4th of July side dishes

Layered Tortellini Pesto Chicken Salad

http://www.pillsbury.com/recipes/layered-tortellini-pesto-chicken-salad/b4f8ade7-0399-4ba9-a985-2286624bfb4e/?WT.dcsvid=NDM1MDk3Nzk1MQS2&rvrin=9EC142E6-C2C7-41DD-AAEA-B297645EA7AF&WT.mc_id=Newsletter_PB_PB_2011_6_24_RESEND
INGREDIENTS

1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini
1 cup Green Giant® frozen sweet peas (from 1-lb bag)
5cups torn romaine lettuce
1 1/2cups julienne (matchstick-cut) carrots
2 cups chopped or strips grilled chicken
1 medium red bell pepper, cut into strips
1/2 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise or salad dressing
1/2 cup basil pesto
1/4 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil leaves.
DIRECTIONS
1. Cook tortellini as directed on package, adding peas during last 4 minutes of cook time. Drain; rinse immediately with cold water. Pat with paper towels to remove moisture.
2. In 3- or 4-quart clear bowl, layer the lettuce, the carrots, chicken, peas, the tortellini, and bell pepper.
3. In small bowl, mix mayonnaise, pesto and buttermilk. Spread over peppers; sprinkle with parsley. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours until chilled or overnight. Stir just before serving.
Look for matchstick-cut carrots already cut and packaged in the produce section of the supermarket.

Omit the chicken for a meatless salad..
 
Classic Carrot Salad Recipe


http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/classic_carrot_salad/
Ingredients
3-4 cups freshly grated carrots
1/2-1 cup raisins
1 large apple, cored and chopped
1/4 to 1/3 cup mayonnaise

Method
Combine all ingredients in a medium sized bowl.

Revolutionary Berries

http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/revolutionary-berries-1015611/
Ingredients

12 ounces white chocolate chips
Strawberries
Blue sugar or edible glitter

Instructions
Melt 12 ounces of white chocolate chips in a microwave according to the package directions (make sure the container and the berries are dry; even a little moisture will alter the texture of the candy).

One at a time, dip strawberries into the chocolate and then into blue sugar or edible glitter.

Set them to harden on waxed paper.

Makes 35 to 45 decorated berries.

Easy 4th of July desserts

      The recipes below are simple, and easy to make if you are heading to a 4th of July party.  They also look very "patriotic!".  Just use your favorite cookie, cake and biscuit recipes and add the extras.  Children will enjoy helping with these!
Patriotic chip cookies

http://www.catalogs.com/info/bestof/top-10-4th-of-july-desserts
Replace the chocolate chips in your favorite recipe with white chocolate chips, dried blueberries and dried cherries or cranberries for a crispy patriotic cookie.


American flag cake

If your family prefers cake to tarts, start with a butter sheet cake, ice with white frosting, line up seven rows of strawberries and a corner of blueberries and pledge allegiance to a tasty American flag dessert.

Strawberry-blueberry shortcake

BLOCKBUSTER EXPRESS: Free movie codes

Free movie rental codes from BLOCKBUSTER EXPRESS

http://faithfulprovisions.com/2011/06/17/free-blockbuster-express-movie-codes/
The following codes expire June 20th, and each code can be used once per c.c. account:

79JBHS3

56BACC9

81RRAP4

92ASJA3

76MLBJ3

63AEMR3

28CMEA7

Free-Photo-Collage

Free-Photo-Collage
Check out the link for a free 8x10 photo collage at Walgreens. Perfect for Father's Day!!!

Find out how - Mycitycuisine.org

Find out how - Mycitycuisine.org

If you have a "local" favorite dish you'd like to share, check out mycitycuisine.org
Add your dish and help with this WIKI project!

Tomato Side Dish Ideas For Father's Day

BRUSCHETTA SALAD

http://www.kitchendaily.com/recipe/bruschetta-salad-78672/
Ingredients
1/2 cup olive oil

2 tablespoon red wine vinegar

2 medium tomato , cut into 1-inch pieces (about 2 cups)

1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber

1 medium red onion , thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup)

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves

1 tablespoon drained capers

2 cup Pepperidge Farm® Whole Grain Seasoned Croutons

Directions
Beat the oil and vinegar in a large bowl with a fork or whisk. Add the tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, basil and capers and toss to coat.

