Bocce & summer sangria

Nothing goes with a night of glow in the dark bocce like summer sangria.

Mix it all in a pitcher (or a bowl as I was forced to use last year) and refrigerate for at least a few hours...

1.5 bottles of cheap white wine
1/2c grappa
1/2c vodka
1/4 can frozen OJ concentrate
1c water
1/3c lemon juice
Cut up fruit: 1 to 2 apples, 2-3 peaches, handful frozen strawberries, 1/2 bag frozen mangoes

Drink with bocce.

Mexican grilled corn

I'm fairly certain Mom's told us about this before. It's really just fresh corn slathered with a bit of mayo and sprinkled with paprika and then grilled. Then when I took it off the heat I sprinkled it in some fresh grated romano cheese and squeezed some lime all over it. Insane. If you have any Tajin it's even better.

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Chocolate Mint Pudding

First of all, let me just say that this stuff is amazing. The recipe say it yields 6 servings, but I would say it's more like 4 generous servings.

3 cups fat-free milk (I used 1%)
1/2 cup packed fresh mint leaves
2/3 cup sugar (you might be able to get away with just 1/2 cup, but I'm not sure)
1/4 cup cornstarch
3 T unsweetened cocoa
1/8 t salt
3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
1/2 t vanilla extract
2 ounces semi sweet chocolate, chopped

*heat milk over medium-high heat in a small, heavy saucepan to 180 degrees or until tiny bubbles form around edge (do not boil)
*remove from heat, add mint. Let stand for 15 minutes; strain milk mixture through a sieve into a bowl, reserving. Discard solids.
*return milk to pan; stir in sugar, cornstarch, cocoa, and salt. Return pan to medium heat; bring to a boil, stirring constantly with a whisk until mixture thickens
*Place egg yolks in bowl; gradually add half of hot mixture, stirring constantly with whisk.
*add egg mixture to pan; bring to boil, stirring constantly. Cook 1 minute or until thick.
*remove from heat; add vanilla and chopped chocolate, stir until chocolate melts.
*pour into serving bowl and cover surface with plastic wrap.
*Chill (but it tastes pretty darn good hot too)
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