Red, White and Blue Popcorn Balls /#15 Minute Friday

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It is time for #15 Minute Friday and today I have some simple, tasty Red, White, and Blue Popcorn Balls that will fit in to any 4th of July celebration! 

Red, White and Blue Popcorn Balls 
(printable recipe at end of page) 
(makes 4 large popcorn balls)

Celebrate It! Blog Link Party!

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Southern Style Seven Layer Dip / #CookOutWeek2017

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When we lived in the southwest, a friend of mine brought a 7 Layer Dip over to the house for a party. I was in love with this yummy layered concoction and all it's southwestern flavors like avocado, refried beans and salsa! Talk about good~Yum! Every layer tasted great by itself, but incredibly great all together.
A few years ago, we moved to North Carolina, and for a while now, I having been thinking about recreating "the best dip in the world" with a Southern Style version. So here it is! I used baked beans instead of refried, BBQ instead of salsa, and cheddar instead of 4 Cheese. You are going to love it!

 Southern Style Seven Layer Dip

Grilled Steak Sandwiches w/Foil Pack Veggies/ #Smokin'-O's / #CookoutWeek2017

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You are going to love these Grilled Steak Sandwiches w/ Foil Pack Veggies for your next cookout! The tenderized London Broil steak, always my favorite, is juicy and full of flavor with an incredible smokiness from the Applewood Smokin'-O smoke rings. The vegetables are cooked separately in their own foil pack. If you haven't tried this way of grilling vegetables before, you will be amazed at how easy it is and how tender and tasty your veggies are. Plus, if you know what everyone likes, you can easily design the foil packs so everyone gets their favorite veggies!
This is my second entry in this weeks fun adventure, #CookoutWeek2017! Yesterday I posted yummy Chocolate Caramel S'mores Bars that you will want to try. They are a tasty accompaniment to these Grilled Steak Sandwiches, and there is no better way to start #CookoutWeek2017 than with a dessert!

Grilled Steak Sandwiches w/Foil Pack Veggies
(printable recipe at end of page)

Chocolate Caramel S'mores Bars / #CookoutWeek2017

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I love a cookout that ends with S'mores, don't you? It is such fun to sit around the campfire chatting, singing and trading stories, all the while, toasting marshmallows as we have a good time. But sometimes, the weather doesn't always cooperate, and these Chocolate Caramel S'mores Bars are a great way to get your S'mores campfire fix without the campfire! 
These are easy to make, but they do take some planning and time. If you start the day before you want to serve them, you will be fine. I put each S'more on a graham cracker to serve them. it gives a little neater appearance, and more graham cracker flavor. If you love S'mores, you will love these!

Chocolate Caramel S'mores Bars

#Cookout Week 2017 Giveaway!

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 Get those grills fired up... because it's #CookoutWeek 2017! This week, I'm joining forces with over 40 food blogger friends to bring you delicious recipes perfect for every backyard BBQ, picnic, summer party, or cookout. We also have a fabulous giveaway featuring products from the brands who have made #CookoutWeek possible! You can enter below to win:

Grilled Beef Skewers / #SundaySupper

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I am so excited about these Grilled Beef Skewers! It's time for #SundaySupper and we are talking beef. But not just any beef.  Certified Angus Beef® is on the menu today and we are cooking up Cowboy Recipes! These Grilled Beef Skewers are made with a Boneless Beef Sirloin Tip Roast, and they taste incredible! I added onion bites for a really tasty flavor combination, and I paired the beef skewers with veggie skewers to add color and great flavor to the plate!

 Grilled Beef Skewers
(printable recipe at end of page)

Certified Angus Beef® Boneless Beef Sirloin Tip Roast
1/2 Vidalia Onion
1 each Red, Yellow, and Orange Peppers
12 Mushrooms
Black Pepper 

Cut down the veins that you see in the roast. They end up into beautiful steaks. Take the piece of steak and make slices down the length of the cut piece, approx. 1/2" wide. Cut those strips in to cubes.

Cut the onion in half and then the half in quarters. Wash and pat dry the mushrooms. Cut and and chop peppers into small squares.

