Chatbug Karen

Since we were in the heat of the election process when Val was thinking up questions for this week’s meme, she went with the red, white and blue theme. Good thinking Val! Head over to Fun, Crafts and Recipes and join in on this fun meme.

#1. Name a food you like that uses a red sauce or anything red in it.

I love salted peanuts with red hot candies mixed in. A little wine from the wine of the month club would also be nice.

#2. Name a food you like with whipped cream in it or on it.

Pumpkin pie is yummy with a dab of cool whip plopped on it.

#3. Name a food you like with blueberry in it.

Pancakes!

#4. Share a recipe for pasta or dessert or a beverage.

I like to make slushy punch for large gatherings. It can be prepared ahead and frozen. In fact, you will want to make it ahead so it has time to cool before putting it into zip lock bags to be frozen. Because it is frozen, it stays cold as it thaws. I just chip away at it as needed when serving it.

* 2 1/2 cups white sugar (can reduce amount to 1 cup or use splenda)
* 6 cups water
* 2 (3 ounce) packages strawberry flavored gelatin mix (change the color to match theme)
* 1 (46 fluid ounce) can pineapple juice
* 2/3 cup lemon juice
* 1 quart orange juice
* 2 (2 liter) bottles lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage (ginger ale, sprite, 7-up)

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large saucepan, combine sugar, water, and strawberry flavored gelatin. Boil for 3 minutes. Stir in pineapple juice, lemon juice, and orange juice. Divide mixture in half, and freeze in 2 separate containers.
2. When ready to serve, place the frozen contents of one container in a punch bowl, and stir in 1 bottle of lemon-lime soda until slushy.