Cranberry Spritzer - Cool Summer Drink

Cranberry Juice
Sprite , 7-up, Mellow Yellow, Mountain Dew, or Ginger ale
Ice
Blender

Fill the blender about 1/4 of the way with ice cubes.
Place a mixture of 3 parts cranberry juice and 1 part soft drink.
Blend until a Fruit smoothie consistency.

For an adult version add 1/2 to 3/4 shot of Rum

Serve Immediately in a glass.

Grilled Summer Veggies

3/4 cup Italian salad dressing
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
1-1/2 teaspoons lemon-pepper seasoning
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning  (optional)
1 medium zucchini, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 medium yellow summer squash, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 small onion, julienned
1/2 medium green pepper, julienned
1 large carrot, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 celery rib, cut into 3/4-inch slices
4 whole fresh mushrooms, quartered

In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the salad dressing, vinegar, parsley, lemon-pepper and Cajun seasoning. Add the vegetables; seal bag and turn to coat. Let stand for 15 minutes; drain. Arrange vegetables on a grill rack. Grill, covered, over medium heat for 20-25 minutes or until tender, turning frequently. 4 servings.

Summertime Fruit Slush

3 ounces any red fruit flavored gelatin 1 cup boiling water
3 cups cold water
2 cups cranberry juice cocktail
12 ounces frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
12 ounces frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
lemon lime flavored carbonated beverage, chilled


Serving Size: 8 ounces

Servings: 20

Container: punch bowl or large pitcher, small bowl, non-metal freezer container

Prep Time: 10 minutes

In small bowl, dissolve gelatin in boiling water.
In freezer container, combine dissolved gelatin with remaining ingredients except carbonated beverage. Cover.

Freeze until slushy consistency, about 8 hours or overnight.
To serve, spoon 1/2 cup mixture into serving glass, then fill with carbonated beverage.

Note: If slush is frozen, let stand at room temperature for at least an hour. Diet or sugar free ingredients are fine in this recipe.
For adult flavor: add vodka or gin if desired.