are the cutest!

22. Water Balloon Volley Ball– A true summer classic, this game from It’s Always Autumn fits right in with a beach staycation!

23. Beach Books– When it’s time for a little bit of quiet, Fantastic Fun and Learning‘s got you covered with this list of beach themed books the kids are sure to love!

Which of these 23 ideas for a beach staycation are you going to try out first?

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Tired of just plain ol’ s’mores at your campfire (I know, I know. No one can ever really be tired of s’mores!)? If you’re looking for some ideas to liven up the campfire, you’ll love our list of 25 mouth-watering campfire desserts! 

1. Foil Packet Apple Pie– Make this American classic a campfire classic with Love from the Oven‘s apple pie!

2. Skillet Hot Fudge Pudding Cake– Omg, this picture has me drooling! Find it at Biscuits and Burlap.

3. Campfire Cinnamon Rolls– I can’t wait to watch these babies grow with Dessert Now, Dinner Later‘s recipe!

4. 7 Layer Brownies– That’s right. 7. Layers. Check it out at Pulling Curls!

5. Sugar Cone S’mores– This treat from Adventures of Mel is sure to be a hit with the kids!

6. Campfire Eclairs– Who says camping can’t be fancy? Try this fancy camping dessert from This Grandma is Fun.

7. Dutch Oven Peach Cobbler– Easy and delicious! Find it at Well Plated. 

8. Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie– Oh man, I can already taste this cookie from Julie’s Eats & Treats!

9. Reverse S’mores Bites– We love this original take on s’mores from Clean and Scentsible.

10. Cherry Hand Pies– You’ll love these quick and easy pies from The Kitchen Magpie!

11. Toasted Marshmallow Strawberries– Strawberries are good in just about anything, especially toasted marshmallow! Find this yummy recipe at Good Cook.

12. Banana Boats– If you want to feel a little bit healthier, you’ll love these banana boats from Fresh Off the Grid.

13. S’mores Nachos– S’mores nachos from Let’s Camp S’more are perfect for an appetizer or dessert!

14. Apple Cinnamon Skillet Blondie– This blondie from Life, Love and Sugar is the dessert of my dreams. Yum!

15. Dutch Oven Raspberry Cake– REI‘s raspberry cake will make camping feel like glamping!

16. Monkey Bread– Sticky, sweet, and ooey-gooey, Say Not Sweet Anne‘s monkey bread is a campfire favorite!

17. Strawberry Cheesecake Pudgy Pie– It’s title is “pudgy.” Need we say more? Get this dessert at The Frugal Girls.

18. Cinnamon Sugar Donuts– Who knew donuts were so easy? Try this recipe out at Oma Darling.

19. Pound Cake and Berry Campfire Skillet Dessert– This recipe from Taste and Tell is making my mouth water.

20. Skillet S’more Brownies– I could eat this whole brownie in one sitting. Check it out at Satori Design for Living.

21. Campfire Churros– Liz on Call‘s churros are nice and toasty for a cool camping night.

22. Peach Dump Cake– You know it’s easy if it says “dump” in it, like this delicious cake from Dutch Oven Daddy.

23. Roasted Caramel Apple– If you’re looking for something nice and simple, you’ll love Violet’s Silver Lining‘s caramel apple treat!

24. Sopapilla Cheesecake– I can’t wait to get my hands on these sopapillas from Making Memories with Your Kids!

25. Chocolate Lava Cake– Warm everyone up with this tasty cake from Happily Home Grown.

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Nothing says summer more than watermelon and ice cream.  This recipe blends the best of both worlds and is super easy to make.  You will be the hit of the barbecue party when you bring out these Watermelon Whoopie Pies.  Perfect for a warm summers night.

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Watermelon Whoopie Pies

Course Dessert

Author TGIF - This Grandma Is Fun

Ingredients

• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 4 tbl softened butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup and 3/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Red pink and green food coloring
• Vanilla ice cream softened

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Beat butter and sugar until fluffy.
• Add egg and the vanilla mixing until well combined.
• In a separate bowl mix the flour, baking powder and salt together.
• Add 1/2 of this flour mixture into the butter mixture. Mix well
• Add 1/2 of the buttermilk until well incorporated.
• Add the second half of the flour and buttermilk until completely mixed.
• Divide batter into 2 equal portions.
• Stir some red and pink food coloring into the first portion. If you want the color to be more red, then you'll want to add some more red food coloring. We went for more of a lighter pink color
• Stir some green food coloring into the second portion.
• Stir the chocolate chips into the red portion.
• Spoon these two colored mixtures into a pastry bag or sandwich bag.
• Cut the corner on the bag.
• Spray your cookie sheet with non stick spray or you can also use a whoopie pie pan if you have one.
• Pipe out 3" circles of red and green onto the cookie sheet or fill the whoopie pie pan about 1/2 full.
• Bake at 350F for 9-12 minutes.
• Let cool and then transfer to a rack.
• After completely cool, wrap the pies in a plastic wrap and freeze for about an hour.
• Spread your softened ice cream onto a cookie sheet lined with waxed paper.
• Freeze in your freezer until the ice cream is firm again. Up to two hours.
• Cut your rounds with a strong cookie cutter. If your ice cream is too hard, wait a few minutes to softened slightly and try again.
• Remove the whoopie pies from the freezer and assemble together with your ice cream.
• Freeze until ready to eat

Notes

This recipe should make 6 Whoopie Pie Ice Cream Sandwiches. Recipe can easily be doubled. Recipe adapted from Haniela's

Another watermelon themed dessert for you:

Watermelon Cupcakes

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Even though it has an old fashioned name, this Ice Box Cake does not have an old fashioned taste. The fruit that it is packed with makes this recipe fresh and flavorful.

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Ice Box Cake

Course Dessert

Author TGIF - This Grandma Is Fun

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups very cold heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Graham crackers
• 4 cups - fresh fruit - strawberries blueberries, red raspberries and blackberries, or any combination you like

Instructions

• Place mixing bowl in freezer about 30 min before using to chill
• While mixing bowl is chilling, prepare fruit by cleaning and slicing strawberries
• In a large mixing bowl, beat heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form
• Divide whipping cream mixture into fourths
• Spread a small spoonful of cream on bottom of pan evenly
• Add graham crackers, trim crackers to fit if necessary
• Spread ¼ of the whipping cream mixture on top of the graham crackers
• Add ⅓ of the fruit on top of the whipping cream
• Optional but helpful to level the crackers - Add a small amount of whip cream on top of the fruit to level it.
• Add another layer of graham crackers, pressing down gently into the cream
• Then repeat layers, finishing the cream on top
• Cover and refrigerate overnight
• Garnish with additional fruit if you like
• Serve chilled
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator

Notes

Any type of fruit can be used on this icebox cake. You can also add instant vanilla pudding in between the layers.

No matter if you put this dessert in your “icebox” or your “refrigerator”, I doubt it will stay for long.  Hope you enjoy!

Grilled Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwich

Strawberry Filled Angel Food Cake

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Part of my dislike is the texture but no matter how ripe or how cold a watermelon is, I will pass.  My husband thinks I’m crazy.

Things that are flavored with watermelon are great, like slushies and Jolly Ranchers and these cupcakes, but that’s as far as I go.

Even though I’m not a fan of real watermelon, I am glad that I have this Watermelon Cupcake Recipe in my arsenal. It’s the perfect kind of watermelon that even I can’t resist.

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Watermelon Cupcake Recipe

There will definitely be no spitting out the seeds with this Watermelon Cupcake Recipe. They will be gobbled up fast - no contest!

