Start of Summer

It's Memorial Day weekend, the official start of summer. It has certainly felt like summer the past couple of days. I think I saw 91 degrees on the car thermometer today. I'm so grateful for a long weekend, I really need a short work week.

Today, Nate and I drove to Kent Island to satisfy our cravings for Maryland crabs. We ate at the Crab Deck, and enjoyed a tasty dozen of steamed crabs. The Crab Deck is a casual, open air restaurant that sits along the bay. They have an extensive menu, even if you don't want crabs you are sure to find something. They also have a nice selection of frozen and summertime drinks:).

Ready for our anniversary celebration: Crabs...

Yum!

Last night we enjoyed a cookout at our friends' house and tomorrow we'll be at a family cookout. In honor of cookouts a few very quick and easy recipes.

Chocolate Trifle
- Bake one chocolate cake according to directions
-1 large box chocolate pudding
- 2 cups milk
- 1 large container cool whip
- chocolate chips
Mix chocolate pudding and 2 cups of milk, put in refrigerator for a few minutes.
Layer the following into a large (preferably clear bowl): Cake, cut into small pieces Top with pudding then cool whip. Repeat. Add some chocolate chips to the top and you're done!

Strawberry Angel Trifle
-1 angel food cake store bought or prepared according to box
-8 ounces cream cheese
-1 large pkg. instant vanilla pudding
-2 cups milk
-Sliced strawberries, also add blueberries if you want to be patriotic
-1 large cool whip
Mix cream cheese, vanilla pudding, and 2 cups milk.
Layer the following in large bowl (preferably clear): Angel Food cake cut into small pieces, vanilla pudding mixture, cool whip, and strawberries Repeat. Top with strawberries.

Tiger Dip
-12 ounces cream cheese
-1/2 cup sour cream
-1/2 cup HOT salsa
-chili powder
-chopped lettuce
-diced tomato
-sliced jalapeno peppers
-shredded Monterrey jack and cheddar cheese
-tortilla chips
Mix together cream cheese, sour cream and chili powder. Fold in salsa. Spread mixture on a large plate and top with cheese, then vegetables, sprinkle a little chili powder on top and serve with tortilla chips.

Avocado Feta Salsa (double for large group):
-2 plum tomatoes diced
- 1 avocado, diced
-1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1 clove carlic minced
- 1 Tbsp parsley
-1 Tbsp oregano
- 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
-4 oz feta cheese
-tortilla chips
Mix all ingredients except the chips. Chill and serve with chips.