Chocolate Coconut Pie

Simply elegant, simply scrumptious, simply simple.

Mix together 5 cups (about 1 1/2 packages) sweetened flaked coconut with 1/2 cup softened butter.

Press into a 9" pie pan and cover edges with foil.  Bake 10-15 minutes at 350' until inside crust is light brown.  Remove foil and brown edges (about 5 minutes).  Cool completely.

Chop 1 cup bittersweet chocolate. (I used Ghiradelli 60% cacao).  Heat 1 cup heavy cream to boiling.  Pour over chocolate and let sit 10 minutes.  Stir until completely melted and pour into crust.

Refrigerate until set (at least an hour).

Lobster Roll

The must-have summer specialty in a coastal resort.  My favorite is made by The Seafood Shanty on Route 6 overlooking the Cape Cod Canal.  The sandwich is brimming with chunks of lobster meat and is served with french fries. 

Summer entertaining

"Summer afternoon... the two most beautiful words in the English language" according to Henry James.

 Perfect for dining al fresco (outdoors) but some elements are necessary to ensure your guest's comfort.  Suitable seating is a must.  No-one can  sit for long on slats or webs without being imprinted.  Make sure wood seats are free from splinters and metal seats are not as hot as a skillet!  Best still, use cushions.

August celebrations

August is American Artist Appreciation, Foot Health, and Home Business Month; also, National Catfish, Golf, Inventors, and Water Quality month.  We  can celebrate National Clown, Elvis, Apple, Smile, Dance, and Air Conditioning Appreciation weeks,too.
How about a birthday party for Francis Scott Key, Betty  Boop, Annie Oakley, Davy Crockett, Bill Clinton or Wilt Chamberlain? Other special days commemorate the debut of MTV, the founding of Switzerland, the first income tax, the issue of the Lincoln penny, the establishment of the Coast Guard, and the patent of the waffle iron.   I'm sure to celebrate National Chocolate Chip, Filet Mignon, Creamsicle, Peach Pie, Watermelon, Sponge Cake, and Ice cream sandwich days.
And let's not miss Middle Children's, International Left-handers, Book lovers and Sea Serpent days.
A party is called for on Wiggle Your Toes, Dream (MLK speech delivered), Be an Angel, Sit Back and Relax Days.
Enjoy the last month of summer!

National Lasagna Day

Easy recipe...
9 no cook noodles
2 jars (26 oz) sauce (your favorite)
1 lb. ground beef or italian sausage, cooked
1 1/2 Tblsp. italian seasoning
1 15 oz. container part skim ricotta
1 egg
2 pkgs. (8 oz each) italian bend shredded cheese

1.  Mix together ricotta, egg, and spice
2.  Spread 1 1/2 cup sauce on bottom of 13x9" pan.  Layer 3 noodles
3.  Top with 1/2 cheese mixture, 1/2 meat, 1 cup shredded cheese and 1 1/2 cup sauce
4.  Layer 3 noodles and repeat step 3
5.  Layer last 3 noodles and rest of sauce and shredded cheese.  Bake uncovered 40 min.
     at 350 degrees.  Uncover and bake 15 min more until cheese is melted and browned.
     Makes 6 large or 8 regular servings.

Summer entertaining

Ding dong!  The doorbell rings and there are Jim and Nancy from 'down the street' but down the street 8 years ago and now they're "in the neighborhood"  Barring another appointment that had you headed out the door momentarily, you ask them in.  Or you can say you have somewhere else to be and make a date for later to 'catch up'.  (Don't forget that you then must leave the house!)  If they're invited in, don't stress.  You've read the Party Bee posts and have made a plan .  (Buzz:  To bee-prepared always have ice in the freezer and you won't have to keep a variety of drinks chilled).  Head to the refrigerator where a container of tea awaits;  Pour in a pretty glass, then pop in one of your prepared lemon ice cubes.  Unmold a package of Alouette (a fridge staple) on a pretty plate (Buzz: place a fresh leaf underneath for elegant presentation) and add some crackers.  Sliced cheese works just as well.  Now enjoy your guests

Ice Cubes

I always cut up fruit  (shown here are lemon, lime and orange bits) and freeze them in an ice cube tray.  The addition of these festive ice cubes makes any drinking occasion, a party.