I love cookbooks. I don't always cook, but I love to flip through cookbooks and drool over all the fabulous meals I could make. Hmm... Maybe I actually only like the idea of cookbooks and all the possibilities. 

Anyway, I recently subscribed to Taste of Home magazine. Some of their desserts for 4th of July look divine. We're going to visit my mom for the weekend and go to a party at a high school friends' house. It's potluck and I want to take my famous beans and a dessert (to go along with the red, white, and blue jello shots).

I thought I'd share some of the easy dessert recipes I found in case you need ideas for something to take to your party this weekend. I think I'm going with the pretzel rods and the shortcake squares. How about you? What are your plans? Are you making anything special?

Red, White and Blue Dessert

Stars and Stripes Forever

Lemon Nut Star Cookies

Shortcake Squares

Patriotic Cupcakes

Pretzel Sparklers

Berries 'N' Creme Torte

Patriotic Trifle

*I got my subscription from She Speaks. Neither they or Taste of Home asked me to write about this. And I hate that I have to qualify that to appease the masses. Being helpful shouldn't require a disclaimer.

Remembering Michael Jackson

(August 5, 1984)

One of, if not THE, greatest entertainer of my generation has left the earth before his time. Michael Jackson, The King Of Pop, is gone. Him music is legendary. His fans are zealous. His life is a bit of mystery wrapped in controversy and a meteoric rise to fame. But his accomplishments are indisputable:

*Favorite Male Artist (Pop/Rock and R&B/Soul) 1984 American Music Awards
*Favorite Album (Pop/Rock and R&B/Soul) 1984 American Music Awards
*Favorite video (Pop/Rock and R&B/Soul) 1984 American Music Awards
*Pop Artist of the Year 1983 Billboard
*Black Artist of the Year 1983 Billboard
*Entertainer of the Decade 1990 American Cinema Awards
*Artist of the Century 2002 American Music Awards
*Pop Artist of the Millennium 2002 Bambi Awards
*Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (TWICE)
*Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2002

All told, Michael Jackson won almost 200 major awards in his lifetime including 13 Guinness World Records. He made millions of dollars in charitable donations. I think it's safe to say there will never be another performer of his caliber, with his star power.

At best, Michael Jackson was troubled, at worst he was disturbed. There will be plenty of time for dissection, unauthorized biographies and criticism. But today, while his children, family and fans mourn his passing, let's remember and celebrate his contribution to music, pop culture and Black History.

Go 'head, Michael. Rock on with your bad self.