Load the onions and beef on to the skewers. But before you do, wipe the skewers with a paper towel sprayed with cooking spray. Let the beef and onion have just a bit of room so they cook evenly. Sprinkle with pepper.

Cut the peppers and mushrooms to fit onto the skewers. Add more onions too. Sprinkle with pepper. 

Put the beef and veggies on the grill. Use a timer to turn the skewers every 2 minutes. The beef will be medium rare in about 8 minutes. 

Enjoy your Grilled Beef Skewers! I served them with a small pasta salad and a slice of bread~the beef had a great taste and texture. My family loved these! I bet yours will also! These skewers would also make a great meal for a party. You can build the skewers ahead of time and because they cook so fast you can start them as the party guests arrive!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Thanks so much to Cindy from Cindy's Recipes and Writings for hosting today's fun event!

Scroll down to find many more recipes from #SundaySupper cooks!

More Sunday Supper Cowboy Cooking Recipes

Beefed Up Main Dishes

• BBQ Beef Mac and Cheese by Family Foodie
• Chuckwagon Beef Stew by The Chef Next Door
• Cowboy Chili (Easy Texas Red Chili) by Curious Cuisiniere
• Cowboy Sushi by NinjaBaker.com
• Grilled Beef Skewers by The Freshman Cook
• Healthier Baked Italian Meatballs by Hardly A Goddess
• Hearty Steak and Black Bean Chili on Rice by Confessions of an Overworked Mom
• Steak and Egg Hash by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks

Hearty Sandwiches

• BBQ Beef Brisket Sandwiches by Grumpy’s Honeybunch
• Cowboy Burgers by Home Sweet Homestead
• Grilled Butter Burgers by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Open Faced Steak Sandwich by Daily Dish Recipes
• Slow Cooker Steak Sandwiches by Restless Chipotle

Sizzling Sides

• Barbecue Beef Skillet Cornbread by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
• Beef and Cabbage Bake by Our Good Life
• Cowboy Nachos by Feeding Big
• Slow Cooker Cowboy Baked Beans by Renee’s Kitchen Adventures

Substantial Steaks

• Chicken Fried Ribeye by Life Tastes Good
• Curry Chili Rubbed Sirloin Steak by Food Done Light
• Grilled Porterhouse with Foil Pouch French Onion Green Beans by Sunday Supper Movement
• Paleo Salisbury Steak by Cricket’s Confections
• Ribeye & Scallops with Beer-Butter Sauce by Gourmet Everyday

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board. Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement

Author: The Freshman Cook

Grilled Beef Skewers

INGREDIENTS:

• Certified Angus Beef® Boneless Beef Sirloin Tip Roast
• 1/2 Vidalia Onion
• 1 each Red, Yellow, and Orange Peppers
• 12 Mushrooms
• Black Pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cut down the veins that you see in the roast. They end up into beautiful steaks. Take the piece of steak and make slices down the length of the cut piece, approx. 1/2" wide. Cut those strips in to cubes.
2. Cut the onion in half and then the half in quarters. Wash and pat dry the mushrooms. Cut and and chop peppers into small squares.
3. Load the onions and beef on to the skewers. But before you do, wipe the skewers with a paper towel sprayed with cooking spray. Let the beef and onion have just a bit of room so they cook evenly. Sprinkle with pepper.
4. Cut the peppers and mushrooms to fit onto the skewers. Add more onions too. Sprinkle with pepper.
5. Put the beef and veggies on the grill. Use a timer to turn the skewers every 2 minutes. The beef will be medium rare in about 8 minutes.
6. Enjoy your Grilled Beef Skewers! I served them with a small pasta salad and a slice of bread~the beef had a great taste and texture. My family loved these! I bet yours will also! These skewers would also make a great meal for a party. You can build the skewers ahead of time and because they cook so fast you can start them as the party guests arrive!

http://www.thefreshmancook.com/2017/06/grilled-beef-skewers-sundaysupper.html

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4th of July Firecracker / 15 Minute Friday

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I have another fun treat for 4th of July today! This little treat is so simple to make, and quick too!

4th of July Firecracker 

(printable recipe at end of page)

Celebrate It! Blog Link Party!

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Hello! I am so glad you are here!

I hope you are having a fantastic summer, full of fun!

