Sparkling Party Punch

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Serves: 15-20 servings
Total time: 45 minutes

• Dissolve gelatin in boiling water; cool (about 30 minutes).
• In a large punch bowl, combine gelatin mixture, lemonade concentrate, orange juice concentrate, and cold water; keep cool.
• Just before serving, gently stir in ginger ale and frozen strawberries.

Frozen strawberries look great in the punch and are functional—they take the place of ice cubes and keep the punch cool without diluting it.

If you prefer fresh strawberries: Wash and pat them dry . . . arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet . . . and freeze until firm. I take the easy way out and use a bag of frozen strawberries. Honestly, no one notices the difference.

Do yourself a favor . . . make an extra batch of the gelatin/lemonade/ orange juice mixture, and store it in a pitcher in your fridge. Then, when you start running low on punch at the party, all you have to do is refill the punch bowl with the mixture, add ginger ale and strawberries, and you’re good to go.

For an elegant touch, serve in stemware and garnish with fresh strawberries and ribbons of lime rind.

The recipe is non-alcoholic for those who say “no” to liquor. You can add a bit of rum or pink champagne for a subtle, fun kick. Be careful, though; do not add too much . . . the punch is easy to drink, and the liquor will sneak up on you. Also, remember two things: (1) Add alcohol, you add calories, and (2) Skip the liquor if your guests are underage.

Serving size: ½ cupCalories: 43