Course Dessert

Author This Grandma Is Fun

Ingredients

• Cupcakes
  
• 6 tbsp softened
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 3 egg whites
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup + 2 tbsp all purpose flour
• 1 & 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Green food coloring
  
• 
  
• Buttercream Frosting
  
• 2 sticks of butter unsalted at room temperature
• 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
• 3-4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp of powdered watermelon koolaid mix
• Red food coloring
• Mini chocolate chips

Instructions

• Cupcakes
  
• Preheat the oven to 375º F.
• Line muffin pan with cupcake liners of your choice. We chose green.
• Cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy.
• Add in the egg whites. Beat well
• Put in the sour cream and vanilla extract then fold into the butter and sugar mixture.
  
• In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt and gently mix to incorporate.
• Add half of the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix well
• Add the other half of the flour mixture and mix until you cannot see any dry flour.
• Add green food coloring to the color you desire.
• Fill your cupcake liners about 1/2 to 2/3 full.
• Bake at 375º F for 5 minutes, then reduce heat to 350º. Keep the cupcakes in the oven for another 8-10 minutes.
• Remove from oven.
• Let cupcakes cool.
• Buttercream
  
• Beat the butter and shortening with an electric mixer until smooth.
• Add in 2 cups of powdered sugar and beat until you do not see any clumps of sugar.
• Add in more powdered sugar, mixing frequently until there are no more lumps and it is a thick consistency.
• Add the watermelon Kool-Aid powder and a small amount of red food coloring (until you reach the color you desire) and mix well.
  
• Instructions
  
• Spoon the frostingHow to assemble down into a large piping bag with a tip. We used a 1m piping tip.
• Start in the center of the cupcake and swirl out to the sides and then back in to the center of the cupcake, stacking the frosting as you go
• Sprinkle some mini chocolate chips on top of the frosting.
• Makes 10-12 cupcakes.

Notes

This recipe has been adapted from The First Year Blog!

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I don’t know about you but when it comes to eating, my grandkids are so picky. 

My one daughter has three kids.  If two of them like something, the third child does not.

Trying to find something that all three kids will eat is a challenge and that is why I love this Charcuterie Platter for kids.  There is bound to be something that all three kids will eat. One of the great things about this is also, is that little ones can help arrange the board.  (After they wash their hands of course!) I find that if I can get them to help, they are more likely to be interested in eating. 

We found that it was easier to start from outside in. If you have a marble slab that would be beautiful but you can also just use a wood cutting board just like we did. Start lining and layering your items around the edges and then start filling into the middle.  It’s not hard to make it look beautiful and appetizing!

Here are some of the items that we used for this tray. 

White chocolate covered pretzels, strawberries, raspberries, boysenberries, grapes, sugar wafers, chocolate chip cookies, mini marshmallows and rice krispie treats.  Other ideas might be white chocolate chips, chocolate chips, nuts and different kinds of cheeses.  Really the sky is the limit and you can add all sorts of things that your kids would like.

 This is such a great idea for a snack because it is so flexible. Choose things that your kids would like and include items that you already have on hand.

When you are ready for the fruit dip (we forgot to take a picture with our fruit dip.  Ooops!  Our little ones were ready to eat!) there isn’t a quicker or easier one than this:

1 8oz pkg of cream cheese

1 7oz jar of Marshmallow creme.

Mix these two together until well blended and then dip away!

I have to admit, this Charcuterie Platter for Kids Snacks was one of my better ideas and the grandkids loved it!  I know yours will too.  Or at least, MOST of them will!  Oh those picky kids!

Are you needing some more ideas for healthy snacks for kids?  Here’s a couple that we have for you!

Fresh Fruit Frozen Yogurt Bites               

DIY Yogurt To Go

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Something super easy but a little fancier than cookies.  My grandkids could definitely make this and the best part is – it only takes 15-20 minutes! They are going to be so proud of themselves!

With only four ingredients, plus the shell, it also will make for almost no mess.  That’s my kind of recipe to make with kids who can sometimes be mess in the kitchen!

And even if you don’t make this with any kids, it still is a great dessert to bring for family get togethers, potlucks or parties.  I remember making five of these one night for a friend’s party and it took me less than 2 hours.  She was so grateful and impressed!

If you don’t care for cherries, you can substitute them for canned blueberries, strawberries or blackberries.  Super yum!

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Easy Cherry Cheesecake Recipe

Course Dessert

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 6 -8

Author This Grandma Is Fun

Ingredients

• 1 frozen 8" baked pie shell
• 3 oz cream cheese
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 medium sized cool whip
• 1 can cherry pie filling refrigerated or other pie filling of your choice - blueberry, strawberry etc.

Instructions

• Bake pie shell according to package instructions. Let cool
• While cooling, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar and cool whip together.
• Fold into cooled pie shell
• Top with cherry filling.
• Chill

I can’t wait to try this with my grandkids and I hope you enjoy it too!

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With half the dish being the “ocean” and the other half being the “beach”, it is so fun to dip your fruit into the sour cream and brown sugar.

This is the easiest dip to set up but I promise you that people will think you are the most creative person ever!  I have made this many times throughout the years and it has never failed to bring a smile to someone’s face.

I have grandkids coming in three weeks and I know that are going to love dipping their strawberries into the ocean and beach. Who says we can’t have a little beach action in Utah?

So Cowabunga dude!  Let’s get making this dip!  This video will show you just how quick and easy it is. The recipe follows the video.

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Beach Theme Fruit Dip

Author This Grandma Is Fun

Ingredients

• 1 16 oz container of sour cream
• 2 cups brown sugar
• Blue Food Coloring
• Strawberries
• Beach accessories like swedish fish umbrellas etc.

Instructions

• In a mixing bowl, mix together the sour cream and blue food coloring. Add as much blue coloring to get the sour cream to the color that you want.
• Spread the colored sour cream onto one half of a 9x13 pan.
• Pour the 2 cups of brown sugar onto the opposite half of your pan barely touching the sour cream.
• Add your beach accessories as garnishments.
• Wash and dry strawberries for dipping.

Happy Summer Everyone!

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July 1 is National Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day, so I found 16 creative ice cream flavors to try this summer! I’ve got sweet, savory, and everything in between! Today’s the day to be a little adventurous and try a new ice cream flavor!

1. Avocado Mint Chocolate Chip. This is a much healthier alternative as it’s dairy free! And the avocado gives it a nice smooth texture!

2. Buttered Popcorn Ice Cream. This reminds me of the Jelly Belly flavor! And it contains real popcorn!

3. Dr. Pepper Ice Cream. They say this ice cream is so good, you’ll never go back to just drinking Dr. Pepper! Sounds life changing!

4. Lemonade Ice Cream. Now this would be refreshing on a hot summer day!

5. Harry Potter Butterbeer Ice Cream. This ice cream sounds quite magical!

6. Doughnut Ice Cream. I always have to wash down donuts with a glass of milk, so this is the perfect compromise!

7. The Munchies Ice Cream. This ice cream’s got a little bit of everything in it!

8. No Churn Cookie Monster Ice Cream. This ice cream will definitely bring out your inner cookie monster. Plus it’s easy to make!

9. Lavender Rose Ice Cream. I’ve never tried anything rose flavored, but it’s definitely worth a shot!

10. Olive Oil Ice Cream. I’ve actually heard good things about this ice cream! It’s definitely a unique flavor choice.

11. Sea Salt & Honey Ice Cream. Sea salt is great on anything, so I can’t see this going wrong.

12. Maple Bacon Ice Cream. Because bacon makes everything better.

13. Basil Ice Cream. Hmm…. I like basil, but I’m not sure how it would be in the form of ice cream. Guess I’ll just have to try it!

