Summer foods – love them! Watermelon, ice cream, sno-cones, green salads, lemonade, fresh corn, popsicles. Fresh, crispy and cool. The taste of summer. Ahhh!

The months of June, July and August are warm. Here in Texas, they are HOT, HOTTER AND HOTTEST. So we tend to want cool invigorating meals when the temperatures rise. And I’m always looking for new fresh foods and recipes to try.

With the wedding at the beach and planning for numerous meals to share with large groups, I was especially mindful of appropriate snacks, dishes and drinks. I found 2 recipes that were great hits and thought I would share them with you. One is a snack cracker and the other is a wonderful version of Sangria.

Enjoy my Sweeties!

MADELYN’S SIMPLY MARVELOUS RETREAT SNACK CRACKERS

3 sleeves unsalted crackers

1 package dry Zesty Italian dressing

1 package dry Ranch dressing

1 tablespoon red pepper flakes

1 1/4 cup canola oil

Put crackers in airtight container or jar. Mix together all other ingredients and pour over crackers. Turn container every 30 minutes for 4 hours. Serve.

SUMMER WHITE SANGRIA

1/2 pound strawberries, sliced thin

1 apple, diced small

1cup fruit of choice, cut up as needed

mint leaves, optional

1-2 bottles Chardonnay

1/2 cup sugar

1 cup club soda

1 cup white grape juice

In large pitcher, layer fruit and sugar. Let sit for 10 minutes. Add club soda first, then remaining liquids. Fill pitcher with wine. Stir and serve.