August 2005

Have you ever treated yourself to the little bottles of Starbuck’s Frappuccino Coffee drinks that are $old in stores? If your answer was anything but YESSSS, I don’t even know you anymore. Get back in my good graces and give them a try. They’re heavenly. They’re addictive. They’re heavenly addictive.

They’ve come up with a won-der-ful new flavor, Mint Mocha. It tastes just like those delicious little Thin Mints the Girl Scouts sell each year. Can you believe how much they’re selling the boxes for now? I used to buy like 20 boxes each year. Now, it’s just the idea - nearly 4$ for a very small box of cookies that aren’t quite homemade-quality in the first place. Admitedly, I still buy quite a few - how in the world can anyone with a heart walk by those little girls and not give in. I just don’t buy as many.

Although, I was approached by one little bity girl this year who looked like a baby Halle Berry - big brown eyes, toothy smile, must’ve weighed all of 35 pounds. She was so danged cute and sweet. She even wrinkled her nose when she said the price.

My family enjoyed those 8 boxes. I’m just glad I didn’t have more cash on me.

Joi
Buttermilk Press
Out of Bounds

6 Cups Strong Tea

1 1/2 Cup Sugar (What can I say, we like tea sweet in the south!)

1 can Frozen Lemonade Concentrate

4 canfulls of water

2 1/2 Cups Pineapple Juice

Mix the sugar with the tea while it’s still warm. Add the other ingredients and serve with sliced lemons.

Experiment with the flavors. Try raspberry, peach, etc. (The raspberry concentrate makes wonderful tea!)

Joi

1 cup sugar

1 pound strawberries, washed, hulled, and sliced

1/4 cup water

1 tablespoon butter

2 tablespoons cornstarch

9″ baked pastry pie shell

Combine sugar and strawberries; let stand at room temp. a few hours (until juicy). Drain juices off; transfer to saucepan. Bring to a boil.

Mix together the water, butter, and cornstarch. Add to the strawberry juice mixture; continue cooking, covered, over low heat for 2 minutes.

Cool slightly and stir in strawberries. Pour into baked pie shell. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Serve with whipped cream. Delicious!

Joi
Buttermilk Press
Out of Bounds

2 TBS Graham Cracker Crumbs
4 (8oz) Pkgs. Cream Cheese, softened
1 cup granulated Sugar
4 large Eggs
1 tsp. Lemon Juice
1/2 tsp. Vanilla

1 can Blueberry Pie Filling (or cherry or blackberry)

Sprinkle the crumbs on the bottom of a lightly greased 9″ Springform pan. Combine softened cream cheese and sugar until blended. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Mix in lemon juice and vanilla. Pour into pan and bake in 325 degree oven for 50 minutes.

Cool. If you have the willpower, cheesecake chilled overnight tastes EVEN better!

Spread pie filling on top and enjoy!