14. Blue Moon Ice Cream. This was invented in Milwaukee, and you can only get it in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan! They say it tastes fruity like Froot Loops or Fruity Pebbles!

15. Cinnamon and Oatmeal Cookie Ice Cream. Since it has oatmeal in it that means I can eat it for breakfast, right??

16. Key Lime Ice Cream Switch to key lime ice cream this summer so you don’t have to heat up your oven cooking pies!

I don’t know about you, but I’ve got a lot of ice cream to try this summer. And National Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day is the perfect excuse to try some new flavors!

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I happened to be looking through a Family Fun magazine the awhile back and they had this exact cake but it was in ombre form with 4 different shades of purple pretzels.  Very beautiful indeed, but I instantly thought that I would love to do it in red, white and blue.

I love our country’s patriotic colors but I’m not a big fireworks person.  It seems like every time our family gets around fireworks, something catches on fire.  Meaning something that’s not supposed to be on fire, catches on fire.

Last summer our family was having a family reunion in St. George, Utah and we let the little kids do sparklers.  One of our grandsons got too close to a palm tree and with all that netting stuff around those trees, it caught on fire within seconds.   We were able to get it out before anything else caught on fire but we conveniently neglected to tell the owners of the home we were renting that we had a little mishap.  No harm, no foul right?  The tree looked just fine. Phew!

So this year our 4th of July holiday will be much quieter and we will be enjoying it without fireworks but celebrating with food.  I mean, what are holidays without food? And I love to do themed food so we will be enjoying this 4th of July cake.  It’s much better than sparklers!

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4th of July Cake

Course Dessert

Author This Grandma Is Fun

Ingredients

• 1 box white cake mix plus ingredients to make the cake per instructions on box
• 1 bag of mini pretzel twists
• 5-6 large thin pretzel twists
• 1 bag each of red white and blue candy melts. I purchased mine at Wal-Mart.
• White Pareils
• 3 6 " cake pans
• 2 cans white frosting
• Non stick cooking spray

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees
• Grease and flour your 6" baking pans.
• Prepare cake mix and bake according to instructions on package.
• Let your three cakes cool on a wire rack.
• Lay some parchment paper or some foil down and place a separate wire rack on top
• Spray the rack with non stick cooking spray
• Melt the blue candy melts according to instructions on package.
• Drop the mini pretzels into the chocolate. With a fork, remove the pretzel and tap off excess chocolate.
• Lay the pretzel on the sprayed wire rack.
• On the blue mini pretzels, you can also sprinkle some white pareils on them to represent some little white stars.
• Let pretzels cool.
• Repeat with the red and white candy melts.
• For this size of cake you will need 15 blue mini pretzels, and 30-35 red and white mini pretzels.
• Also dip the large pretzels twists with the color of chocolate you desire. I did just red and blue. These will be for the garnishment on the top of the cake.
• I had some melted chocolate left over, so I spooned the chocolate into a zip loc bag, make a small cut in the corner and squeezed some chocolate lines onto some parchment paper and made some tips and backs of arrows which I added as garnishment to the top of the cake.
• Using a serrated knife, cut off the domes on two of the layers of cake.
• Place one cake layer on your serving platter and top with frosting.
• Repeat with second and third layers of cake.
• Use remaining frosting to cover the top and sides. Apply the frosting fairly thick on the sides to help the pretzels hold.
• Starting at the bottom, layer the pretzels around the sides of the cake. Gently press the pretzels into the frosting to adhere them to the cake.
• Add the large, dipped pretzels onto the top of the cake and any other garnishment you would like.
• As I said earlier, I made some arrow tips and backs and added those to the top.

Have a safe 4th of July!

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As the summer heats up, we start running out of ideas for creatives ways to keep the kids fed and entertained. Here are 16 fun and healthy kids snacks to get you through the rest of the summer!

1. Apple Cookies are an easy snack that will satisfy your kids’ sweet tooth without spoiling their appetite!

2. Teddy Bear Toast. This toast is adorable and kids can make it themselves! Now that is the perfect snack.

3. Peanut Butter Snails. They’re cute and healthy!

4. DIY “Go Gurt”  These are filled with healthy fruit and they’re refreshing on a hot summer day! To make these, you need these zipzicle bags.

5. Chocolate Dipped Almond Butter Banana Bites

6. Cucumber Bites. This is a great way to get your kids to eat more veggies!

7. No Bake Monster Cookie Energy Bites. The M&M’s will entice them, but little do they know these cookies are packed with plenty of healthy ingredients!

8. Backyard Bug Snacks. Adorable and healthy. What more could you ask for in a snack?

9. Peanut Butter and Jelly Sushi Rolls. This is probably the only sushi the kids will actually eat. It’s a fun twist on a classic PB&J!

10. Strawberry Mice. Look how cute these mice are!

11. Strawberry Banana Popsicles. These only contain three ingredients, so they are wayyyyy healthier than store bought popsicles! You’ll also need popsicle molds as well!

12. Whole wheat goldfish crackers.

13. Healthy Fishbowl Treats. I see this as a healthier version of a frosted sugar cookie. Yum!

14. Cheese and Apple Pirate Ships

This recipe is from a post about having a Peter Pan themed party, but this snack would be fun for any occasion!

For the next two recipes, you’ll need wooden skewers.

15. Lunchbox Kabobs are perfect for when they get tired of sandwiches!

16. Grape Poppers: As fun to make as they are to eat!

These snacks look so good that I might want some for myself! Happy summer snacking!

The post 16 Healthy Kids Snacks appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

1.Pool Noodle DIY Toss Game by While He was Napping

Who knew that a pool noodles could be used for more than just swimming.

Materials you will need:

• Pool noodles
• Duct tape
• String
• Dowels
• Ball

2. Recycled Bottle Bowling by MoonFrye

With this beautiful weather skip the bowling ally and make your own outside bowling game to keep your family entertained while getting some fresh air.

Materials you will need:

• Tennis balls
• Paint
• Paintbrushes
• Soda bottles

3. Giant Pick-up Sticks by Nelliebellie

Take pick-up sticks to the next level by making it with bamboo sticks. Challenge accepted!

Materials you will need:

• Bamboo sticks
• Spray paint

4. Pool Noodle Race Track by Rambling from Utopia

Cross the finish line of summer by making this awesome track. (Look another use for pool noodles.)

Materials you will need:

• Pool noodles
• Toothpicks
• Paper
• Cars

5. DIY Backyard Ker-Plunk Game by Amy Vowles

By playing this game, you will ensure that your family’s summer won’t “ker plunk.”

Materials you will need:

• Boards
• Spray paint
• Wire netting
• Staple gun and staples
• Ball pit balls
• Bamboo garden stakes
• Drill
• Wire cutters
• 18-gauge wire

6. DIY Water Blasters by Mom Endeavors

Cool down this summer by making your own water blasters.

Materials you will need:

• Clear vinyl tubing
• PVC ball valves
• Nylon hose barb
• Nylon hose bard
• Screw coupling
• PVC adapter
• PVC pipe
• T-joint
• Elbow joint
• Clear vinyl tubing
• Hose adapter
• Pool noodles

7. DIY Yard Yahtzee by The Pinning Mama

Make your regular old board games more entertaining by making them bigger and taking them outside.

