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Right off the bat I will admit that I goofed on the colors for this cake and I am missing the green layer. I'M MISSING THE GREEN LAYER. There, I feel better now. Use your favorite recipe for vanilla buttercream.  While I will use a cake mix for cakes, I don't use pre-made icing. It just doesn't compare to homemade.We made about 6 cups of frosting, making sure to set some aside to tint and garnish the cake with green icing.


Tools for the job:

• 1 cake leveler/slicer
• 1 set of icing colors
• parchment paper
• 9 inch round cake pans
• Piping bag plus tips for frosting the edges of the cake
• Angled spatula for spread frosting
• Cake lifter

I used three boxes of white cake mix which call for using egg whites and no yolks to ensure a whiter color. Prepare your mixes using the ingredients called for, beat, and add in coloring. Bake in a parchment lined 8" or 9" round cake pan that has been sprayed with baking spray. Let cool completely.

Alright folks, there two things you need to know about this Chili Frito Corn Salad. First, it is delicious! It is crunchy and a perfect side dish for a gathering. Second, once you add those chips into it, it needs to be eaten right away. You can combine all of the ingredients ahead of time, but just not the chips. Now that we have that squared away, you are set!

Note: If I make this again I am going to use a combination of red and green bell peppers. I think the green would add a little needed color to the dish.

Chili Frito Corn Salad
Makes about 12 servings

• 2 (15 ounce) cans whole kernel corn, drained
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese 
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup green pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
• 1 (10½ ounce) bag coarsely crushed Fritos chili cheese corn chips

1. Mix first 5 ingredients and chill. Stir in corn chips just before serving.

Recipe from Paula Deen, seen at The Thrifty Couple

For the birthday party I made a delicious punch called Bubbly Love Potion Punch from Ingredients, Inc. It is tart and sweet and so good!

Note: The original recipe calls for you to make each drink by putting sherbet in a glass and pouring the lemonade mixture over it. I had my hands full with the party so I opted to use a large pitcher and I combined the lemonade concentrate with the called for water with the soda and then I scooped a bunch of raspberry sherbet on top. Once the sherbet began to melt a bit I poured the drinks and served. It was delicious.


Bubbly Love Potion Punch
Makes 4 to 6 servings

• 1 (12-ounce) can pink lemonade concentrate
• 4 cups raspberry sherbet
• 1 (12-ounce) can of lemon/lime soda (I used Sprite)

1. In a pitcher, mix the lemonade concentrate with the recommended amount of water.

2. In a blender, combine the sherbet with 4 cups of the lemonade mixture; mix until combined. Pour into individual glasses. Add the soda, stir gently and serve.

Recipe from Ingredients, Inc.

In-N-Out Cheeseburger Copycat
Makes 6 servings

• 1 pound Lean Ground Beef
• 1 Egg White
• 1 small Yellow Onion grated. (1/2 a cup)
• 1/2 tsp Lawry's Seasoning salt
• 1/2 tsp fresh Ground Pepper
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 6 slices American Cheese
• 6 Hamburger Buns  (seedless)

Secret Sauce:

• 1/3 cup Light Mayo
• 2 tablespoons Ketchup
• 2 teaspoons Dill Pickle Relish
• 1 tsp Mustard
• 1/4 tsp Paprika

1. For secret sauce:  Mix all of the 'secret sauce' ingredients in a bowl. Refrigerate until ready to use.

2. For burgers:  In a large bowl, add ground beef, egg white, grated onion, Worcestershire sauce, seasoning salt and pepper. Using your hands or a fork, gently mix together. Shape mixture into 6 patties. Place patties on grill and cook until no longer pink on the inside. About 3-5 minutes per side. Place one piece of american cheese over the burgers during the last minute of grilling.

3. Spread the secret sauce on each inner bun. Place grilled patties on bottom bun and top with lettuce, tomato and onion.

Recipe from Life as a Lofthouse

While my son had a slightly different fruit tray for his birthday, for my daughter to stay on the theme of Rainbows and Ponies I went with this fun rainbow fruit tray with a Strawberry Fluff Fruit Dip courtesy of Cooking Classy on the side. All of the fruit was fresh and prepared the morning of, with the exception of the mandarin oranges which were canned.



Strawberry Fluff Fruit Dip
Makes several servings

• 8 oz strawberry cream cheese, at room temperature
• 7 oz marshmallow creme

1. In a medium mixing bowl, using a fork, whisk together strawberry cream cheese and marshmallow cream until well combine. Serve with fruit for dipping. Store in refrigerator up to three days, stir again before serving.

Fruit tray inspired from Apartment Therapy and Strawberry Fruit Dip from Cooking Classy