Link up  and let's celebrate what you have been creating!

Here are last weeks featured links:

Weight Watchers Chicken Fried Rice

from

Penny Pincher Jenny 

24 Hours in Wilmington, NC

from

Drugstore Divas 

Whole 30 Shallot Chicken

from

Frugal in Florida 

Let's get this party started!

An InLinkz Link-up

Easy Puff Pastry Shrimp Appetizers /#ProjectBeautiful

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If you received an invitation to a Garden Party, what would you expect? Trays of gorgeous little treats, beautifully set tables and fresh flowers everywhere? Well, today you are invited to a Garden Party, and I am serving Easy Puff pastry Shrimp Appetizers that I know you will love. I hope you will join me!

Easy Puff Pastry Shrimp Appetizers
(printable recipe at end of post)

Medium bowl filled with water and ice
2 teaspoons Shrimp and Crab Boil~liquid
10 pieces extra large Shrimp
10 Pepperidge Farms Puff Pastry Cups
5 teaspoons Cocktail Sauce
4 tablespoons Sour Cream
1/2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
1/2 teaspoons Sriracha
Blueberries and Strawberries 
Lettuce Leaves and Grape Tomatoes

Make an ice bath by filling a medium bowl with ice and water. Set in fridge.

Peel and devein shrimp. Prepare a pot filled with hot water and the shrimp and crab boil. Bring to a boil. Drop shrimp in and boil for 3-4 minutes. Remove shrimp from pot, and rinse with cold water. Immediately place shrimp into water bath that you prepared earlier.

Let sit in water bath until completely chilled. The water bath stops the shrimp from cooking, so they will not become rubbery. Remove from water bath and refrigerate until ready to use.

Prepare puff pastries according to package directions.

Place a small spoonful on to each puff pastry. Top each dollop of sauce with a cooked shrimp. Garnish the plates with lettuce, tomatoes, blueberries and a strawberry.

 I am so glad you dropped by today! I hope you will enjoy these Easy Puff Pastry Shrimp Appetizers!
Click the link below to find more Fun Garden Party Ideas!

An InLinkz Link-up

Author: The Freshman Cook

Easy Puff Pastry Shrimp Appetizers

INGREDIENTS:

• Medium bowl filled with water and ice
• 2 teaspoons Shrimp and Crab Boil-liquid
• 10 pieces extra large Shrimp
• 10 Pepperidge Farms Puff Pastry Cups
• 5 teaspoons Cocktail Sauce
• 4 tablespoons Sour Cream
• 1/2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
• 1/2 teaspoons Sriracha
• Blueberries and Strawberries
• Lettuce Leaves and Grape Tomatoes

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Make an ice bath by filling a medium bowl with ice and water. Set in fridge.
2. Peel and devein shrimp. Prepare a pot filled with hot water and the shrimp and crab boil. Bring to a boil. Drop shrimp in and boil for 3-4 minutes. Remove shrimp from pot, and rinse with cold water. Immediately place shrimp into water bath that you prepared earlier. Let sit in water bath until completely chilled. The water bath stops the shrimp from cooking, so they will not become rubbery. Remove from water bath and refrigerate until ready to use.
3. Prepare puff pastries according to package directions.
4. Place a small spoonful on to each puff pastry. Top each dollop of sauce with a cooked shrimp. Garnish the plates with lettuce, tomatoes, blueberries and a strawberry.
5. Enjoy!

http://www.thefreshmancook.com/2017/06/easy-puff-pastry-shrimp-appetizers.html

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Devil's Food Strawberry Shortcake / #SundaySupper

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Every Dad has a favorite dessert. My husbands favorite is Strawberry Shortcake. It has been his favorite for most of his life. His mom made her shortcake with sweet biscuits and then covered them with sliced strawberries and a scoop of whipped cream. It was delicious and a wonderful summer treat!
Today I made Devil's Food Strawberry Shortcake, another of my husband favorites. I baked a single chocolate sponge cake, which is light and airy, and compliments the strawberries perfectly. I drizzled milk chocolate ganache over the cake and berries, sort of a nod to chocolate covered strawberries, and topped it off with a dollop of homemade whipped cream. I think you are going to like this!  Happy Father's Day to all you Dads!

