4th of July Round-Up Part One

 Berry Caprese Salad

Berry Caprese Salad

A fun, festive salad with a balsamic drizzle is just the piece de resistance needed, especially when you use a chocolate balsamic. 

Ingredients

• 2 cups halved strawberries, stems removed
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1 cup fresh blackberries or watermelon cubes
• 1 cup fresh raspberries
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls or 1-1/2 cups cubed mozzarella
• 1/4 cup basil leaves, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Drizzle of dark-quality balsamic glaze or chocolate balsamic

Directions:

• In a large bowl, combine berries, fresh mozzarella, and basil. Drizzle with olive oil and gently stir. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the salad and serve immediately.

Frozen Sangria Margarita

The recipe serves six. The recipe was adapted from allrecipes.com

Ingredients
For the sangria 

• 1 cup red wine
• Juice of 1 orange
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 cups crushed ice

For the margarita  

• 1 can frozen limeade concentrate
• 4 shots tequila
• 1 tablespoon Triple Sec
• 2 cups crushed ice

Directions:

• Blend the sangria mixture in a blender.  
• Add in the margarita mixture and mix all ingredients together. 
• Freeze for several hours in a covered plastic container.  
• Combine sugar and salt on a small plate. Run a wedge of lime around the rim of a glass and dip it in sugar and salt.
• Scoop out the margarita mixture into glasses.

1. Tip: Juice correctly. To get the most juice out of your limes and oranges, roll them on the counter or microwave them for a few seconds before juicing.
2. Cherry Pie
   
   https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2015/06/road-trip-to-eau-claire-michigan-for.html 
   
   Festive Ice Cream Sandwiches 
3. I had sprinkles and sticks left over from cake pop recipes, and this one went together in less than five minutes! Ensure the ice cream sandwiches are slightly softened so the sprinkles adhere better. I wrapped them in wax paper and placed them back in the freezer until I was ready to serve them.  
4. Fruit Kabobs