Red & Blue Picnic: An American Affair . . .

Well, it's almost that time of year again....time to break out the red, white, & blue and celebrate America's birthday!  Catching fireflies, lighting sparklers, spreading out your blankets in a patch of grass to watch the fireworks...summer just wouldn't be the same without partaking in these most pleasant pastimes!  

And like that gorgeous firework display that lights up the night sky every July, this delightful red & blue  picnic doesn't disappoint!  Ahhh, summer...grab a glass of cold lemonade, kick your feet up, and prepare to be inspired . . .

Nothing quite as whimsical as a DIY paper pinwheel . . .

And handmade confetti fireworks will certainly delight the kids, not to mention that giddy little child within us all . . .

Stay tuned tomorrow for a special Fourth of July tutorial . . . 

Partial Picnic Pictures courtesy of Project Wedding

Sweets for Summer: Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries...Yum!

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Looking for a delicious summer recipe to bring to your next BBQ?  I just love this oh-so-simple twist on the classic chocolate-covered strawberries, brought to me by my lovely & talented little sister...the real bakeress in the family .

Here's how it's done:

Ingredients:

~ 2 quarts of fresh Strawberries

~ 1 box Jello No Bake Cheesecake (I like the box that comes with the graham cracker crumbs)

~ Crushed Graham Crackers

~ Milk Chocolate for drizzling

Wash the berries and hollow out the centers - use a small paring knife for this.

Mix the cheesecake according to the directions.  Put the cheesecake in a piping bag and fill each strawberry until slightly overfilled.  Then, place the graham cracker crumbs into a bowl and dip each strawberry into the crumbs to coat the top.

Melt the chocolate in the microwave (1 block of the bark type chocolate from the grocery store) in 30 second increments stirring in between. Again, transfer to a piping bag with a narrow tip and drizzle onto each berry. Refrigerate until you're ready to eat!

Recipe courtesy of deliciousmeliscious & The Novice Chef.