I Love My Family.

We have plans to have Jason's parents over for dinner this weekend and I can't wait!! I haven't seen my niece and nephew in a few weeks and I am missing them terribly! They have a very special place in my heart. I have no brothers or sisters, and while I loved being an only child growing up, now that both my mother and father have passed away I wish I did. Being an only child also means that I have no natural nieces and nephews. My husband has one sister and she has two of the sweetest kids, ever. They currently live with Jason's parents and probably will be for quite a few years, at least until their mom can get back on her feet. But, in the meantime, I see them quite often and I love them as much as I love my own children. They are so much fun to hang out with!!!Oh, and I LOVE my mother and father in law, too....very, very much. My mother-in-law is more than that to me...she is my Mom. :)

On to the fun stuff....

My sweet husband plans to grill burgers Saturday after he gets off from work. We are having my favorite hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, baked beans and all the yummy stuff to go with!! You know, pickles, fresh tomatoes, onions, dip, etc etc. For dessert: Lemonade icebox pie and chocolate cream cheese pie!!! YUM!!!

I thought I would share my recipes with you, so here goes:

Jack Daniel's BBQ Burgers

2 pounds very lean ground beef
salt to taste
pepper to taste
garlic powder to taste
1 Tbsp. minced onion
1/2 cup Jack Daniel's Original No. 7 Recipe barbecue sauce

Mixed all of the above in a large bowl, form patties, and allow to rest for about 20 minutes.
{I leave mine on a cookie sheet covered under loose foil}

Grill until done on charcoal grill. Use flavored wood chips to achieve the very best flavor.
{Jason uses this, it's very cheap and burns long and hot}


My Mama's Baked Beans

2 (15 ounce) cans baked beans with pork

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 onion, chopped

1/2 cup ketchup

1 Tbsp. mustard

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

salt and pepper to taste

2 slices bacon

*Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

*In a greased 9x9 inch baking dish, combine the pork and beans, brown sugar, onion, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste. Top with the bacon slices.

*Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour until sauce is thick and bacon is done.


Lemonade Icebox Pie

1 (6 ounce) can of frozen lemonade, thawed
1 (8 ounce) container of Cool Whip, thawed
1 (14 ounce) can of Eagle Brand, sweetened condensed milk
1 (9 inch) prepared graham cracker crust

*In a large bowl, mix the lemonade and sweetened condensed milk. MIX WELL!!!

*Fold in the Cool Whip.

*Pour into the crust and place in the freezer until set firm. {I leave mine in overnight}

*Allow to thaw about 10-15 minutes before slicing. YUMMY, cool, and refreshing!


Chocolate Cream Cheese Pie

4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 Tbsp. white sugar
1 Tbsp. milk
1 (8 ounce) container Cool Whip, thawed
2 (3.9 ounce) packages Jello brand chocolate pudding
2 cups milk
1 (9 inch) prepared Oreo cookie crust

*In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar and tablespoon of milk. Beat until smooth and creamy.

*Fold in 1/2 of the Cool Whip. Spread on the bottom of the crust.

* In another large bowl, combine the chocolate pudding with the 2 cups of milk. Beat with a wire whisk until mixed well. (It will be very thick)

*Spread over cream cheese layer.

*Refrigerate until set firm.

*Before serving, top with the remaining Cool Whip.

***Sit down with your kids to lick the spoons and bowls together!!!!*** FUN!


I hope you enjoy these recipes. They are some of my family's favorites for summertime. We are just getting an early start this year!!! (: