Dear Friends,

How can it be August already? I think that August is the pivot month for turning my thoughts from summer to back to school and holidays! There is still a lot of summer left, but my mind is already inching toward canning, cleaning and cooking for fall.

We tried the Mega Ball last weekend and let the kids roll it around the backyard to make a quart of ice cream. The adults helped and handled the rock salt but getting everyone involved in making the dessert was a big hit. I mixed the cream, sugar and vanilla early in the day and had it in the refrigerator when the time came to get things moving. We scooped the finished product into cones and sat outside eating our "kid friendly" finale to dinner.

S'mores, another summer dessert that is a universal favorite, are usually made with the help of a bonfire or backyard fire pit. I've used two other methods that seem to be fun and workable if you don't have the fire pit. Fill a galvanized pail with sand or gravel and place 3 large Sterno cans inside. When ready for roasting, light the Sterno and use Charcoal Companion Forks, sticks or skewers for the marshmallows. If they are wooden skewers make certain they have been soaked in water so they don't burn. Another, at the table, S'more making hit is to use small clay pots filled with sand or gravel and one small Sterno inside. Just bring a tray of the pots to the picnic table... I use one for every two people....and then pass a basket filled with graham crackers, chocolate, marshmallows and skewers and let everyone pitch in to make their own dessert. It is amazing how adults and children alike love this summer activity!

For all of you who remember Orange Julius and the unique flavor here is a recipe that will bring the memories back. Just get the fabulous Viking Blender out and mix this up for breakfast or a special cold drink!

Orange Blender Buzz
Frozen orange juice concentrate (6 oz)	1 c. milk
1 c. water	1/4 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
Combine in blender. Serve over ice and enjoy. Try this on the first day back to school!

Lately the news about tomatoes, lemons and potential food hazards has made me do some research into proper cleaning of produce. The Tersano lotus Sanitizer has answered all my concerns. The Lotus patented technology infuses cold tap water with an extra oxygen atom that creates a natural sanitizer. I couldn't believe that this all purpose cleaner comes from water. The sanitizing agent that is created from water kills bacteria and viruses and neutralizes pesticides. It kills 99.9% of bacteria, works 3,000 times faster and is 50% more powerful than chlorine bleach, and has no toxic residue. It cleans everything from kitchens to bathrooms as well! Thanks, Tersano, for putting my worries to rest!

So, as we enjoy the rest of summer and get ready to send our children back to school I hope you have many "happy days" of barbequing, picnicking and backyard fun. Fonzie would approve!

Best Wishes for Great Dishes!

Penny

P.S. Watch for new programs from the Copper Colander Culinary section!

P.S.S. As a member of the CC Club you will receive 10% off a Mega Ball!