Host an Outdoor Seafood Party

Warm days and lazy weekends call for hosting outdoor parties!  Today’s post gives an outline and menu for an outdoor seafood party….complete with dessert!  Drawing inspiration from a 1956 New England Cookbook (see source at end of post) this party will sure to be a hit whether you live on the east coast or the midwest!

Lets start with the menu – all recipes/ideas follow menu outline:

Seafood bake or Boil

Parker House Rolls         Mustard Pickles

Marble Cake

Watermelon Refresher

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Petite Fruit Pies

fruit pies

When the Autumn season rolls around, I am all about making pies.  Huge pies overflowing with fruits, spices, and lots of sugar.  But during the summer months, I prefer to create smaller, more delicate pies.  I am not quite sure of the reason, but there it is nonetheless.  I try to find fruits that are in season and make only one or two small pies at a time.  This is not only affordable, it is also a time saver, as I make a large amount of pie curst once and then freeze it in small batches.

So whether I want a little pie for myself, for a party, or simply to drop off to a friend, these small creations are the way to go!

Some of the best recipes I have, comes from the Better Homes and Garden Pies and Cakes Cookbook from 1966.  The recipes range from normal fruit pies to cold and tasty creations in a variety of crusts. I have the two pages below for you to peruse and try out as your wish!  I really like the cherry pie recipes myself! 🙂

fruit pies 1 2

fruit pies 2

Happy Baking!!

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All Things Strawberry!

strawberry

Strawberries are, hands down, my most favorite fruit.  I have always loved them and am fairly certain, I always will! 🙂

As a rule, I have never been a “cake” person, preferring instead fruit pies, shortcake, or biscuits.  The lovely thing about strawberries, is that that little fruit goes great with all of the above mentioned desserts.  As a young child, I would always ask for something with this little fruit for my birthday dessert.  Add a huge dollop of whipped cream, and well, I was in heaven!

And with strawberry season just beginning to start, I thought I would share some strawberry recipes.

 

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However, my most absolute, positively-favorite way to eat strawberries, is in strawberry soup!  Smooth, cold, creamy, sweet…. and simply delightful!  

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Ingredients:
2 cups vanilla yogurt/ or buttermilk
1/2 cup orange juice
2 pounds fresh strawberries, halved (8 cups)
1/2 cup sugar
Additional vanilla yogurt and fresh mint leaves, optional

In a blender, combine the yogurt, orange juice, strawberries and sugar in batches; cover and process until blended. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Garnish with additional yogurt and mint leaves if desired. Yield: 6 servings.

So enjoy spring’s most favorite fruit…I know I will!

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