 Devil's Food Strawberry Shortcake
(printable recipe at bottom of page)

6 Egg Yolks
1/2 cup orange juice
1 teaspoon Vanilla
1 cup Sugar
1 cup Flour
1/3 cup unsweetened Cocoa Powder
6 Egg Whites 
1/2 teaspoon Cream of Tartar
1/2 cup Sugar
5 ounces Milk Chocolate, melted
12-15 Fresh Strawberries, sliced into thin slices
1/3 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (learn to make it here)
 

Mix the egg yolks on high speed for 5 minutes. The mix should become thick and have a lemon color.

Add in the orange juice and vanilla. Beat on low speed to combine.

Using low speed, beat in the cup of sugar. Increase the speed to medium and mix until the mix is thick and doubles in volume.

In a separate bowl, mix the flour and the cocoa powder.

Start mixing the flour into the egg yolk mix by sprinkling a 1/4 cup of flour on the top of the egg yolk mix, and then folding the flour into the egg yolk liquid. Repeat adding the flour, 1/4 cup at a time. Set mix aside.

In a mixing bowl, mix together the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Add the 1/2 cup of sugar a little at a time, mixing on high until stiff peaks form.

Fold a cup of the egg white mixture into the egg yolk mix. Then fold the entire bowl of egg yolk mixture into the egg white mix. 

Flour and spray the pan you want to use for the cakes. Fill with the batter. Bake at 325 degrees for 18-20 minutes. 

While cakes are baking, melt chocolate in a double boiler on low.

Once cakes are done, cool for ten minutes, then remove from pan.

Once chocolate is melted, heat the whipping cream in a microwave. It should be warm, but not hot. Adding just a little at a time, start mixing the whipping cream and melted chocolate together, making a ganache. When you are happy with the consistency, stop adding cream. The chocolate should be drippy ( yes, that is a technical term) like in the picture.

Start building the shortcake. Place a cake on the bottom of the glass. Top with sliced strawberries. Drizzle with chocolate. You will have cake mix left over. The number on the toppings is for 2-3 servings.

Top with another cake, more strawberries, and chocolate. Add a spoonful of whipped cream, and garnish side of glass with a fresh strawberry!  

Thank you for stopping by today and letting me share this special Devil's Food Strawberry Shortcake! I hope you enjoyed it! For more special Father's Day meals, keep scrolling down the page to see some tasty dishes from the Sunday Supper family!  

Sunday Supper Father’s Day Menu Ideas

Sides Dad Will Love

• Best Dark and Stormy by Cricket’s Confections
• Spanish Cheese Plate by Caroline’s Cooking

Mains for the Main Man

• Blue Cheese Bacon Burger with Crispy Onions Strings by Confessions of a Cooking Diva
• Chicken Fajita Burgers by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
• Chili Cheese Omelet by Food Lust People Love
• Chinese Chicken Salad by Pies and Plots
• Cider Braised Pork Belly Tacos by Gourmet Everyday
• Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches by Soulfully Made
• Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Cilantro Pesto by Cooking Chat
• Jalapeno Cream Cheese Burger (The JCB) by This is How I Cook
• Korean BBQ Steak Bowls by Fantastical Sharing of Recipes
• Out of a Can Chili by Bottom Left of the Mitten
• Pork Chops With Brandied Cherries by Mysavoryspoon

Dad's Favorite Desserts

• Banana Coconut Chocolate Chip Brownies by Desserts Required
• Chocolate Tofu Cupcakes by NinjaBaker.com
• Devil's Food Strawberry Shortcake by The Freshman Cook
• Simple Fudgy Brownies by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Snickery Springform Cookie by What Smells So Good?

The Best Recipes You Need Now for Father’s Day by Sunday Supper Movement Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board. Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.