Materials you will need:

• Wooden Cube
• Round sponge brush
• Paint
• Sealant

8. Cup Races by Everything I Do is All for the Boys

You will “race” through summer by holding your own cup contests.

Materials you will need:

• Cups
• Squirt guns
• String

9. Giant Yard Twister Board by Steve Moseley

This is a great way to add a “twist” to your family’s summer

Materials you will need:

• Spray paint
• String
• Bucket

1o. Corn Hole Boards by Alayna’s  Creations

Corn hole isn’t just a great activity for the fall, but also for summer BBQs.

Materials you will need:

• Wood
• Corn hole sacks

11. Squirt Fun Painting by Fireflies + Mud Pies

Give your paint brushes a break by using water guns instead.

Materials you will need:

• Squirt guns
• Easel
• Watercolor paper
• Paint

12. Easy DIY Homemade Bubbles and Refill Station by Crafty Mama in Me

Everyone loves bubble, kids, adults, dogs. By making these bubbles everyone will be happy.

Materials you will need:

• Paint
• Soup, water and other ingredients to make homemade bubbles
• Empty detergent container

13. Quinn’s Country Fair by Catch My Party

If you have a few balls, buckets and a wood pallet laying around, you have a fun activity waiting to be made.

Materials you will need:

• Wood
• Little buckets
• Waffle balls

14. Sponge Balls by One Charming Party

Skip cleaning the dishes and instead put the sponges to a better use.

Materials you will need:

• Sponges
• String

15. Marshmallow Shooters by Happiness is Homemade

Marshmallows aren’t just good for roasting; they make the perfect ammunition for a blow gun.

Materials you will need:

• PVC pipes
• Spray paint
• Marshmallows
• Elbow joints
• T joints

16. Giant Jenga by Emma Chapman

The saying, “the bigger is better” isn’t always true, unless you are playing giant jenga.

Materials you will need:

• Boards
• Paint

17. Spring Time Tic-Tac-Toe by Alecia

Tic-tac-toe three bugs in a row.

Materials you will need:

• Paint
• Paintbrushes
• Rocks
• Round wood

18. DIY Giant Lawn Matching Game by Studio DIY

Keep your family’s brain in action by playing a matching game.

Materials you will need:

• Cork tiles
• Spray paint
• Stencils
• X-acto knife

19. Ladder Golf by Whatever Dee Dee Wants

Ladder Golf is one of my family’s favorite summer games. A word of caution: make sure to pay attention when people are throwing the rope, if you get hit it hurts.

Materials you will need:

• PVC pipe
• Elbow joints
• Caps
• T joints
• Golf balls

20. Balloon Dart by This is Do-Able

You could also put paint in the balloons so your family can create a beautiful master piece.

Materials you will need:

• Balloons
• Staple gun and staples
• Quark board

Don’t let this summer pass you by. With these 20 DIY Backyard Games, you will be able to have a summer that your family will always remember.

Bounce Game

I know that Bocce Ball is not a DIY game, but it is also one of my family’s favorite summer games. Not only is it fun for kids, but also the “big kids” (this is what my mom refers to me, my siblings and our spouses). We play this game for hours.

The post 20 DIY Backyard Games appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

Hey there! We’re Molly and Chelsea and we’re the baking and cooking duo behind Bests and Bites! We’ve been besties for 23 years and loving connecting over a good piece of cheesecake, a cheesy dip or sipping on our favorite refreshments. Our fave things include, health and fitness, baking and pool days!

What’s better when the summer gets hot than an ice cream bar/cake?! And what’s better than cookie dough?! The answer to both of those questions is nothing. Absolutely nothing. Which is the exact reason we combined the two for this summer recipe! We have to thank Chelsea’s Messy Apron for the inspiration!

The bottom layer is….you guessed it! Edible cookie dough. We made a batch and a half of our regular cookie dough and saved a third of it for the next layer: homemade cookie dough ice cream!

This simple and easy homemade ice cream is 3 ingredients and doesn’t require any churning! You ball up pieces of the reserved edible cookie dough and set them aside. Then you whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form, fold in sweetened condensed milk and vanilla then mix in the cookie dough!

Freeze overnight and you’ve got the second layer!

Then you add cool whip and crush up baked chocolate chip cookies. I had frozen *real* cookie dough in the freezer so we baked the cookies to crumble on top. If you don’t have time, you can absolutely buy pre-made cookies to add to the top of the ice cream bars.

This cake is big!!! Make sure you’ve got a lot of hungry guests to serve this to. Cut it up, put it on a plate and drizzle with chocolate syrup.

Love at first bite

Print

Layers of Cookie Dough Ice Cream Bars

Servings 16

Ingredients

• Edible Cookie Dough Layer:
• 1 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
• 3 3/4 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 and 3/4 cups flour
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1 1/2 cup miniature chocolate chips
• For the Cookie Dough Ice Cream:
• 3 cups heavy whipping cream cold
• 1-16 oz can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
• 1/3 of the edible cookie dough from above
• 1 large container of cool whip
• fresh baked chocolate chip cookies or store-bought chocolate chip cookies to top
• chocolate sauce optional

Instructions

• Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with plastic wrap letting the edges hang over sides of pan for easy removal. Set aside.
• To make the edible cookie dough layer, combine the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar and beat until fluffy, about two minutes. Stir in flour until combined then add miniature chocolate chip and mix well.
• Remove 1/3 of the cookie dough and set aside. Press the other 2/3 of cookie dough evenly along the bottom of the pan. Place in the freezer.
• To make the cookie dough ice cream, form tiny balls of cookie-dough from the reserved 1/3 edible cookie dough. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, beat heavy cream with an electric mixer on high until stiff peaks form, about 4 minutes. In a small bowl, mix the sweetened condensed milk with the vanilla. Slowly fold in the condensed milk mixture until combined. Add the cookie dough bites and mix well. Pour into a 9x9 loaf pan and freeze overnight.
• Spoon large scoops of all the cookie dough ice cream over the edible cookie dough layer already made in the 9x13 pan. Smooth as best you can to create an even layer.
• With a rubber spatula, smooth the thawed whipped topping over the ice cream in an even layer.
• Crumble baked or bought cookies over the cool whip. Cover and place in freezer until all layers freeze.
• When ready to serve, remove from pan using plastic overhang and cut into bars. Serve with a drizzle of chocolate syrup, if desired.
• Store leftovers in freezer for up to one week.

The post Layers of Cookie Dough Ice Cream Bars appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

These are REAL tips given to the women of the 1950’s from a Women’s Magazine. I can’t believe some of the things they are suggesting you do. Like “Prepare the children: Take a few minutes to wash the children’s hands and faces if they are small, comb their hair, and if necessary, change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part.” Oh my gosh. Nowadays, if my children are still alive and have had at least one meal by the time my husband gets home from work, we are doing really good!

Oh, and this one. I cannot believe this one. “Make the evening his: Never complain if he does not take you out to dinner or to other places of entertainment; instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure, his need to be home and relax.” WHAT?! What about the woman’s need to get out of the house away from the little circus that is her life? Seriously. I’m so glad that I live in the 21st century where it’s OK for a man to be in the kitchen!

Don’t get me wrong. I am a housewife. I work from home. For my family, me being home is a blessing. I am so happy to be at home raising my family. But I feel like I’m my husband’s equal in all ways. We have different roles in this life and I’m just fine with that. BUT these ideals from the 1950’s are way out of whack! And would make me go insane. Literally.

