Summer Time Chill

Picture this: A sunny spring day. Temperatures in the high 70's. Your kids are playing outside while you and other mommies and relaxing on the porch. Here's what you have in your hand....

Strawberry Sangria

9 - C fresh strawberries, trimmed and halved; separated

2/3 - C sugar

1/2 - C water

1 -750 ml bottle white winse, such as Sauvigon Blanc or Pino Grigio

2 C sparkling water, chilled

1 orange, sliced

In a large saucepan combine 8 C strawberries, sugar and water. Bring just to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Remove from heat. Cover, cool to room temperature. Press mixture, a little at a time, through a sieve; discard solids. You should have about 3 C syrup. In a 2-quart container, stir together the syrup, wine, and remaining 1 C strawberries. Cover and chill up to 24 hours. Stir in sparkling water before serving. Decorate glass with orange slice or toss in glass.

Cute little side dishes: make a cone out of parchment paper. Tape the side. Fill with fresh blueberries.

Slice whatever fruit you like. For the dip: 1 container marshmallow fluff mixed with 1 container whipped cream cheese.