Party Punch

Thanksgiving was such a wonderful day. You can read about our Thanksgiving dinner here. I made this punch that has received rave reviews for our Thanksgiving beverage. It lived up to they hype. Sooo good! Recipe found here.

1 can frozen piña colada concentrate, thawed
1 can frozen orange pineapple juice concentrate, thawed
4 liters of diet lemon-lime soda
1 bag of pebble ice (You can buy it at Sonic Drive-In or at most grocery stores in the deli or meat departments.)
1 bag of frozen raspberries

Directions:
Pour the thawed concentrates into your punchbowl and stir.
Use one of the empty cans and fill it with water four times and add it to the mixture. Stir.
Add your diet soda to the mixture.
Next, add about half your bag of pebble ice.
Add your frozen raspberries to the top.

Orange Julius

This is another little trick I use to spruce up a meal that is sort of blah (we must have those a lot :). We make orange julius. It is our own little version, nothing related to the stuff you have at the orange julius stand. But it is easy and we like it.

6 oz. frozen orange juice concentrate
1 c. crushed ice
1 c. milk
1 c. water
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Blend in the blender until smooth.

Fresh Lemonade with Mint

This recipe is from my favorite cookbook right now. It is by Julie Badger Jensen, "The Essential Mormon Cookbook." Honestly this cookbook is so good!

6 lemons
1 1/2 cups sugar
4 sprigs of green mint
2 quarts (8 cups) water

Cut lemons in slices and remove seeds. Place lemon slices in a large bowl. Sprinkle sugar over slices. Add two sprigs of mint. Let stand for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove mint. using a masher, crush sugared lemons. Add water. Stir well. Pour into serving pitcher. Add ice and remaining two sprigs of mint. Pour and serve right away. Makes 2 quarts.

The recipe doesn't ever say to remove the lemon rinds, but I took out about half of them before serving after I had gotten as much lemon out of them as possible. If you have leftover juice, take the rest out before putting in the refrigerator or it makes the lemonade taste funny. This is perfect for Summer!