Memorial Day Sides Part One

 

Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches

Cook's Notes: Waffle Ice-cream Sandwiches you can create your own by making homemade waffles or buying store-bought ones. Then add your favorite flavor of ice cream and sprinkles and now you have a winning kid-friendly and adult treat. Bonus... save any extra waffles for breakfast. This waffle recipe makes 8 servings.

In the photo note sandwiches taken from the freezer are kept cool in a bowl that is set in a larger bowl of crushed ice.  

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter, melted
• 2 pints  vanilla ice cream, softened or another favorite
• Multicolored sprinkles, for coating

Directions:

• Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter in a separate bowl. Add buttermilk mixture to flour mixture, and stir just until incorporated.
• Heat a round waffle iron. Spoon a heaping 1/2 cup of batter onto a waffle iron and cook until light golden brown, 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
• Scoop ice cream onto half of the waffles, spreading evenly. Sandwich with remaining waffles, gently pushing ice cream out to the edges. Coat edges in sprinkles. Freeze until firm, 4 hours, and up to 2 days. Cut each waffle into 4 triangles just before serving.

Caprese Salad with Bacon, Cucumbers, and Tomatoes

With summer right around the corner and your BBQ grill is out and dusted off for the grilling season, it's time to think about some sides to pair with grilled items. 

Caprese Pasta Salad with Tomato, Bacon, and Mozzarella 

Cook's Notes:

The simple and scrumptious flavors of this dish are just divine. It screams cookout time and is easy to prepare as a side for a grilled meal or as a main dish for a lighter fare. I have included the ingredients you decide how much depending on the servings needed.

Ingredients: 

• Pasta (2 cups dried pasta when cooked  enough for 4 servings) 
• Bacon, cooked and crumbled
• Sliced cucumbers
• Marinated mozzarella balls (deli section) 
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Red onion, diced
• Fresh Basil
• Italian Seasoned Croutons
• Olive Garden Italian Signature Dressing  
  
  Directions: 
• Mix all ingredients except croutons. Add only enough dressing to moisten the salad and refrigerate for several hours for flavors to meld. Taste to see if more dressing is needed add croutons and serve.  

I realize the bowl is empty but I wanted you to see how lovely the inside looks. I bought this bowl in Italy (Island of Capri) many years ago so thought it fitting serving vessel this salad.

HOPE YOUR TUESDAY IS GOOD