This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #FireUpTheGrill #CollectiveBias. Here I’ll share my Lemonade Inspired Lemon Bar Parfait and Berry Special Parfait and Lemonade Pineapple Punch recipes as well as offer up a few outdoor entertaining ideas. These lemonade flavors are mild and sweet – just a touch of lemon flavor to a tasty summertime treat.

Out in the rocky mountains, summers are short. And you have to take advantage of the warm weather while you can. It’s a great time of year to gather with friends and host some backyard get-togethers, BBQ’s, and family gatherings. It’s a perfect time too for grilled dishes and cool treats. These lemonade punch and parfait recipes are tasty and they add a refreshing twist to any outdoor meal-time fare.

These drink and parfait recipes are inspired by sweet lemonade flavors like Strawberry Lemonade and lemony Lemonade.  Lemonade is a perfect accompaniment to classic summertime grilled food like juicy burgers and hearty side dishes. The weather’s been so wonderful, we’ve enjoyed eating in our backyard. For a typical outdoor meal,my husband or I will grill up some juicy burgers.

I top our hamburgers with lettuce, tomato, red onion, Kraft sharp cheddar cheese, Kraft mayo, and Kraft honey-BBQ sauce, it’s a new flavor and it’s delicious! I consider grilled delicacies like hamburgers, hot dogs, and steaks a part of the sweet traditions of summer.

Fire up the Grill for Outdoor Entertaining

This post features one of my very own grill creations. In fact, just this year I’ve taught myself how to grill. I’m pretty proud of myself – learning how to grill, so with this post I’m showing off a bit of my grilling expertise and some yummy dessert and drink recipes.

Of course, you have to have side dishes.  We have some pretty big fans of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese at our house, and fresh coleslaw always does the trick! Plus these sides are super easy to make.

Lemonade Pineapple Punch

An easy Lemonade Pineapple Punch makes for a quick and easy solution for a refreshing drink for outdoor entertaining. It’s easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. This is a great punch for grilled burgers and hot dogs or can be served at a pool party or kid’s birthday party.

Lemonade Pineapple Punch Ingredients

• 4 Cups of Water
• 4 heaping Tablespoons of Country Time Lemonade
• 3 Cups of Lemon Lime Soda
• 3 Cups Pineapple Juice

Lemonade Pineapple Punch Directions

1. Mix water and scoops of Country Time Lemonade
2. Add 3 Cups of pineapple juice.
3. Add 3 Cups of lemon lime soda.
4. Mix until throughly combined.
5. Add 2-4 cups of ice and serve.

Country Time Lemonade

Lemonade Pineapple Punch is a sweet fruity twist to a lemonade drink, but I think Country Time lemonade also tastes wonderful all by itself. When entertaining in the great outdoors, you can also choose to prepare Country Time by simply adding the powdered mix to water. It’s SO easy and it adds sweet, refreshing drink options to any party or gathering.

When I found these colorful glass milk bottles with straws, I was inspired to serve up some delicious varieties of Country Time on our outdoor picnic table. Aren’t they adorable? They’re leak proof too. And the carry basket is perfect for keeping everything together – I think it makes a nice centerpiece.

This one has my favorite quote from the collection of milk bottles. A reminder that we need to make time to spend some time with our friends.

 

The longer days of summer are the perfect time for hosting get togethers. I hope these ideas inspire you with some fun outdoor entertaining ideas.

Lemon Bar and Berry Special Parfaits

As I mentioned, this post includes a new dessert recipe for a Berry Special Parfait and a Lemon Bar Parfait. Because I couldn’t pick just one parfait – I mean, what if guests like berries better than lemons or vice-versa?  These flavors are not too strong and not too sweet. In fact, they are a perfect blend of fruity sweetness with a touch of lemonade.

These refreshing treats are the perfect way to top off an outdoor party. Fresh fruit, yogurt, and good-ole Country Time Lemonade flavors. Yep, the yogurt and gelatin are actually made with yummy flavors like Strawberry Lemonade and lemony Lemonade from Country Time. And I used lemon bar ingredients in the lemon parfait. Oh, and the topping? That’s roasted coconut flakes.

Both parfaits have blueberries and raspberries that are suspended in a gelatin version of Country Time. Did you know you can make a gelatin in any Country Time flavor? It’s wonderful when you’re looking for a lemonade inspired treat!