Author: The Freshman Cook

Devil's Food Strawberry Shortcake

INGREDIENTS:

• 6 Egg Yolks
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla
• 1 cup Sugar
• 1 cup Flour
• 1/3 cup unsweetened Cocoa Powder
• 6 Egg Whites
• 1/2 teaspoon Cream of Tartar
• 1/2 cup Sugar
• 5 ounces Milk Chocolate, melted
• 12-15 Fresh Strawberries, sliced into thin slices
• 1/3 cup Heavy Whipping Cream

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Mix the egg yolks on high speed for 5 minutes. The mix should become thick and have a lemon color.
2. Add in the orange juice and vanilla. Beat on low speed to combine. Using low speed, beat in the cup of sugar. Increase the speed to medium and mix until the mix is thick and doubles in volume.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the flour and the cocoa powder.
4. Start mixing the flour into the egg yolk mix by sprinkling a 1/4 cup of flour on the top of the egg yolk mix, and then folding the flour into the egg yolk liquid. Repeat adding the flour, 1/4 cup at a time. Set mix aside.
5. In a mixing bowl, mix together the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Add the 1/2 cup of sugar a little at a time, mixing on high until stiff peaks form.
6. Fold a cup of the egg white mixture into the egg yolk mix. Then fold the entire bowl of egg yolk mixture into the egg white mix.
7. Flour and spray the pan you want to use for the cakes. Fill with the batter. Bake at 325 degrees for 18-20 minutes.
8. While cakes are baking, melt chocolate in a double boiler on low.
9. Once cakes are done, cool for ten minutes, then remove from pan.
10. Once chocolate is melted, heat the whipping cream in a microwave. It should be warm, but not hot. Adding just a little at a time, start mixing the whipping cream and melted chocolate together, making a ganache. When you are happy with the consistency, stop adding cream. The chocolate should be drippy ( yes, that is a technical term) like in the picture.
11. Start building the shortcake. Place a cake on the bottom of the glass. Top with sliced strawberries. Drizzle with chocolate. You will have cake mix left over. The number on the toppings is for 2-3 servings.
12. Top with another cake, more strawberries, and chocolate. Add a spoonful of whipped cream, and garnish side of glass with a fresh strawberry!

http://www.thefreshmancook.com/2017/06/devils-food-strawberry-shortcake.html

Created using The Recipes Generator

Marshmallow Flags! / #15 Minute Friday

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I am always excited for the 4th of July! It's one of my favorite holidays! I love what it stands for, and I love celebrating it with family and friends! 
Today's 15 Minute Friday is a quick and simple Marshmallow flag that would be fun to create with little ones. They also make cute decor for your festivities, and the perfect thank you gift for your guests!

Marshmallow Flags 
(printable recipe at end of page)

1 bag Bright White Candy Melts
Square Marshmallows
Red, White and Blue Straws
Assortment of red, white and blue sprinkles, jimmies, and shapes

Melt candy melts according to package directions. They melt great in the microwave, and are perfect every time.

Insert a straw into a marshmallow so it resembles a flag. Using a paintbrush that you only use for candy and cookie decorating, paint a small square in the corner, and attach the stars. Paint two stripes across the flag.

Sprinkle the holiday sprinkles across the flag. Let dry. Then turn over to remove the excess sprinkles.

Do the same thing for this flag, using one star and the hearts. Just go crazy with your imagination! There are so many ideas that are simple and quick!

Here are some different stripe ideas.

Some stars and a bunch of sprinkles.

Squares and hearts.

Thanks for joining me today for 15 Minute Friday! 

I hope you like these additional ideas to celebrate the red, white, and blue:

 

"I Love the USA" Popsicles

 Red, White and Blue Shooting Stars

Red, White, and Blue Mini Cupcakes 

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Author: The Freshman Cook

Marshmallow Flags

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 bag Bright White Candy Melts
• Square Marshmallows
• Red, White and Blue Straws
• Assortment of red, white and blue sprinkles, jimmies, and shapes

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Melt candy melts according to package directions. They melt great in the microwave, and are perfect every time.
2. Insert a straw into a marshmallow so it resembles a flag. Using a paintbrush that you only use for candy and cookie decorating, paint a small square in the corner, and attach the stars. Paint two stripes across the flag.
3. Sprinkle the holiday sprinkles across the flag. Let dry. Then turn over to remove the excess sprinkles.
4. Just go crazy with your imagination! There are so many ideas that are simple and quick!

www.thefreshmancook.com/2017/06/marshmallow-flags-15-minute-friday.html

Created using The Recipes Generator