Sure these swimming duckies paddle around the pool, pond or anywhere else there’s a refreshing bath of water, but we soon discovered that everything is more fun with yellow ducks!

A couple of our staff members have already taken the ducks on vacation and found that they make perfect travel companions—and they get a lot of attention. Below are some photos of our ducks on their adventures.

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Nothing beats a glass of cold lemonade on a hot summer day! Set up a lemonade or ice tea stand to keep guests hydrated on hot afternoons. Place glasses nearby and within reach. Serve your guests and let them help themselves.
Here’s a refreshing twist to your old-fashioned lemonade recipe.

Sparkling Basil Lemonade

2 cups water
2 cups sugar
4 lemon peel strips, 3 inches long, plus 10-12 lemon slices for garnish
4 large fresh basil leaves
12 small leaves for garnish
1 ½ cups fresh lemon juice (8 to 10 lemons)
Ice cubes

Directions:
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar with 2 cups water, sugar and lemon peel. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar, and boil for 1 minute. Remove from the heat, stir in 4 large fresh basil leaves, and let stand for 30 minutes to infuse the syrup with the basil. Discard the basil leaves. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a small pitcher or bowl. Stir in the lemon juice and refrigerate until cold.

When you’re ready to serve, transfer the syrup mixture to 1 or 2 pitchers, add the sparkling water and stir well. Add ice cubes. Serve in glass tumblers and garnish each serving with a lemon slice and a basil leaf. Serves 12.

Turkey Slider Recipe

2 scallions, thinly sliced
¼ cup celery, finely chopped
1 Granny Smith apple, peeled and diced
1 T. canola oil
2 lbs. ground turkey breast
1½ tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. ketchup
Juice and zest of ½ lemon
2 T. chutney, pureed

Directions:

1. Sauté the scallions, celery and apple in the oil until tender. Let cool.
2. Place the turkey in a large bowl. Add sautéed items and remaining ingredients.
3. Divide in half; press into the two Slider Maker trays (left). Refrigerate 2 hours.
4. Season burgers with salt and pepper. Place on a preheated, lightly oiled grill.   Grill each side for 2–3 minutes until thoroughly cooked. Let rest for 5 minutes.
5. Serve with a square roll…our favorite is King’s Hawaiian^® Sweet Rolls.

Recipe from David, Solutions buyer

Bring the tropics into your backyard this summer by surprising your guests with a refreshing Mai Tai. You can even serve your drinks in a real pineapple shell. Our pineapple corer can help you create the perfect beverage holder every time.

Mai Tai Recipe:
1 oz. Light Rum
1 oz. Sweet & Sour Mix
1 1/2 oz. Pineapple Juice
1/4 oz. Orgeat (almond) Syrup
1/2 oz. Orange Curacao
1 oz. Dark Rum Topper
Pineapple and Lime Garnish

Summer’s around the corner, and it’s a great time to start thinking about outdoor entertaining. Here are some quick ideas to help you create that perfect party.

1) Host a potluck-themed event and prepare foods in advance, as much as possible. It will save time and work!

2) Clean your yard and make sure there’s enough seating for everyone. Place blankets on the grass for kids.

3) Grill skewers: Grilled vegetables make a great side dish, are easy to prepare ahead of time, and take a few minutes to cook.

4) Keep your guests cool! Consider a portable fan to keep outside during hot summer days.

5) Set out a few yard games to play so your guests have some fun activities to choose from.

6) Create an inviting atmosphere with lights for nighttime. Consider natural bug repellant candles to keep the insects away.

7) Add some color to your table with vibrant dishware. Top it off with an eye-catching centerpiece. Fill up a glass bowl with colorful fruits, such as bright lemons and limes, or fill glass jars with fresh-cut flowers.

Don’t forget to relax with your guests and enjoy all your efforts!