Memorial Day

For the last 11 years I have had to work many holidays, including Memorial Day weekend.  Memories of times at the lake, BBQing, spending time with family and celebrating the holiday still linger in the back of my mind.  This weekend was no different than the previous ten years.  To celebrate at work, the team leads were asked to bring side dishes that went well with the typical BBQ fare.  This is what I brought and hope you all enjoy trying these recipes.  By the way, I am so looking forward to spending the entire 4th of July weekend off.  WHAT A TREAT!!!  Stay tuned for what comes next!

Corn Casserole

1 (15 1/4-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 (14 3/4-ounce) can cream-style corn
1 package Jiffy corn muffin mix
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
2 cups shredded Cheddar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 

In a large bowl, stir together the 2 cans of corn, corn muffin mix, sour cream, and melted butter. Pour into a greased 9 by 13-inch casserole dish. Bake for 45 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven and top with Cheddar. Return to oven for 5 to 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Let stand for at least 5 minutes and then serve warm.

Thanks Paula Deen!

Patriotic Berry Trifle

1/4 cup plus 2/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 premade angel food cake, cut into 1-inch slices
1 pound cream cheese, at room temperature
2 cups heavy cream, at room temperature
2 pints blueberries
2 pints strawberries, hulled and sliced 

Heat 1/4 cup sugar, the lemon juice and 1/4 cup water in a saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat and stir in the almond extract.

Brush both sides of each slice of cake with the syrup. Cut the slices into 1-inch cubes.

Beat the remaining 2/3 cup sugar and the cream cheese with a mixer on medium speed until smooth and light. Add the cream and beat on medium-high speed until smooth and the consistency of whipped cream.


Arrange half of the cake cubes in the bottom of a 13-cup trifle dish. Sprinkle evenly with a layer of blueberries. Dollop half of the cream mixture over the blueberries and gently spread. Top with a layer of strawberries. Layer the remaining cake cubes on top of the strawberries, then sprinkle with more blueberries and top with the remaining cream mixture. Finish with the remaining strawberries and blueberries, arranging them in a decorative pattern. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour.

Thank Sunny Anderson