Now on to the fun bridal shower game. I’ve created a printable for you. Just click on the image below to open it into a new browser window. Then right click and choose “save image as” and save it to your computer. Now you can print them on regular paper for your shower.

Items needed:

• A print out of the excerpts paper and quiz

Click on these links to download.

The Good Wife’s Guide

The Good Wife’s Quiz

• A pencil for each guest (I am in love with these [affiliate] pretty pencils from Target.)
• Prizes

I think nail polish with a cute “You Nailed It” tag is perfect as a favor or a prize for the winner! No need to get too extravagant or spend too much money.

How to play:
“Do you think you know what it means to be a good wife? This paper contains text from a real book used to teach the girls in high school on “How to be a good wife.” Have the ladies read the excerpts, take the papers back, then hand out the quiz. When everyone is done, correct the answers and give a prize to the one who got the most correct answers. This game is great for all ages!

Alternative directions:
Read the textbook sheet out loud to your guests, then hand out the quiz sheets. When everyone has finished, the one with the most correct answers wins.

Another way to play:
Have the guests fill out the question sheet first, then read their answers to everyone. This can get really funny! Then read the correct answers as you go along, using the full text excerpts from the paper.

It’s always fun to have a prize for the winner. But make sure you have a few in case of a tie.

Leave us a comment and tell us what your favorite Bridal Shower Games are. Get more fun printables and family friendly ideas on my blog and follow me on social media!

The post 1950’s Style Printable Funny Bridal Shower Game appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

Hey guys—Margaret Anne from Natural Chow here, back with another healthy and delicious recipe for ya! With summer around the corner, cooling off is everyone’s number one priority. And these sweet, 100% natural peach strawberry popsicles are sure to do the trick!

Three ingredient recipes are among my favorite, mostly because of their simplicity. This is by far one of the easiest recipes to ever come out of my kitchen, and it’s just as delicious. All you need is canned or fresh sliced peaches, apple juice, and strawberries!

To make things easier, I prefer using canned peaches. Not only does this make for a smoother popsicle, but it also saves you from having to slice up some peaches (and removing the stubborn pits).

A 29 oz. can of sliced peaches is the perfect amount for this recipe!

I’m a little obsessed with no-mess/low-mess recipes at the moment, and these peach strawberry popsicles definitely fit into that category. Even with some little hands helping.

The amount of strawberries you add to the mix is totally up to you. I’ve found that 3-5 large strawberries makes for the perfect combination of sweet and tangy.

Depending on the size of your popsicle mold, this recipe should make roughly 6-8 popsicles. However, since not all molds are created equally, the amount you get out of this recipe may differ.

You can also add in some diced strawberries to the mix before pouring the fruit puree into the popsicle molds.

I picked up these colorful molds from the dollar store, but I think you might have more success with a non-plastic mold, as these were a little tricky to get out. But if you’re feeling extra spunky and want to take this cool summer treat to the next level, you could try using different shaped popsicle molds!

You guys are going to loooove these simple, healthy 3-ingredient peach strawberry popsicles!

Here’s the recipe:

Print

3-Ingredient Peach Strawberry Popsicles

Simple, easy peach strawberry popsicles made with just 3 ingredients!

Course Dessert

Servings 6 -8 popsicles

Author Margaret Anne @ Natural Chow

Ingredients

• 1 29 oz. can sliced peaches
• 1/2 - 1 cup apple juice
• 3 - 5 large strawberries rinsed

Instructions

• In your blender, combine all ingredients and blend until mixture is smooth.
• Pour into popsicle molds and freeze for at least 4 hours, or overnight.

Notes

These will keep in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.

I hope you all enjoy this recipe!

The post 3-Ingredient Peach Strawberry Popsicles appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

A friend of mine shared this recipe with my a couple years ago and it has been a seasonal favorite ever since.  You, your family, and friends are going to love this light, sweet, and tart treat so let’s get started!

For this recipe you will need:

• 8 cups of Coconut Water
• The juice of 10 lemons
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups water
• 1 Tbsp Dried Lavender
• 1 drop of Red Food Coloring
• 1 drop of Blue Food Coloring

To begin you will need to make a lavender simple syrup.  This will both sweeten your lemonade, and flavor it.  Simply combine 2 cups of sugar with two cups of water.  Bring it to a boil, and stir until the sugar dissolves.  Next add the dried lavender, and allow it to steep for 20 minutes.  If you are wondering where to find the dried lavender, you can find it in most health food or specialty stores.

While the lavender is steeping in the simple syrup you can combine the juice of 10 lemons with 8 cups of coconut water.  If your coconut water comes with the pulp in it, you will need to strain it out.

Once the lavender is finished steeping strain the dried lavender from the simple syrup.  Add 1 drop of red food coloring and 1 drop of blue food coloring.  This will give your lemonade that lovely lavender color.  Now add it to the coconut water and lemon juice.

Give everything a nice mix together and you are ready to enjoy!

Summer is all about making memories outdoors and this Coconut Lavender Lemonade is the perfect for when everyone is together.  I would love to hear about all the ways you make special summer memories, and get in the kitchen and give this Coconut Lavender Lemonade a try tonight!

And as always…

Happy Reading, Happy Eating, and Happy Living,
~The Kitchen Wife~

[amd-yrecipe-recipe:7]

The post Summertime Coconut Lavender Lemonade appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

I’m so happy that spring is in full swing and I’m loving getting outside more often. That usually means that the family and I eat dinner outside sometimes to change things up a bit and keep things interesting. I know, the life of a mom. Small things make me happy!

I really love to make foods that don’t require using the oven during the warmer days so my house doesn’t get too hot. This recipe uses a burner, but it doesn’t cook for too long so it’s a perfect summer recipe. This really could be a complete meal since it has carbs, protein, and veggies all in one!

Let me show you my favorite bowls for taking my recipes to potlucks. They are so durable and the lids fit so tightly. I’m never scared that the lid will fly off while driving or while the kids are carrying it from the car to the table. They are the Tupperware Impressions Classic Bowl Set (affiliate) and these ones are in the new Spring color! So pretty!

So let’s get started making this delicious BLT Pasta Salad! The printable version of this recipe is found at the bottom of this post. Also, be sure to check out some of my other salad recipes below!

BLT Pasta Salad

•  12-16 oz Macaroni Pasta
• 3 heaping tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 heaping tablespoons sour cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 3 tablespoons white rice vinegar
• 1 pound cooked and chopped bacon (I like mine pretty crisp)
• 2 Roma Tomatoes chopped and seeded
• 2 cups chopped lettuce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to help the pasta not stick to itself and to help it cool down. When the pasta has cooled completely, add the mayo, sour cream, garlic salt, vinegar, bacon, and salt and pepper. Mix well then add the tomatoes and lettuce and fold the mixture until well blended.

Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. NOTE: if you are taking this to a potluck, DO NOT add the bacon, tomato, or lettuce until just about time to serve it. That way those ingredients stay crisp and fresh.

I’ve also included a video tutorial just in case you are a visual learner like I am. Enjoy!

We love to eat this BLT Pasta Salad with my recipe for THE BEST BURGER with my secret sauce. What a perfect summer time dinner.

I really love salads and have a lot of recipes on my blog. Here are a few more you might like.

Light and Healthy Caprese Pasta Salad

Grapes and Cream Fruit Salad (another very popular recipe)

Double Cream Fruit Salad

Here is a printable version of this recipe.

Print

BLT Pasta Salad

Macaroni BLT Salad is the perfect salad for those spring and summer barbecues. Pasta, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo make these a great comfort food too!

