SPARKLING STRAWBERRY LEMONADE WITH OR WITHOUT ALCOHOL

3 cups quarted fresh strawberries
1 cup cold water
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1 (6-oz) can frozen lemonade concentrate, undiluted
2 cups chilled sparkling water or Champagne, if preferred

In a blender combine the strawberries, cup of cold water, and sugar; process until smooth.  Combine the strawberry puree and lemonade concentrate in a pitcher, stirring until the lemonade dissolves.  Add the sparkling water and serve over ice.  Garnish with a fresh mint sprig or a lemon slice, if desired.

QUICK AND EASY NUTELLA MOUSSE CRUNCH

1 jar (13-oz) Nutella or other brand of hazelnut spread
1 carton (8-oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 pkg (6.88-oz) bittersweet chocolate-dipped biscotti (or your favorite biscotti)

Being sure to have removed the foil wrap, microwave the Nutella, uncovered, on High for 30 seconds.  Fold the Nutella into the thawed whipped topping in a large bowl; leave some chocolate streaks.  Using a cake decorating piping bag or a plastic bag with a hole cut in the corner, pipe the mixture into 6 individual parfait serving dishes.  Crush some biscotti and sprinkle over the tops for a crunch effect.  Serve the remaining biscotti with the mousse.

CRANBERRY RELISH SALAD

Note:  This is a quick to make salad.  It does, however, need to refrigerate for several hours to firm up.  It is a great salad to make a day ahead, making it perfect for the holidays.

1 pkg (3 oz) cherry gelatin
1 pkg (3 oz) raspberry gelatin
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups boiling water
1 can (12 oz) lemon-lime soda
1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple with juice
2 pkgs (10 oz each) frozen cranberry-orange sauce

In a large bowl, dissolve the gelatins and sugar in the boiling water.  Add the soda, pineapple with the juice and the cranberry-orange sauce (relish).  Pour into an 11 x 7 x 2-inch dish and refrigerate overnight or until firm. 

Yield: 12 servings.