Home for the fourth

Southern Living, Jul 2003 by Florio, Donna, McCormick, Carrie, Levine, Zack, King, Hazel J, Et al

STIR together cornstarch and remaining 1 cup sugar in a small saucepan; slowly whisk in 1 1/4 cups water and vanilla. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, 7 to 8 minutes or until mixture thickens.

STIR together raspberry gelatin and blue liquid food coloring in a small bowl; whisk into the warm corn-starch mixture.

SPOON blackberries into piecrust. Pour glaze evenly over berries, pressing down gently with a spoon to be sure all berries are coated. Chill 2 1/2 hours. Serve with whipped cream, if desired.

POTATO SALAD

MAKES 8 TO 10 SERVINGS

PREP: 25 MIN., COOK: 20 MIN.

Leave the potato skins on for color and texture.

3 pounds red potatoes

1/3 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dry mustard

1 teaspoon salt

3 green onions, chopped

1/2 red or green bell pepper, finely chopped

2 tablespoons chopped parsley

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Salt to taste

COMBINE potatoes and water to cover in a Dutch oven; bring to a boil, and cook 20 minutes or until tender. Drain and cool. Cut potatoes into 1-inch cubes.

STIR together olive oil and next 5 ingredients in a large bowl, blending well. Add potatoes, onions, and remaining ingredients, gently tossing to coat. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

CHEWY RED, WHITE, AND BLUE COOKIES MAKES 5 DOZEN

PREP: 35 MIN., BAKE: 15 MIN. PER BATCH

You can find red, white, and blue candies at supermarkets and discount stores before the Fourth of July.

1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened

3 large eggs

1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon light corn syrup

4 1/2 cups uncooked regular oats

1 cup semisweet chocolate morsels

1 cup (6 ounces) red, white, and blue candy-coated chocolate pieces

2 teaspoons baking soda

BEAT sugars and butter at low speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Add eggs and next 3 ingredients, beating until combined. Stir in oats and remaining ingredients.

DROP by tablespoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets.

BAKE, in batches, at 350[degrees] for 15 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool.

CARRIE MCCORMICK DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA

ZACK LEVINE

HENDERSONVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

HAZEL J. KING NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS

KARYN M. DARDAR

MONTEGUT, LOUISIANA

GLENN ULRICH

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

NANCY WILEY

JEFFERSON CITY, MISSOURI