Course Salad

Author Annette Belnap- Tips From a Typical Mom

Ingredients

• 12-16 oz Macaroni Pasta
• 3 heaping Tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 heaping Tablespoons sour cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 3 tablespoons white rice vinegar
• 1 pound cooked and chopped bacon I like mine pretty crisp
• 2 Roma Tomatoes chopped and seeded
• 2 cups chopped lettuce
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to help the pasta not stick to itself and to help it cool down.
• When the pasta has cooled completely, add the mayo, sour cream, garlic salt, vinegar, bacon, and salt and pepper.
• Mix well then add the tomatoes and lettuce and fold the mixture until well blended.
• Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
• NOTE: if you are taking this to a potluck, DO NOT add the bacon, tomato, or lettuce until just about time to serve it. That way those ingredients stay crisp and fresh.

The post BLT Pasta Salad appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

With the warmer weather, I’m always excited to start playing with summer flavors again. And it won’t be long before we’re holding family BBQ’s and parties with friends again which is why I wanted to find a new punch to serve. This recipe is from an old family favorite cookbook, though I’ve adjusted it to fit our flavor preference.

The flavors in this drink are tropical and you probably have most of the ingredients already in your refrigerator or pantry! All you need is lime juice, pineapple juice, sugar, lime sherbet, lemon-lime soda, and maraschino cherries. I used the juice from a can of pineapple bites because I couldn’t find just the juice at my local grocery store. It worked just fine!

To start, place the lime juice, pineapple juice, and sugar in a blender or food processor. I used about half of the amount of lime juice called for in the original recipe. I’ve made it with the amount called for and I thought it was too much. If you really like the flavor of lime, you can add more to taste.

Next, add in half of the lime sherbet and reserve the rest until you’re ready to serve the drinks. If you’re making this ahead of time, be sure to keep the reserved sherbet in the freezer! I almost forgot and we would have had a soupy mess. Mix the sherbet and juices together.

It will look like this, nice and frothy. If you’re making this ahead of time, you can refrigerate the mixture until you’re ready to serve.

When it’s party time, grab your glasses and fill them about halfway to 2/3 full with the drink mix. Pour in lemon-lime soda until the glass is almost full. Leave extra room at the top for another scoop of the reserved lime sherbet. You can add more or less mix and soda depending on your taste preferences.

Top it off with a scoop or two of the reserved lime sherbet, a maraschino cherry, and a lime wedge.

This is one of those recipes that can be customized so make it your own! It’s so fun to serve at parties or delicious on a day when you’re longing for the beach and sun!

This would fun to serve on St. Patrick’s Day too! It’s coming up in just a few days and it’s a nice green drink to have as a special treat!

Print

Lime Fizzy Punch

A fun and summery punch, perfect for parties!

Servings 4 -6

Author Jennifer Day of My Daylights

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup lime juice
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 qt lime sherbet
• lemon-lime soda
• maraschino cherries
• lime wedges

Instructions

• Mix lime juice, pineapple juice, and sugar in a blender.
• Add in half of the lime sherbet and reserve the rest.
• Mix until frothy.
• If you're going to wait to serve, refrigerate drink mix.
• Add drink mix to a glass and fill until 2/3 full.
• Add lemon-lime soda until nearly full, leaving room at the top.
• Scoop reserved sherbet into glass.
• Add maraschino cherry and lime wedge to top it off.

Here are some other fun ideas you can find at My Daylights:

Cadbury Easter Egg Bark:

5 Easter Essentials for Boys:

The post Lime Fizzy Punch appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

* We’re sharing our favorite links from last week’s party at the beginning of today’s party.  Check them out and then keep scrolling down for the link party.  Happy Weekend!

Thanks for participating in the Best Recipes and DIY Projects Party last week!  We’re thrilled to share some of our favorite links from last week’s link party with you.

We can tell everyone has been feeling the heat of summer, because there were a ton of delicious, refreshing beverage ideas shared at the party.  Here are four of our favorites the whole family can enjoy (non-alcoholic drinks packed with fruity flavors)!

Caribbean Slush from Cincy Shopper

Easy Raspberry Lemonade Punch from The Mom Creative

Sparkling Watermelon Lemonade from Ella Claire Inspired

Watermelon Basil Cooler from Divas Run for Bling

Now, let’s get this party started!

 Happy Weekend, everyone! We’re delighted that you came to our party. The link-up is live and ready for you to share your recipes, DIY projects and crafts, just make sure you follow these guidelines:

1. When you link up, you are giving us permission to feature your project and pictures on our blogs and social media with a link back to you.
2. We’ll feature our favorite projects from this weekend’s party at the beginning of next week’s link party.
3. Weekly favorites will also be pinned to our Link Party Favorites Board on Pinterest!
4. Add a text link back to the host blog.
5. You can link up any post you’ve created during this past week.
6. We’re excited about your handmade items, but this link party is limited to blog posts only. Please don’t linkup your Etsy shop.
7. Share the love and comment on two or more of the other projects that are linked up. We all love comments!

This party starts every Friday at 5 P.M. MST, and keeps going until the following Tuesday evening. Feel free to invite others to join in the fun!

Thanks for participating! Your Hosts,

Ruthie from Cooking With Ruthie, Jeni from Bakerette, Mandy from Mandy’s Recipe Box, Dan and Chris from Live Dan 330, and Deb, Tracy, and Sherri from Made From Pinterest

The post Best Recipes & DIY Projects Link Party #105 appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

It’s July. Hooray for the Red, White and BlueBERRIES! Is there anything better than fresh blueberries? I love handfuls on my morning yogurt, cereal and in smoothies.  There’s never a better time to enjoy a fresh fruit pie than in the summer months. My hubby’s favorite pie- anytime of the year is my Bountiful Blueberry Pie. I wanted to surprise him last week, so I made these cute little Fresh Blueberry Hand Pies.

Who doesn’t love a hand pie? All you have to do is say “hand pie” to get someone’s attention. Try it. I guarantee people will stop what they are doing and listen You know that old saying – The best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach? Absolutely true.

Especially when you’re making his favorite dessert.

I used my all time favorite crust in this pie. If you’ve never made home made crust, this is the one to try. It’s simple and very forgiving. So easy to work with. Here’s a step by step tutorial (for a homemade apple cranberry pie) that will walk you through and show you crust and pie assembly. If you make yourself familiar with crust making now, you’ll be a pro by holiday time!  These hand pies are the perfect way to start out. Read the whole recipe first, and the tips following the recipe. I’ve posted oodles of pie recipes on A Bountiful Kitchen, each one with tips to help you become a master pie baker! Come by and take a look.

Hope to see you soon!

