America the Beautiful

God Bless this Wonderful Land

 Bailey - The only dog to stand still in her holiday costume. Look at that smile ~ she's so excited folks are coming to the woods!!



It's pretty warm outside, but we're getting ready for everyone to come for the cook-out. 

Our Menu
Blue Cheese Coleslaw
Texas-Syle Potato Salad with mustard and Pickled Red Onions
Fresh green beans from the garden
Maple Baked Beans
Parmesan cheese Squash Casserole
Pasta, Pesto and Peas
Corn on the Cob
Grilled Hamburgers and Hotdogs with all the fixins'
Brown Sugar Peaches with Ice Cream
Homemade Apple Pie
Southern Sweet Tea
Watermelon Agua Fresca (recipe below)

`Enjoy your holiday

Watermelon Agua Fresca  

Mexican agua fresca (lightly sweetened, crushed fresh fruit stirred together with a little water) is a refreshing alternative to iced tea or lemonade. Mix all the ingredients in a large, widemouthed jar and set out a ladle alongside, then let guests serve themselves.

Ingredients:

• 1 very ripe, red seedless watermelon,
   about 12 lb.
• Juice of 4 limes
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 cup crushed fresh mint leaves, plus
   sprigs for garnish
• 4 cups sparkling water
• 3 limes, thinly sliced
• 2 quarts ice cubes

Directions:

Cut the watermelon in half and, using a metal spoon, scoop out the flesh into a large bowl. Working in batches, puree the watermelon in a blender or food processor. As each batch is ready, transfer it to another large bowl.

Add the lime juice, sugar and mint leaves to the puree, and stir to dissolve the sugar and combine the ingredients. Cover and let stand at room temperature for at least 1 hour or up to 3 hours to allow the flavors to develop.

Pour the watermelon mixture through a medium-mesh sieve into a large, clear glass jar. Add the sparkling water, lime slices and ice. Ladle or pour into glasses and garnish each glass with a mint sprig. Serves 8.