Add the croutons just before serving and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

Tip: It's important to serve this salad immediately so that the croutons will stay crisp.

HERB GRILLED TOMATOES

http://www.kitchendaily.com/recipe/herb-grilled-tomatoes-144311/
Ingredients4 small tomatoes

3 tablespoons dairy sour cream or plain yogurt

1 tablespoon snipped fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil, crushed

1 tablespoon fine dry bread crumbs

1 tablespoon finely shredded or grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil (optional)

Directions
Remove cores from tomatoes and cut tomatoes in half crosswise. Spread cut side of each tomato with sour cream or yogurt. Sprinkle each with basil. Sprinkle bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese on tomatoes. Arrange tomato halves in a foil pie pan.

Arrange preheated coals around a drip pan in a covered grill. Test for medium heat above the pan. Place the foil pan containing tomatoes on grill over drip pan. Cover and grill for 10 to 15 minutes or until tomatoes are heated through. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired. Makes 4 servings.

Herb-Grilled Roma Tomatoes: Prepare as directed above except substitute 4 Roma tomatoes for the small tomatoes. Do not core roma tomatoes. Cut lengthwise in half.

BLACK BEAN AND CORN SALAD

http://www.food.com/recipe/black-bean-and-corn-salad-dip-66294/photo?
Ingredients:

Servings:
6-8 Servings Size
Dressing
1/3 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

1 garlic clove, minced

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano

salt, to taste

1/4 teaspoon sugar

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Salad
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 (15 ounce) can corn, rinsed and drained (fresh grilled is best)

3/4 cup red onion, chopped

1/2 cup tomato, diced

1/2 cup sweet red pepper, chopped

2 jalapenos, seeded-and finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh cilantro (I like to mix all three) or 1/4 cup parsley (I like to mix all three) or 1/4 cup basil, finely chopped (I like to mix all three)

Directions:

Prep Time: 15 mins
1. In a large bowl, combine salad ingredients.

2. In a small bowl whisk together dressing ingredients.

3. Pour over the bean mixture and toss until all ingredients are coated.

Father's Day Printables/Crafts

http://www.projectsforpreschoolers.com/make-a-silly-tie/
Click here to print project page instructions

Tie Gift Bags For Dad!! I thought this was such a great idea~~
Find your favorite scrap paper/pattern.  Have the kids help you pick it out at craft store.  Use the Michael's coupon, click here: EXP. JUNE 18TH, 2011
http://www.familycraftandbakestop.com/p/current-michaels-craft-store-coupon.html

http://papercrave.com/diy-fathers-day-shirt-tie-gift-boxes/
Father’s Day Shirt/Tie Gift Boxes
TEMPLATE PAGE:
http://www.papercrave.com/downloads/fathers-day-tie-gift-box.pdf
Supplies you’ll need:
gift box template + bow tie / necktie template

a printer

cardstock for the box and tie(s)

scissors

a ruler

a pen or pencil

glue dots

double-sided tape

1/4 inch circle hole punch (for bow tie box)

a scoring tool (optional)

a cutting mat (optional)

DIRECTIONS
Print the box template onto lightweight cardstock, cut out along the solid lines, and assemble according to the directions found in the template file. Place your gift in the box, and use double-sided tape or glue dots to securely close the flap. Print bow tie/necktie templates, cut out, and trace onto your choice of patterned or solid colored paper. Cut out the tie(s) and attach to the box flap using double stick tape or glue dots. If making the bow tie box, punch out three 1/4 inch “buttons” using a hole punch, and attach to the front of the box using glue dots (small Zots are the perfect size).

