Here are three recipes you can make for your father and each has a twist to honor your Heavenly Father.

Double Chocolate Peanutty Shake

“Shake” off worldly influences that try to discourage you and draw you away from God. Stay focused on God and His blessings.

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Hebrews 12:2 NIV

Yogurt Pudding Freeze

“Pudding” God’s Word in your heart is honoring. Put scripture around you so you will see it frequently and it will make an impression on your heart. Memorize the Bible. It is an honor to our Heavenly Father, when we choose to fill our minds with His words.

“How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”

Psalm 119:9-11 NIV

Strawberry Banana Sipper

By bearing spiritual “fruit”, we are honoring our Heavenly Father. He is pleased when your example is a testimony of His love and sacrifice.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance.”

Galatians 5:22-23 KJV

Honor your earthly father with your love, respect, and a special treat.

Use one of these recipes to make him a treat and include a list of the top 10 things you love about your father.

Double Chocolate Peanutty Shake

Yeild: 2 1/4 cups

1 cup chocolate ice cream, softened

1 cup cold chocolate milk

1/3 cup creamy peanut butter

Place all ingredients in a blender container; cover. Blend on medium speed until smooth and frothy. Serve immediately over ice cubes in tall glasses.

Yogurt Pudding Freeze

Yield: 2 Cups

1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding and pie filling

1 cup cold milk

1 container (8 ounces) lowfat vanilla flavor yogurt

Ice cream cones

Colored sprinkles

Make pudding according to package directions using milk and yogurt. Freeze in bowl several hours or overnight. To serve, remove bowl from freezer and let stand at room temperature about 15 minutes. Scoop into ice cream cones using a small ice cream scoop or teaspoon. Decorate with colored sprinkles, etc. Serve immediately.

Strawberry Banana Sipper

Yield: 2 1/4 cups

2 cups cold milk

1 cup fresh strawberries

1/3 cup sliced banana

3 tablespoons honey

3 teaspoons vanilla extract

Place all ingredients in a blender container; cover. Blend on medium speed until smooth and frothy. Serve immediately over ice cubes in tall glasses.

Enjoy, as you honor your father and Heavenly Father!

Recipes are from the American Dairy Association and Dairy Council.

Summer is almost over. Take advantage of the last few days by enjoying a family cookout. Bring your family together to relax and have fun together.

Planning a cookout does not have to be complicated. Start with your menu. Hot dogs and hamburgers can be made easily on the grill.

If you would like to add a little more zest to your traditional hamburger try this easy recipe.

Mexican Burgers

Makes 6 servings

1 1/2 lb. ground round steak

1/3 c. mild or hot salsa

1 can (4 oz.) chopped green chilies, well drained

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

6 oz. Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeno peppers, sliced

6 hamburger buns

Sour cream

Sliced avocados

Salsa

Combine meat, 1/3 c. salsa, chilies, salt and pepper; mix well. Divide into six portions. Shape each to form a 3/4-inch patty around one ounce of cheese, sealing edge well. Grill four inches above medium to hot coals on an open grill. Cook six to eight minutes per side for medium hamburgers. Serve on hamburger buns. Top burgers with sour cream, sliced avocados and salsa. Serve immediately. This recipe is from the American Dairy Association and Dairy Council.

If you prefer something less spicy try this cheeseburger.

Inside – Out Burger Babies

Divide ground beef into 16 equal portions. Shape each into a 3-inch diameter patty. Top one patty with one – half of a a 1 ounce slice of Mozzarella or American cheese folded in half; top with second patty sealing edges gently with fingers. Repeat with remaining meat and cheese. Grill 6 to 7 minutes for medium or until done, turning once. This recipe is from the American Dairy Association and Dairy Council.

• Sides

Accompany your meal with corn on the cob roasted on the grill. Have a crock pot with melted butter to spoon over the corn when you are ready to serve. Other delicious sides could be a baked potato,  fresh fruit (watermelon cantaloupe, or pineapple), or a pasta salad.

• Dessert

Desserts can be made and served with minimal preparation. Enjoy dessert time as a family activity.

Make smore’s together. Have family members exchange chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers. As they exchange the food they must also give each other a compliment. As you stack the ingredients together use it as an opportunity to talk about how each ingredient is important in making a smore. Continue explaining that each family member is an important part of making a happy home. Name something that each person does to contribute to your home. Deuteronomy 4:9 tells us “Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them”. Use the moments you have as teaching opportunities.

Popcorn, ice cream sandwiches, or  pudding cups frozen with a popsicle stick in it are all easy ways to finish off a cookout. Enjoy your dessert while playing a game, talking about what happened this summer, or having fun with water balloons.

Have fun with your family as you savor the last days of summer!

In 1984 President Ronald Reagan declared July to be National Ice Cream Month. The inventor of ice cream is not known but the origins date back as far as B.C.. Through the years ice cream has been a favorite of many.

Presidents and royalty have enjoyed this delicious treat. A couple of historic figures who enjoyed ice cream were Charles I and President George Washington. “Cream Ice,” as it was called, appeared regularly at the table of Charles I during the 17^th century. President George Washington spent approximately $200 for ice cream during the summer of 1790. Young and old have enjoyed this delicious cold treat.  Learn more about history of ice cream at the International Dairy Foods Association website.

Eating ice cream is a fun way to spend time with your family.  Better yet make a delicious cold treat together with these kid friendly recipes. Take a few minutes to try these quick, easy, and yummy shakes.

Double Chocolate Peanutty Shake

1 cup chocolate ice cream, softened

1 cup cold chocolate milk

1/3 cup creamy peanut butter

Place all ingredients in a blender container; cover. Blend on medium speed until smooth and frothy. Serve immediatley over ice cubes in tall glasses. Makes 2 1/4 cups

Orange Dream Shake

1 can frozen orange juice concentrate, partially thawed

3 large scoops of vanilla ice cream

3 cups cold milk

Spoon or pour orange juice concentrate into blender container. Put scoops of ice cream in blender. Pour milk over ice cream. Blend until smooth and frothy. Pour into glasses. Serve immediately. Makes 5 1/2 servings

The recipes are from the American Dairy Association & Dairy Council, Inc.

Celebrate National Ice Cream Month with your family today!