There is nothing more satisfying on a hot summer day than good ol' fashioned homemade ice cream.  So, if you have an ice cream maker that is collecting dust on your shelves, dust it off, and get prepared to make some of the tastiest, creamiest ice cream imaginable.  This was given to me by a friend a number of years ago and is still a family favorite around here. 

Try the vanilla version, and then grab a can of chocolate syrup to make delicious, rich chocolate ice cream on your second spin.  Once you've tried this treat, you'll be called to that ice cream maker more and more to save precious dollars on an old time treat.  After all, look how much ice cream can be created when creating home made than those 1 1/2 quart containers that go on sale!

4 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (3 oz.) package of vanilla instant pudding mix
1 tab. vanilla
1 1/2 quarts of milk, divided

Beat eggs in bowl at medium/high speed for one minute.  Add sugar and beat an additional minute.  Add condensed milk, pudding mix, and vanilla; beat a minute more.  Stir in 1 quart of milk and pour mixture into homemade ice cream maker.  Add remaining 1/2 quart of milk.  Freeze according to manufacturers insturctions.  Place in freezer for an additional hour to let ripen.

Chocolate Ice Cream Version
Follow recipe except add 1 (16 oz.) container of chocolate flavored syrup to recipe.

Summer is well underway and with an indefinite amount of Redbox distributors around your area, why not make it a family designated movie night tonight?  You can sign up easily online and receive one free movie credit when you do.  Then simply order your favorite movie and rush right down to check it out.  DVD costs are approximately $1.20 each and must be returned the next day.  If you sign up for specials, you'll receive discounted movie adventures and the latest releases.  Then all you need is some Deep Fried Oreo Cookies to make the night memorable.

1 box of Oreos or other chocolate sandwich cookie
1 cup pancake mix
1 egg
2 tsp. oil
1 cup milk
vegetable oil for deep frying
powdered sugar

Mix pancake mix, egg, 2 tsp. oil, and milk in a small bowl.  Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in your favorite fry pan.  Keep heat on medium.  Dunk cookies in pancake mixture and let excess drip quickly.  Place in oil and let fry till golden brown.  Place on paper bag or paper towel to remove excess oil.  Top with a good amount of powdered sugar.  Eat immediately.

Have you ever wondered how real Caesar Salad is made?  This recipe has been with me for years, and I can attest you'll taste none better.  Need something special for your Fourth of July table yet?  Then give this a try.  Got to have some special fare for the holidays! 

For the Croutons:
3 cups French or Italian bread cubed
2 tab. extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp. Italian herb blend
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
Toss bread cubes with ingredients and bake in a 450 degree oven for 8 to 10 min.  turning occasionally.  Set aside to cool.

For the Salad:
1 large clove of garlic, peeled
1 large head of Romaine lettuce
2 tab. fresh lemon juice
1 soft boiled egg (cooked in boiling water 1 minute, left in its shell)
3 anchovy fillets mashed
1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup freshly grated Romano cheese
Cut garlic clove in half and rub around inside of a wooden bowl.  Discard.  Break Romaine lettuce into bite size serving pieces.  In a small bowl combine lemon, egg, Worcestershire sauce, and olive oil.  Whisk well. Toss mixture with salad and toss with cheese.  Top with croutons.  Serve immediately.

Remember one of the most important steps to ensuring holiday fun, is the step of preparation.  The more you prepare ahead of time, the more you'll enjoy those individuals you love.  These cookies can be prepared in advance, frozen to ensure freshness, and then set out on a lovely platter for your Fourth of July Holiday.

1 cup instant oats
1 cup flour
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup coconut
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 cup margarine
3 tab. water
2 tab. pancake syrup

Beat brown sugar and margarine until fluffy.  Add 1 cup of flour and beat for 2 mins.  Add water, pancake syrup, baking soda, oats, and coconut.  Mix on low speed until combined..  Drop by tablespoons onto greased cookies sheet.  Bake at 350 for 12 minutes or until the edges are golden.