Summer Treats

During these hot days of summer (applause, whistle, clap!) light and cool dishes and desserts are always more appealing than recipes that require a hot oven and lots of time in the kitchen. I'm always looking for desserts that are simple and refreshing. I discovered the recipe to follow for Jell-O Mousse a couple years ago in the Kraft Food & Family magazine and it brought back memories of Jell-O 1-2-3 from my childhood. You might remember it. As the Jell-O set, it formed three layers and as a child, I remember eating it layer by layer. This recipe creates two layers and it is so easy. With the many flavors of Jell-O, the variations on this are numerous! (By the way, if you haven't checked out the Kraft web site, , I encourage you to do so. They offer coupons for FREE Kraft items such as sandwiches, coffee, pasta, etc. Also, go to Kraft Foods for an array of great recipes. If you click on "Food and Family Archives" you will find the on-line version of the Kraft magazine.)

Another of my favorite recipes for summer are the Cool Whip pies. These are very fast to mix together and just need a little time to chill in the refrigerator.

Hope you are enjoying the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer!

Jello-O-Mousse

3 c. boiling water

1 6-oz. package of Strawberry gelatin

1 16-oz. tub Cool Whip

Stir boiling water into dry gelatin mix in medium bowl, stirring at least 2 min. until completely dissolved. Add whipped topping to hot gelatin (you can even add frozen Cool Whip). Stir with wire whisk until whipped topping is completely melted and mixture is well blended. (Mixture will be thin.) Pour into 10 glasses or a 6-cup mold or glass bowl sprayed with cooking spray. Refrigerate overnight or for 8 hours. If using a large mold, unmold onto serving plate just before serving.

Click here for a printable version of this recipe.

Easy Lime Pie

1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk

1 t. grated lime rind

1/3 c. lime juice

1 (8 oz.) tub Cool Whip

2-3 drops of green food coloring

1 prepared 8 or 9-inch graham cracker crumb crust

Combine milk, lime rind and juice in large bowl. Fold in whipped topping and food coloring, blending well. Spoon into crust and chill 2-3 hours. Garnish with lime slices if desired.

Easy Lemon Pie: Prepare Easy Lime Pie as directed, substituting 1 t. grated lemon rind and 1/2 c. lemon juice for the lime rind and juice. Omit food coloring.

Click here for a printable version of this recipe.