Family Fun!

"In the end, life teaches us what is important and that is family." -Steven Covey

"If you don’t recount your family history, it will be lost. Honor

your own stories and tell them too. The tales may not seem very

important, but they are what binds families and makes each of us

 who we are. " -Madeleine L' Engle

 

     Besides the normal Fourth of July Celebration, in the past two weeks or so we have participated in many family events including a family reunion and my son's Eagle Court of Honor.  Here is my happy son and the quilt I made for him to honor his achievements in Scouting.  This quilt was made from a panel and fabric called Stonehenge.

 

 

     Family reunions are busy and fun occasions.  It was good to see some of my cousins again.  My dad's family is known for all the good cooks as you can see by the spread on the picnic table.  I brought a summer favorite, Frog-Eye Salad, to share with everyone.
 

 

Frog Eye Salad

1 cup sugar                                                                  1 cup acini di pepe pasta

2 T. flour                                                                     2 cans mandarin oranges

½ tsp. salt                                                                    1 can pineapple tidbits

1 ½ cups fruit juice (from canned fruits below)         1 can crushed pineapple

2 eggs, beaten                                                             1 carton (8oz.) whipped

1 T. lemon juice                                                                       topping

                                                                                    1 cup mini marshmallows

In a saucepan combine sugar, flour, ½ tsp. salt, pineapple juice and beaten eggs.  Stir and cook over medium heat until thickened.  Remove from heat; add lemon juice and cool to room temperature.

 

Bring 2 quarts water to a boil.  Add 1 T. oil and 1 tsp. salt.  Add 1 cup Acini Di Pepe pasta and cook until al dente.  Rinse under cold water and drain.

 

Combine egg mixture and pasta.  Cover and refrigerate until chilled.  Refrigerate fruit until chilled in covered container.  Add the fruit, the dairy topping and the miniature marshmallows ( I use the pastel-colored ones).  Stir lightly and chill until serving.  Makes 8-10 servings.

 

 

     The kids also enjoyed a Bocce (lawn bowling) game, water balloon toss, three-legged races and the always popular candy cannon.

 

 

 

 

 

     Along with all the outdoor activities we have had record-breaking hot temperatures with highs all week long in the 100s.  To help us stay cool here is a recipe for Tropical Smoothies.  This is another favorite from Our Best Bites.

 

 

Tropical Smoothies

1 ½ cups orange-mango-peach juice         

½ cup cream of coconut                               

1 cup cubed mangoes or peaches                             

1 cup raspberries or strawberries

1 1/2 cups (about 3 large scoops) pineapple sherbet

2 cups ice

     Add all ingredients to your blender in the order listed and process until smooth.  Drink immediately.

 

 

 

     It's been so hot lately that it's felt like we were walking across Egypt.  So the book I'm recommending for this month has that title-Walking Across Egypt by Clyde Edgerton.  Turn up the air-conditioner and have yourself a very good read.

 

 

 

     Here's a little table top quilt that was fun to make called Pop'n Firecrackers by Ashby's Attic.