SWEET & SAVORY STRAWBERRY TEA SANDWICH

There is something so special when it comes to serving tea sandwiches. From afternoon tea to children's parties to evening cocktails, the possibilities are endless.  Sweet or savory, they are equally delicious.

In today's blog I chose a recipe that I ran across a few weeks ago using strawberries. Since it's strawberry season, I thought this recipe might provide a new twist on serving "something strawberry." Most everyone loves strawberries and these little tea sandwiches are not only easy to prepare they have just the right touch of sweet and savory to be a hit for all ages.

RED, WHITE & BLUE LAYER CAKES

This morning I got the cutest text from my niece with audio attached from her son, my great nephew. He's 3 years old going on 16! We'll be seeing him and meeting his new little brother in July. We just can't wait!

I've been on the "struggle bus" (as my youngest daughter calls it). I really wanted to create a blog post for Memorial Day, but I couldn't come up with an idea that was different from others floating around in Blogland. After the text from my niece today, it came to me....it's time to create a little something for the kiddies for Memorial Day. 

I had just purchased a box of 1/2 pint jars from Old Time Pottery. They would be the perfect size for "little hands" to hold. (I'm sure big hands would do well too!) It seems all kinds of food from salads to desserts appear in jars today. But I needed something red, white and blue that was edible and that children would enjoy. Take at look at what I came up with.......

How "fun" this Pillsbury Funfetti Aqua Blue cake mix will be in my Red, White and Blue Layer Cake. Bake the cake according to the directions on the packet.

Then slice strawberries, (our Red), very thin and cube the cake (our Blue) once it is cooled.

I started with a little whip cream (our White), then a layer of Aqua Blue Funfetti cake, then strawberries, repeating this twice. The top is an extra nice dollop of whip cream and of course some red, white, and blue sprinkles.....the sliced strawberry adds a nice bit of red on top too!

My recipe made approximately #7---1/2 pint jars.

If you have little kiddies or big even big kiddies visiting for Memorial Day, 

why not give this easy, fun dessert a try.....I'm sure it will be a crowd pleaser!

Stars & Stripes Forever

Hurrah for the flag of the free!

May it wave as our standard forever,

The gem of the land and the sea,

The banner of the right.

Let despots remember the day

when our Father's with mighty endeavor

Proclaimed as they marched to the fray.

That by their might and by their right

It waves forever!

John Philip Sousa

Wishing you all a safe and glorious Memorial Day weekend!

                     Kathleen

**I am not being compensated for this post by an affiliates. This recipe is my own creation.

FOODIE FRIDAY--DELICIOUS STRAWBERRY PIE

WELCOME TO FOODIE FRIDAY!

When I was growing up we lived in the country and always had a big garden. My Dad and Mom would plant all kinds of delicious veggies. We even had Raspberry bushes, and Strawberry plants. I never realized how lucky we were at the time. Today what I wouldn't give for one of those gardens.  Fresh everything......yum!

Speaking of fresh-----it's Strawberry season here in NJ. Did you know that strawberries are full of antioxidants and contain malic acid which helps whiten your teeth? Now that's a great couple of reasons to enjoy them even more.

This year I came across a Strawberry Pie recipe that came with rave reviews from Chelsea at Two Twenty One. It's not only delicious, but it makes a beautiful presentation for almost any occasion. From picnics to family dinners, this pie will be the hit of the event.

Very simple ingredients below....you can make the crust yourself if you prefer. Bake crust prior to filling.

                 Cornstarch/water mixture.                                      Adding jello to the mixture.

Finished pie---My husband ended up eating 2 pieces!! He hardly ever eats dessert so you now know, this is truly a WINNER recipe!

 Recipe may be found at--http://www.twotwentyone.net/2012/06/strawberry-pie/


Hurry, grab your strawberries and make this for your family or maybe just yourself! It is truly delightful! You may add a dollop of your fav whipped cream to top it off if you like.


ENJOY!


Kathleen

***Have a wonderful weekend! See you on Monday.....Thanks for stopping by!

It's Foodie Friday--Strawberries & Cream Bars & Peanut Butter Cup Pretzel Bites

One week from today is Valentine's Day! What are your plans for the day? Ron and I have celebrated a lot of Valentine days together through the years. We've always said that we don't need a "special" day to celebrate our love.......so what works for us is keeping the day pretty simple.
 
Since it's the last Foodie Friday before the "big" day I decided that a Valentine theme might be in order. There are so many recipes and ideas floating around..........too fussy, too crazy, and
too detailed for me. I think I finally found the right choices for a simple little "sweetness" for a very special day.

The Strawberries & Cream Bars recipe caught my eye because it uses "fresh" strawberries in the recipe. With the added factor of a cheese cakey center......I was sold. Of course not to be forgotten, the infamous candy that everyone needs just a little touch of for Valentine's Day. Who doesn't love a peanut butter cup and the saltiness of a pretzel together?  I made these delectable little dollops of yumminess......Peanut Butter Cup & Pretzel Bites for those of us that just want a little tidbit of sweetness!

I couldn't resist the verse on this Hallmark bag........and this got me thinking........what else could I use in this vignette? I am a real lover of Carnations........of any kind! Back in the day, Martha Stewart once touted her LOVE for these underrated flowers. Well folks, I feel the same way. They make such a beautiful display of color when they are all drawn together in a tight bouquet. I wrap a rubber band around them just where the stem begins under the bloom to keep them nice and tight. They are economical and gorgeous.........take a look for yourself!

Well friends, may your day be filled with whatever makes YOU happy and loved.......with a touch of  sweetness on the side!

                                                                 Happy Valentines Day!

                                                                      Kathleen


***Thank you to Cookies and Cups for the bar recipe--
        http://cookiesandcups.com/strawberries-and-cream-bars/
***Thank you to MADIGANMADE.COM for the Peanut Butter Cup & Pretzel Bites recipe.