The Thrill of the Ride and picnic recipes

The World According to Bella

If I had only thought to wear stripped red, white and blue boxer shorts I might have had a better chance to win The Best Dressed Dog prize. Needless to say I was disappointed but still had such fun being in the boat parade. Our boat looked festive and sparkly with all the decorations our company had helped my owners put on.

One of the best parts of the water parade was honking the horn as we passed by people standing on their docks. I tried to do my best princess wave with my paw but it just didn't quite work and everyone just laughed. But still I was content with the wind in my face as our fleet of 34 boats moved along the water. As I closed my eyes in pure bliss. I couldn't help but think about all the food we were going to have afterwards. I knew the cook had been busy for days preparing a feast. I hope she won't mind I was able to sneak out a few of her recipes to share with you all.

Three Bean Casserole-serves 10-12

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. pork sausage or 1 lb. hamburger
• ¾ cup chopped celery
• 3/4 cup chopped onion
• 1 large can baked beans
• 1 can butter beans
• 1 can light kidney beans-rinsed and drained
• 2 cans chunky diced tomatoes with basil/oregano
• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 1/3 cup chili sauce
• 1 TB. mustard
• 2 TB. apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• optional crumbled bacon on top

Directions:

• Cook sausage/hamburger till crumbly, celery, onion over medium heat
• Add rest of ingredients except bacon
• Pour into an ungreased 3 quart casserole
• Bake uncovered about 45 minutes at 350 or slow cooker on low for a few hours

Blackberry Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1-16 oz. bag frozen blackberries thawed or 2 cups fresh blackberries
• 2/3 cups sugar
• 2 TB. fresh lemon juice
• 2 tsp. cornstarch mixed in 1/3 cup water
• 1/8 tsp. salt
• 1/3 cup Blackberry jelly
• 2 TB. Brandy

Directions:

• Mix cornstarch into water and add all ingredients into a saucepan
• On low heat cook till mixture thickens and is clear
• Remove from heat and strain to remove any seeds add 2 TB. Brandy
• Cover and refrigerate
• Drizzle over ice cream- another good option serve over lemon sorbet
• Note: if using frozen blackberries reduce sugar to 1/2 cup
• Recipe adapted from Cooks.com