Canada Day Flag Cake

This cake looks yum and I love festive celebrations! I already have a round chocolate cake in waiting for tomorrow night...but I think I can wing a Canadian flag onto it in honour of living in this great country. 

Living in Canada is a privilege. After some "interesting" overseas travel last year I almost kissed the tarmac after landing back on Canadian soil. Happy (Early) Canada Day!

Complete recipe, etc., from here.

kraftcanada.com

what you need

1 pkg. (298 g) prepared pound cake, cut into 12 slices

2 cups boiling water

2 pkg. (85 g each) Jell-O Strawberry Jelly Powder

3 cups ice cubes

3 cups sliced fresh strawberries, divided

2 cups thawed Cool Whip Whipped Topping

make it

COVER bottom of 13x9-inch dish with cake slices; set aside.

ADD boiling water to jelly powders in large bowl; stir 2 min. until completely dissolved. Add ice cubes; stir 3 to 5 min. or until ice is melted. Remove any unmelted ice. Stir in 1 cup strawberries; pour over cake. Refrigerate 15 min. Cover with Cool Whip.

REFRIGERATE 4 hours or until jelly is firm. Arrange remaining berries over dessert to resemble the Canadian flag.

kraft kitchens tips

VARIATION

You can also quick-set the jelly using frozen sliced strawberries. Dissolve the jelly powders in boiling water as directed. Add 1 cup each frozen strawberries and ice cubes; stir 3 to 5 min. or until thickened. Remove any unmelted ice. Continue as directed, decorating with 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries.

HOW TO DECORATE DESSERT

Using a toothpick, trace a maple leaf pattern on top of dessert. Place a strawberry slice on each leaf point, then fill in the leaf with remaining strawberries.

Make your own modern concrete planter

Concrete pavers + concrete paver adhesive + 24 hours + dirt & plants = one nice modern planter.

DIY instructions from this Better Homes and Gardens DIY website. I think these suckers could get heavy...I'd be tempted to make them in place.

Pinata Ideas

Nothing says party link a pinata!

Some of the things you'll possibly need to make your own pinata:

• time
• patience
• a ballon 
• cardbard
• old newspapers
• water
• crepe paper
• other decorations
• an idea (side note: if this is for a kids party be careful - a dora pinata may be super until your little princess starts crying because everyone's trying to crush dora's face with a big stick? just saying...)

How to make a Pinata (from here)

• 2 cups flour
• 3 cups water
• 1 balloon
• Newspaper
• Paint, crayons, or markers
• Colored crepe paper
• String

1. Blow up a large balloon and tie the end
2. Mix the flour and water together until it makes a smooth paste
3. Cut the newspaper into long 1 inch thick strips and dip into the flour/water mixture
4. Carefully place the strips on the balloon until it is covered, leaving a hole at the top
5. Set aside and let the balloon dry
6. Place another layer of newspaper dipped in the mixture over the balloon and let dry
7. Repeat with one more layer, making sure you leave the hole at the top
8. When dry, pop and remove the balloon
9. Paint your pinata with different designs and colors
10. If desired, hang colored crepe paper from the sides and bottom
11. Punch 2 small holes in the top near the opening and string a large piece of string through the two holes
12. Fill your pinata (through the hole you left at the top) with candy, toys, or any other fun surprises. You should also fill with strips of newspaper so the surprises are not all in one location
13. Tie your pinata in the air with the string and have fun!

You can be very creative with this project. You can design your pinata into any shape (animal, flower, etc,) with your imagination. Use thick colored paper filled with scrunched up newspaper and glue or tape to add any details to your basic pinata structure.