Banana Bonkers
Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Ready in: 20 Minutes

Wonderful tall, cool banana drink that is great on the deck in the hot afternoon. Kids love this also. Optionally, you can mix in 3 eggs which have been whipped in the blender.

3 Bananas
3 Cups fresh grapefruit juice
2 Cups lemon sherbet
1 Cup crushed ice

Directions
1 Puree bananas in a blender or food processor. In a gallon pitcher combine pureed bananas, grapefruit juice, lemon sherbet and crushed ice. Stir and serve.

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Baked Potato Soup
Makes 6 servings

Thick and creamy. Uses leftover baked potatoes.

2/3 Cup margarine
2/3 Cup all-purpose flour
7 Cups milk
4 Potatoes - baked, cooled, peeled and cubed
4 Green onions, chopped
12 Slices bacon
1/4 Cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1 Cup sour cream
1 Teaspoon salt
1 Teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions
     1. Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium heat until browned. Drain, crumble, and set aside.
     2. In a stockpot or Dutch oven, melt the margarine over medium heat. Whisk in flour, until smooth. Gradually stir in milk, whisking constantly until thickened. Stir in potatoes and onions. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently.
     3. Reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes. Mix in bacon, cheese, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until cheese is melted.

The exclamation, "don't play with your food!" may roll off your tongue as readily as your children's own names, you've repeated the phrase so many times. But when they're home from school for the summer and the complaints of boredom begin to roll in, maybe you should reconsider the rule. Inviting kids into the kitchen to make their own snacks and meals -- and even letting them play with their food in the process -- can spark a lifelong interest in cooking and in trying new foods, not to mention that it will keep them occupied during those long, hot afternoons.