Berry Lemonade Cake

1 cup very hot water
1 box (4-serving size) raspberry-flavored gelatin
1 box white cake mix
1/2 cup frozen (thawed) lemonade concentrate
1/4 cup water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
4 egg whites

1 container (12 oz) whipped vanilla frosting

1 cup frozen (thawed) whipped topping
1 1/2 cups fresh raspberries, if desired

Lemon peel strips, if desired

(For Orange Flavor use Orange gelatin and orange juice concentrate)

Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Spray bottom only of 13x9-inch pan with baking spray with flour. In small bowl, mix hot water and gelatin until gelatin is completely dissolved; cool slightly.

In large bowl, beat cake mix, 1/4 cup of the gelatin mixture, 1/4 cup of the lemonade concentrate, the water, oil, and egg whites with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds. Beat on medium speed 2 minutes. Pour into pan. Reserve remaining gelatin mixture and lemonade concentrate.

Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Poke warm cake every inch with fork tines. Remove 1 tablespoon of the reserved gelatin mixture to microwavable custard cup or small bowl. In another small bowl, mix remaining gelatin mixture and remaining 1/4 cup lemonade concentrate; pour slowly over cake. Cool completely, about 1 hour.

In medium bowl, fold together frosting and whipped topping; frost cake. Microwave 1 tablespoon gelatin mixture uncovered on High 10 seconds to liquefy. Using 1/4 teaspoon measuring spoon, place small drops of gelatin mixture over frosting; with spoon or toothpick, swirl gelatin into frosting. Garnish each piece with raspberries and lemon peel strips. Store covered in refrigerator.

Makes 12 servings

Pesto Dip

2 blocks cream cheese - softened
1 stick butter (1/2 cup)
1-2 cloves garlic, minced
salt & pepper

Mix all ingredients together well.

In a loaf pan lined with plastic wrap, layer the cream cheese mixture and pesto (see pesto recipe ) in several layers.

Or you can mix pesto directly into the cream cheese mixture and form into a ball wrapped in plastic

wrap. Refigerate till firm.

Serve with your favorite crusty breads or crackers.

Pesto

1/3 cup Olive Oil
2 cups firmly pcked basil leaves
1/2 cup pine nuts
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
3-4 cloves garlic, peeled and quartered
1/4tsp salt

Blend in blender or food processor till narly smooth, adding enoug additional live oil (up to 2 T) to reach desired consistancy.

Makes 3/4 cup Pesto. Store in tightly covered jar in refrigerator.