summer school fruit kabobs & fruit dip...

this sunday for dinner i decided to let my kids assemble the fruit skewers. not only did it keep them out from under my feet, but they were so excited to have a job! after i prepared all the fruit in seperate bowls & put them on the table with the skewers, my 6 year old said-- mom, this is just like at school making patterns. he was so right. i told the kids to make different patterns with the fruit & them tell me what the pattern was. it was both fun & yummy! so let your kids make some "pattern kabobs" & serve them with this yummy dip! everyone will enjoy it!

{picture courtesy of flickr}

{cinnamon & lime fruit dip}

1- 8oz. package softened cream cheese

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1 TBSP brown sugar

zest & juice of 1 lime

1 tsp vanilla

2 tsp cinnamon

beat together cream cheese & sweetened condensed milk until light & fluffy. add all remaining ingredients. whip until combined. chill at least 4 hours, made a day ahead.

brit's deep fried cauliflower...

i made this last night to go with our pork sandwiches & it was perfect! i can't take the credit for the pairing though, there used to be a super yummy bbq shack by my house that served fried cauliflower & it was a favorite of my families. walking a block was a lot quicker, but this recipe turned out great & finally was able to fulfill that craving i have had since they moved. give it a try! your kids will gobble it up too!

{brit's deep fried cauliflower}

1 head cauliflower- washed, dried & cut into bite sized pieces

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 TBSP milk

1/4 tsp salt

1 1/2 cup flour

2 TBSP parmesan cheese

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/2-1 TBPS seasoning salt

1/2 tsp oregeno

1/4 thyme

1/4 tsp pepper

1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

pre-heat deep fried to 375 degrees.

in a gallon sized ziploc bag, mix all dry ingredients. squish & shake sealed bag to mix. set aside.

in a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk & 1/4 tsp salt. toss prepared cauliflower in the egg wash. carefully transfer cauliflower into the ziploc bag with a slotted spoon & shake sealed bag until all pieces are evenly coated.

carefully drop coated cauliflower into your hot oil & cook 4-5 minutes or until deep golden. transfer to paper towel covered plate to drain. serve hot with assorted dipping sauces.

enjoy!