Ingredients for Lemon Bar Parfait and Berry Special Parfait

Arranged from bottom to top.

Layer 1: Gelatin Layer

• 2 Cups Water
• 2 Tablespoons Country Time – rounded tablespoons
• Fresh Berries
• 2 Packets of Gelatin

Layer 2: Yogurt Layer

• 2 Cups Yogurt (you can use plain or vanilla)
• 4 Tablespoons Country Time – rounded tablespoons

Layer 3: Crunchy Layer

• 1 1/2 Cups Crushed Graham Cracker Crumbs for the Lemon Bar Parfait
• 1 1/2 Cups crunchy granola cereal for the Berry Special Parfait

Layer 4: Soft Layer

• Whipped cream from a spray can for the Berry Special Parfait topped with a raspberry
• 3 Tablespoons of Lemon Filling topped with whipped cream and toasted coconut flakes for the Lemon Bar Parfait

 

Directions to make Lemon Bar Parfait and Berry Special Parfait

If you have the time, it’s good to plan this dessert the night before to give the gelatin time to gel. If not, try using only half the water and add 1 – 2 cups of ice after everything is dissolved to speed up the gelling process.

Step 1: Bring Two cups water to a boil. Add two heaping tablespoons of Country Time to the water and stir until dissolved. Use the Country Time Lemonade flavor for the Lemon Bar Parfait and use Strawberry Lemonade for the Berry Special Parfait – in separate batches (you’ll need to make two batches to make both recipes). Add two packets of  gelatin and stir until dissolved. Turn off the heat. To speed up gelling process, add 1/2 cup ice to hot water and stir to cool. Pour juice mixture into your parfait glass. Place in freezer for 20-30 minutes or until it turns the consistency of egg whites.

Add fruit by inserting with clean hands. Fruit should be suspended in gel mixture. Once you’ve added the berries you desire refrigerate for three hours or until gelatin sets up.

Step 2: Measure two cups of yogurt. Plain or vanilla will both work well with this recipe. Add two tablespoons of Country Time per a single cup of yogurt. So, you’ll add 4 Tablespoons of Country Time to the yogurt. Use the Country Time Lemonade flavor for the Lemon Bar parfait and use Strawberry Lemonade for the Berry Special Parfait.

Spoon and divide the yogurt between your parfait cups. For this recipe, two to three serving cups will be optimal.

Step 3: Add your crunchy layer. Divide 1 1/2 cups of crunchy granola between your serving glasses for the Berry Special Parfait.  Divide 1 1/2 cups crushed graham cracker crust between your serving glasses for the Lemon Bar Parfait.

Step 4: Add your soft layer. For the Berry Special Parfait, add whipped cream from a spray can and top with a berry. For the Lemon Bar Parfait, add 3 Tablespoons of Lemon filling and top with whipped cream from a spray can. I sprinkled some pan toasted coconut flakes on top.  I also added a slice of lemon for decoration.

Serve these with a spoon and napkin for easy clean up. Watch your guests be amazed at the colorful parfaits and their wonderful lemonade and fruit inspired flavors!

Where you can find Kraft products to help you Fire Up the Grill!

I found everything you see here at Walmart. The veggies, fruits and cole slaw were from the Walmart Fresh Market.  You can find Kraft cheese in the cheese and dairy case, and goodies like mayo and BBQ sauce on the condiments aisle. Country Time can be found in the powdered juice aisle. Kraft Macaroni and Cheese can be found on the boxed pasta aisle.

If you’d like even more ideas for cooking with Kraft check out the FREE Online Kraft Cookbook. You can also connect with Kraft for special offers and recipes at Kraft on Facebook and Kraft on Twitter.

What’s your favorite outdoor entertaining recipe?

Getting outside while the weather is still warm? What’s your favorite way to celebrate the last days of summer? Be sure to check out more delicious grilling recipes at Kraft.com. I’d love to hear your favorite! Please leave a comment below and join the conversation. I love hearing from my readers!

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P.S. – I blog to encourage moms, offer free preschool tools, and share ideas for family fun. If you enjoy free recipes, printables, crafts and games for little ones, ideas for family fun and encouraging posts for moms, sign up and have Happy and Blessed Home delivered to your inbox. Simply enter your e-mail address here: 

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If you liked these Berry Special and Lemon Bar Parfaits, you may also like:

Black Bean Salsa Sliders

Creamy Cornbread

Honey Lemon Chicken

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