my family reunion is coming up next weekend, and i really want to take something, usually its the aunts who provide the food, and i fall into the cousin catagory, so i am not required to bring anything, but i want to. so what i need is a suggestion for something that will stand the heat, we always have it outdoors, under a shed at the park. most of the things that are coming to mind have to be refridgerated or kept cold, i have a cooler, so thats doable, just want something new and exciting to take. thanks for your help.

I always take a Blueberry dessert I just keep it on ice untill its time to eat and I never have any problems.. except the one year that I didn't take it I caught he!! from my brother

thats a good idea, you said blueberry and automatically i thought of blueberry pie, blueberry cobbler, and blueberry triffle.. thanks for the suggestion.. :)

Beer and chips works for me.

I've gotten great compliments from the Aunts with these dishes:

Rice Pudding

4 cups Milk
1 cup rice (long rice not minute)
1 cup sugar
Sprinkle of cinnamon

Cook rice and milk in top of a double boiler for an hour to hour and a half. Place in bowl and set in refridgerator to chill. Sprinkle cinnamon over top after it sets

Green Bean Casserole (can't miss)

2 cans frenched green beans drained
3/4 cup milk
1 can cream of celery soup (cream of mushroom also works)
1 small and one large can french fried onions

Mix all ingredients except lg can of fried onions. Bake for 1/2 hour at 350 degrees. Remove, shake lg can fried onions over top and bake again for 5 minutes.

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Sorry, I don't have that one memorized, I'd have to go downstairs and look it up, but receipe varies. Just make sure to stir in a 1/4 cup of melted margarine in with the cracker crumbs before you place them on top. It gives them a real "browned" look.

Can't go wrong with some homemade trail mix

2 cups salted, roasted, or raw nuts -- nice variety
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup dried cranberries/raisins
1/2 cup dried fruit -- whichever you like
1/2 cup flaked coconut
1/3 cup sunflower seeds



Also bring some variety of fruit and veggies for grilling..

Kabobs - Cut fruit such as apples, pears and peaches into chunks, brush lightly with canola oil and place on skewers or wrap in foil before grilling. A sprinkle of cinnamon before grilling adds a flavorful touch.

Cantaloupe Kabobs – Cut cantaloupe into chunks, brush with a mixture of honey, butter and chopped mint and place on skewers. Cook three to four minutes, turning the fruit to grill each side.

Bananas - Slice bananas with their peels lengthwise and brush the cut side with canola oil. Place cut side down on the grill and cook until lightly browned, about two minutes. Turn and grill until the bananas begin to pull away from the peel, about two to four minutes more.

Pineapple - Sprinkle brown sugar onto pineapple slices. Grill the slices, turning a few times, until browned, about five minutes.

Pears - Brush pear wedges with lemon juice and grill, turning a few times, until they begin to brown, about two to four minutes. Add to a mixed green salad.

Peaches & Berries - Fill peach halves with blueberries and sprinkle with brown sugar and lemon juice. Wrap in foil and grill for 15-20 minutes, turning once.

For the vegetable.. the easiest thing to do is just sprinkle with olive oil and sea salt.. :)

Trail mix does go with beer