Pineview Punch

I’m not sure exactly where this recipe originated, only that my family has been enjoying it for over 20 years now.  We call it “Pineview” Punch because we always made it on vacation when we spent a week at Pineview Reservoir.  It makes a LOT, and the “secret ingredient” makes it so refreshing when the weather is hot and everyone is parched & thirsty.


We used to have a condo in the Ogden Valley (Utah) in a beautiful city called “Eden” - and that little town is aptly named.  We spent lots of time in the pool and at the lake as a family.  

When I’ve made this for other events - everyone always asked “What’s IN this??”  It’s citric acid - available at most restaurant supply companies and also pharmacies.  I’ve also heard you can substitute Fruit Fresh (although it isn’t quite the same).  

We mix this up - 5 gallons at a time - in a large orange cooler with lots of ice.  When the ice runs out, I add a frozen milk jug filled with water and it keeps it nice and cold.  Then we make more as needed.  I keep it right next to the kitchen sink and the kids have their paper cups labeled with their names so we don’t go through so many glasses.  

This is a simple, refreshing drink that everyone loves.  I made it for the family reunion I was in charge of this past Saturday.  Always a hit.  

You'll find the recipe at:
www.changeabletable.com

Rosy Pink Grapefruit Slush

A perfect cool drink to end a warm day, or a pretty addition to a shower menu - this slush recipe is one of my favorites.  Just a few easy steps to get it ready for the freezer, and then it’s there anytime you need it.  All you do to serve it is use an ice cream scoop to portion it into a cup, then top with Sprite.

I first tried a similar slush at a buffet years ago, but then I couldn't ever locate the person who made it.  I was thinking of it when we planned my daughter’s baby shower last February.  I googled the ingredients and found it (at least I think this is the one... sure tastes like it)

This is perfect when you want a little something sweet after dinner (but not quite dessert).  It keeps a long time in the freezer in a standard ice cream bucket.

You can use canned or fresh grapefruit, but I prefer fresh.  It’s easy to find in the grocery or warehouse store (such as Costco or Sam’s Club)  I also located PRE-chopped maraschino cherries (at Orson Gygi’s in SLC)  That saves a lot of chopping time (and red fingers & cutting board)

My daughter-in-law Rachel made this for the brunch at Whitney’s baby shower and it went so well with the other items there.  Such a beautiful rosy color.

I plan to keep this in the freezer all through the coming summer.  This time I halved the recipe, and it made half of a gallon-size ice cream bucket.

You'll find the recipe at:
www.changeabletable.com

A Toast to the Friendly Ghost - add a ghostly feel to your table...

The witching hour is upon us - just one week left... Looking for a new way to set your Halloween table? Share the table with Casper - he won’t mind if you spill.



Spook your guests with a friendly ghost rising up from the center of your table. His wispy white body doubles as a table cloth. Give him a “toast” during dinner with the “There’s a BUG in my Mug” drink.



Every good ghost has a crew of apprentices.



Check out the “floaties” - they'll catch your attention.



Hope your weekend is full of ghostly fun...

For directions, photos, and recipe - go to:
www.changeabletable.com ("full house" tab)

"Sludge" - SMOOTH way to use your home canning rejects...

Here in Utah it seems this is the season for home canning... mostly tomatoes, peaches, and pears. I found this recipe last year on KSL5 Recipes, but it called for bottled pears instead of peaches. Pear Sludge is fantastic, but can be a little “grainy” - so we prefer bottled peaches instead.

Last year I found this way to use up the bottled fruit that didn’t seal when canning. It’s just SO disappointing to go to all that effort and have two or three bottles that you can’t line up on your shelf. My son and I enjoy this when we want a little something sweet, but don’t want to get a “sugar migraine”...

This drink is a LOT less expensive than a smoothie mix - and has a lot less sugar in it too. Here is a delicious way to use up canned fruit that is starting to look a little less-than-appetizing in storage. We are going to try it with our less-than-pretty fresh peaches that don’t look like they will be good in a bottle.

Try the “Cooler” and “Slushy” drink recipes included in this post as well... For the recipe(s) & links - go to:
www.changeabletable.com ("empty nest" tab)