Alternative directions: Assemble the box and attach the tie to the top flap first, and add your gift last.


http://www.projectsforpreschoolers.com/free-printables/Dad-is-great.html

More Bake Sale Recipes

     I was on the hunt for more Bake Sale ideas... Found some good ones to share.
Granola Trail Mix

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Granola-Trail-Mix
22 ServingsPrep/Total Time: 5 min.
INGREDIENTS

1 package (16 ounces) banana-nut granola

1 package (15 ounces) raisins

1 package (14 ounces) milk chocolate M&M's

1 can (12 ounces) honey-roasted peanuts

Directions
In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Store in an airtight container. Yield: 11 cups.

Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (1/2 cup) equals 331 calories, 15 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 3 mg cholesterol, 73 mg sodium, 46 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 7 g protein.


Chewy Chocolate Sandwich Cookies Recipe By Woman's Day Kitchen from Woman's Day

These delectable sandwich cookies are delightfully simple to make. Instead of spreading the chocolate cookies with plain buttercream, sweeten the deal with mint- or coffee-flavored frosting.
http://www.womansday.com/Recipes/Chewy-Chocolate-Sandwich-Cookies-Recipe

INGREDIENTS
2 bars (4 oz each) bittersweet chocolate, broken into 1-in. pieces

2/3 cup sugar

2 large eggs

2 Tbsp butter, softened

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 tsp each baking powder and salt

1/2 cup mini–semisweet chocolate chips

Mint or Coffee Buttercream Frosting

Recipe Preparation
1. Heat oven to 350ºF. Line baking sheets with nonstick foil or parchment paper. Put chocolate in large glass bowl. Microwave on high 1 minute, stirring every 20 seconds, until chocolate is melted and smooth.

2. Stir in sugar, eggs, butter and vanilla; mix well. Stir in flour, baking powder and salt until blended. Stir in mini-chips.

3. Drop level tablespoons 11/2 in. apart onto prepared baking sheets. Bake 10 minutes until cookies are puffed and set. Cool on baking sheet 2 minutes before removing to wire rack to cool completely.

4. For each sandwich, spread 1 Tbsp buttercream frosting onto bottom of cookie; press another cookie on top. Refrigerate in an airtight container with wax paper between layers.

Tie-Dyed Cupcakes

http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/tie-dyed-cupcakes/e8158d06-10c2-425a-8220-913c5ce42aa2
INGREDIENTS
1 box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® white or yellow cake mix

Water, vegetable oil and egg whites called for on cake mix box

1 container (9 oz) Betty Crocker® Parlor Perfect™ confetti sprinkles

DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pans). Make cake as directed on box for 24 cupcakes--except fill muffin cups half full; top each with 1/4 teaspoon sprinkles. Top with remaining batter; sprinkle each with 1/2 teaspoon sprinkles.

2. Bake and cool as directed on box for cupcakes
 
Chocolate Cookie Pizza

http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/chocolate-cookie-pizza/e759938d-a712-4da5-8aea-986062f9c2e2
INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 egg

1 1/4 cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 bag (6 oz) semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup)

2 tablespoons butter or margarine

3 tablespoons milk

1 cup powdered sugar

1/2 cup pecan halves

1/2 cup candy-coated chocolate candies

1/4 cup shredded coconut, toasted, if desired

2 oz white chocolate baking bars (from 6-oz package), melted

DIRECTIONS
1 Heat oven to 350º F. In large bowl, mix 1/2 cup butter, the brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla and egg until well blended. Stir in flour and baking soda (dough will be stiff).

2 Pat dough in ungreased 12-inch pizza pan or into 12-inch round on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake about 15 minutes or until golden brown. Cool about 30 minutes.

3 In 2-quart saucepan, heat chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons butter and milk over low heat, stirring occasionally, just until chocolate is melted; remove from heat. Stir in powdered sugar. Beat with wire whisk until smooth, glossy and spreadable. (If not glossy, stir in a few drops hot water).

4 Spread chocolate mixture over baked layer. Immediately sprinkle with pecans, candies and coconut; press lightly. Drizzle with melted baking bars. Let stand until set. Remove from pan if desired. Cut into wedges.