Si from A Bountiful Kitchen

Print

Fresh Blueberry Hand Pies

Course Dessert

Author Si Foster

Ingredients

• 4 cups or 2 pints fresh blueberries washed and drained
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and grated zest from lemon
• 1 teaspoon almond extract optional
• 3 tablespoons Tapioca dry
• sugar for sprinkling on top granulated or raw
• one egg beaten (optional)
• Pie Crust- recipe below

Instructions

• Place 1 cup of fresh berries in a medium saucepan. Bring heat to medium high, add sugar. Smash the blueberries with the back of a large spoon, or a potato masher to break berries. Mix the berries with the sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Cook until all of the berries burst or are smashed and the mixture bubbles a bit, about 5 minutes. Continue to stir during cooking so berries and sugar do not burn. Turn off heat. Add almond extract, dry tapioca and remaining berries to cooked mixture in pan. Mix well. Let sit in pan for about 5-10 minutes while making crust. It is fine to let this sit in pan the entire time you are preparing the pie crust.
• Meanwhile, prepare crust. Follow directions for pie crust recipe.
• Lightly grease two jelly roll or baking sheets.
• Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
• Generously flour clean counter top or surface. Using a round lid ( I used a 6 inch diameter lid) roll out half of the dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Press the lid into the dough to make 3-4 circles.
• Spoon about 1/4 cup of filling into the center of each circle. Fold over the circle to meet the opposite edge and crimp edges firmly to seal. Gently place on baking sheet. Brush with beaten egg wash if desired, cut small slits for steam to escape and sprinkle with sugar. I bake about 4-5 hand pies per baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough and filling. Bake hand pies for about 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
• Remove from oven. If some of the sugars from the filling have seeped out, use a spatula and carefully remove the pie from the baking sheet to another surface to cool immediately after finished baking. This will prevent the hand pie from sticking to the surface of the baking sheet as it cools.
• After the pies are cooled, sprinkle with additional sugar.
• Yield: about 8- 6 inch hand pies

Notes

Tips:

-You may use frozen blueberries, if using frozen do not thaw before using.

-Depending on the juiciness of the berries, you may end up with (up to) 1/2 cup of liquid in the pan after cooking the berries. If so, make sure to mix all of the ingredients well in the pan before spooning onto the crust. The sugar will dissolve and the tapioca pearls will settle to the bottom of the mixture, so make sure to get to the bottom of the mixture each time you spoon fruit onto the round of pastry. If you end up having a bit of liquid leftover in the pan, no worries. I used a slotted spoon to remove the fruit from the pan, which worked well because my berries were quite juicy.

-The tapioca will not dissolve completely before baking. You will still be able to see the little specs of tapioca as you spoon out the fruit onto the dough. They will dissolve as they are baked.

-I have dry food storage and used a large white lid from one of my cans for the template to cut out my hand pie crust. You could also overturn a bowl and run a knife edge around the edge of the bowl for a template.

-The best way to store any leftovers is on a plate uncovered in a dry climate. If you are in a humid climate, cover with foil or Saran Wrap. Best eaten the day they are made!

-For tips on making pie crust, read original post on Best Flaky Pie Crust.

For more great recipes from A Bountiful Kitchen, check these out!

Emeril’s Vintage Chocolate Pie for Serious chocolate lovers!

Best Flaky Pie Crust

Perfect Apple Pie with step by step tutorial!

Original Toll House Pie. I mean, really cookie dough and pie crust together?!

Simple Pecan Pie

The post Fresh Blueberry Hand Pies appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

* We’re sharing our favorite links from last week’s party at the beginning of today’s party.  Check them out and then keep scrolling down for the link party.  Happy Weekend!

Thanks for participating in the Best Recipes and DIY Projects Party last week!  We’re thrilled to share some of our favorite links from last week’s link party with you.

We were really smitten by some of the links that featured refreshing citrus flavors.  Particularly these luscious lemon treats.  There’s something so refreshing about lemons in the summertime, isn’t there?

Easy Lemon Mousse from The Kitchen Is My Playground

Honey Lemon Cupcakes from Home Made Interest

Light Lemon Pound Cake from Nancy on the Homefront

Raspberry Lemonade Slushie from Raining Hot Coupons

Now, let’s get this party started!

 Happy Weekend, everyone! We’re delighted that you came to our party. The link-up is live and ready for you to share your recipes, DIY projects and crafts, just make sure you follow these guidelines:

1. When you link up, you are giving us permission to feature your project and pictures on our blogs and social media with a link back to you.
2. We’ll feature our favorite projects from this weekend’s party at the beginning of next week’s link party.
3. Weekly favorites will also be pinned to our Link Party Favorites Board on Pinterest!
4. Add a text link back to the host blog.
5. You can link up any post you’ve created during this past week.
6. We’re excited about your handmade items, but this link party is limited to blog posts only. Please don’t linkup your Etsy shop.
7. Share the love and comment on two or more of the other projects that are linked up. We all love comments!

This party starts every Friday at 5 P.M. MST, and keeps going until the following Tuesday evening. Feel free to invite others to join in the fun!

Thanks for participating! Your Hosts,

Ruthie from Cooking With Ruthie, Jeni from Bakerette, Mandy from Mandy’s Recipe Box, Dan and Chris from Live Dan 330, and Deb, Tracy, and Sherri from Made From Pinterest

The post Best Recipes & DIY Projects Link Party #99 appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

2. Kids Firework Craft Using a Fork from Crafty Morning

3. 4th of July Strawberries

4. DIY Painted Flower Pot from Happy Healthy Hip Parenting

5. Patriotic Glitter Candles and Printable Tags from A Pumpkin and A Princess

6. Fourth of July Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting from Made From Pinterest

7. Blueberry Strawberry Jicama Salsa from Two Peas and Their Pod

8. Fourth of July Cake Pops from Passion for Savings

9. 4th of July Kids Tee Shirts from Made From Pinterest

10. M & M Red, White, and Blondies from Your Homebased Mom

11. Nautical 4th of July S’mores Bag Toppers Printables from Anders Ruff

12. DIY Patriotic Wreath from Made From Pinterest

13. DIY Patriotic Shoes from Pretty Providence

14. Snow Cone Cupcakes from Bakerella

15. Patriotic Ice Cream Sandwiches from Made From Pinterest

16. Fourth of July Fun and Games Station from Uncommon Designs

17. Berry Raspberry Icebox Cookies from The Cooking Photographer

18. Chocolate Dipped Oreos from Made From Pinterest

19. 4th of July Muffins from Barbara Bakes

20. 4th of July Snack Mix from Glorious Treats

21. Popsicle Stick Flag Craft from Made From Pinterest

22. Confetti Launchers from Piikea Street

23. No Bake Patriotic Marshmallow Cheesecake from Sweet as a Cookie

24. 4th of July Ice Cream Cones from Made From Pinterest

25. Patriotic Popcorn Lollipops from Simply Kierste

26. 13 FREE Patriotic Printables from Sugar Bee Crafts

27. 4th of July Firecracker Bananas from Made From Pinterest

28. Red, White & Blue Mason Jars from It all Started with Paint

29. Brownie and Berry Parfaits from Mandy’s Recipe Box

30. 4th of July Sparkler Cupcakes from Made From Pinterest

31. USA Fourth of July Decor from Mabey She Made It

32. 4th of July Free Printables from Kensie Kate

33. 4th of July Bandanna Tablecloth from Made from Pinterest

34. White Chocolate Bowls from Restless Chipotle

35. Firecracker Sugar Cookies from Mom Dot

36. Patriotic Jello Stars from Made from Pinterest

37. 4th of July Firecracker Dogs from Handmade in the Heartland

38. Red, White and Blue Cookie Bark from Your Homebased Mom

39. 4th of July Mason Jar Candles from Made from Pinterest

40. Funfetti Cheesecake Cookies from Something Swanky

41. Patriotic Kids S’mores from Passion for Savings

42. Layered Patriotic Drink from Made from Pinterest

43. Patriotic Popcorn from Crazy Little Projects

44. Star Spangled Desserts from Giggles Galore

45. Revolution Cookies from Made from Pinterest

46. Patriotic Breakfast from Holiday Helpings

47. Oreo Cheesecake Pops and Free Party Printables from Living Locurto

48. American Flag Cake from Made from Pinterest

49. Patriotic Cake Mix Jello Cookies from Tastes of Lizzy T’s

50. 4th of July Sparkler Holder Free Printable from Over the Big Moon

The post 50 Patriotic Red, White and Blue Food and Craft Projects appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

Is summer in full swing where you live?  We should be experiencing triple digits this week and I am all about anything that will keep me cool! I love me some warm weather but I also love all the frozen goodies that we get to enjoy during this time of year to help cool us down.  I bought a new ice cream maker for this summer and I haven’t broke it out yet, but after seeing all of these Frozen Summer Treats, it is coming out of the garage today!  Just take a look at these 20 Amazing Frozen Summer Treats that we have found for you on Pinterest!

Black and White Fudge Pops by Kleinworth & Co.

5 Minute Healthy Strawberry Frozen Yogurt by Just a Taste

Ice Cream Cupcakes by A Pumpkin and a Princess

Soda Pop Ice Cream by Your Homebased Mom

Frozen Coconut Mango Bars by Skinny Taste

Ice Cream Dream Cake by Made From Pinterest

Oreo Ice  Cream Truffles by Gimme Some Oven

Summer Sorbets by Lunchbox Bunch

Frozen Coconut Berry Pie by Kitchen Meets Girl

Mango Sorbet by Made From Pinterest

Oreo Cheesecake Ice Cream by Mandy’s Recipe Box

Blueberry Yogurt Pops from Bakerette

Coke Float Popsicles by Lil Luna

Grandma’s Lemon Raspberry Sherbet Dessert by Julie’s Eats and Treats

Strawberry Kiwi Fruit Popsicles by Diethood

Chocolate Covered Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches by Good Life Eats

Funfetti Pudding Pops by Rachel Cooks

Strawberry Banana Frozen Yogurt Bars by Live Laugh Rowe

Rainbow Whole Fruit Ice Pops by 84th & 3rd

Pina Colada Smoothie by Made From Pinterest

“

We hope that you find a lot of “cool” inspiration with this collection of frozen treats.  Enjoy your summer and stay cool everyone!

We’re sharing this post with:

Living Well Spending Less

The post 20 Amazing Frozen Summer Treats appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

It is time for BBQ’s, water activities, vacations, fresh fruit and just plain good ole’ summer time fun.  And as you start your summer, I am going to share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes for my sugar cookies.   It is a recipe that I ALWAYS get asked for, sooo….are you ready to make some cookies?  Let’s get cookin’!

Print

Fruit Sugar Cookies

Course Dessert

Author Made From Pinterest

Ingredients

Dough

• 1 cup soft butter
• 8 oz. cream cheese
• 1 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 tsp almond extract
• 3 1/2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Frosting

• 1 8 oz package of cream cheese softened
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 2 cups whipping cream
• Fruit of your choice. Strawberries blueberries, bananas, kiwi, peaches, etc.

Instructions

• Blend butter and cream cheese. Add sugar and egg. Mix in remaining dry ingredients and blend into the creamed mixture. Chill for 1 hour. Roll out dough on floured surface until 1/4 inches thick (a must!) Cut with desired cookie cutter shape and bake at 375 for 10-12 minutes. For these cookies, I used a round cutter. Let cookies cool.
• In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually add sugar. Blend well. Beat in whipping cream until soft peaks form. Spread cream mixture on cooled crust. Arrange fruit as desired on top.
• Keep chilled until ready to serve.

Notes

***These cookies are best when they are served soon after they are frosted so they won't get too soggy.

I love the red, white and blue of these Fruit Sugar Cookies.  They are  perfect for all the patriotic barbecues this summer!

If I’m not topping these cookies with fruit, I use a different frosting recipe and the cookies turn out more like this:

Check out the link HERE for the additional frosting recipe!

No matter which version you make, this might just be your new favorite cookie recipe.   I hope you enjoy!

You can also find us on Pinterest │ Facebook │ Twitter │ Instagram │ StumbleUpon │ Hometalk

Looking for some more great cookie recipes?  Check these out! (Click on the photo to be taken to the recipe.)

We’re sharing this post with:

Living Well Spending Less

The post Fruit Sugar Cookies appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

There were a few links this week that inspired our patriotic spirits.  Whether you use them to celebrate America’s independence next month, or just to celebrate the freedom of summer, we think you’ll enjoy these red, white, and blue recipes and projects.

4th of July Bookpage Wreath from Meegan Makes

Candied Almond Triple Berry Parfait from This Silly Girl’s Life

No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake from Kleinworth & Co.

No-Cook Strawberry Blender Jam from Practical Stewardship

Blue Rice Crispy Treats from More Than a Mom of Three

Patriotic Pom-Pom Wreath from  Krafty Cards Etc.

Caprese Salad from All She Cooks

Rhubarb & Custard Cupcakes from Baking in Pyjamas

Blueberry Crumble Bars from Love Bakes Good Cakes

Firecracker Cupcakes from Tastes of Lizzy T

 Thanks again for sharing your projects and recipes with us during Super Saturday #47!  We hope you were as inspired by these featured links as we were.   Please come back  for our next Super Saturday Link Party, starting at 7 P.M. EST on Friday night!  And keep an eye on your social media over the weekend, too.  We like to showcase links that catch our eye during the party via Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.  You might see your link featured there!

The post Share It Thursday from Link Party #47 appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

With temperatures rising, we’ve been looking for meal ideas that won’t heat up our kitchens during hot summer days.  It’s nice not to have to turn on the oven when the sun’s already baking.  There were plenty of ideas submitted for keeping the menu cool!  Check out these great ideas for Summer Suppers.

Garlic Parmesan Grilled Potato Wedges from This Silly Girl’s Life

Ricotta Stuffed Tomatoes from Walking on Sunshine

Watermelon Salad from Spaceships and Laserbeams

Thai Chop Salad from Caramel Potatoes

Orzo Stuffed Peppers from With a Blast

Healthy Potato Salad from Simply Fresh Dinners

Gourmet Hot Dogs from Kleinworth & Co.

Jicama Citrus Salad from The First Year Blog

Lemon Chicken with Spinach from Life in My Empty Nest

Gazpacho from Memories By The Mile

Thanks again for sharing your projects and recipes with us during Super Saturday #45!  We hope you were as inspired by these featured links as we were.   Please come back  for our next Super Saturday Link Party, starting at 7 P.M. EST on Friday night!  And keep an eye on your social media over the weekend, too.  We like to showcase links that catch our eye during the party via Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.  You might see your link featured there!

The post Share It Thursday from Super Saturday #45 appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

Fresh Strawberry Yogurt Cake from Caramel Potatoes

Cherry and Mixed Berry Sweet Rolls from  Shop Girl

Strawberry Rose Macarons from Baking a Moment

Strawberry Frozen Yogurt from Mommy On Demand

Le Fraisier Cake from Say It With Cake

Raspberry Cheesecake Mini Jars from Happy Mothering

Paleo/Gluten Free Strawberry Shortcake from Almost Supermom

Mini Lemon Ricotta Cheesecakes from Chocolate with Grace

Strawberry Cupcakes from Mommy In Sports

Caramel Hazelnut Mousse Tartlets from About a Mom

We hope you were as inspired by these featured links as we were!   Please come back  for our next Super Saturday Link Party, starting at 7 P.M. EST on Friday night!  And keep an eye on your social media over the weekend, too.  We like to showcase links that catch our eye during the party via Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.  You might see your link featured there!

The post Share It Thursday from Super Saturday #43 appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.