“I THANK GOD for the life
For the STARS & STRIPES
May freedom forever fly
LET IT RING
Salute the ones who died
The ones who gave their lives
So we don’t have to sacrifice
ALL THE THINGS WE LOVE”
Many of us are pulling out the checkered table clothes, anticipating firing up our grills and picking the perfect menu to celebrate Independence Day. This exciting holiday is also known as the 4th of July. This holiday comes with celebratory festivities that are planned to celebrate the anniversary of the signing of the declaration of Independence. While this is the primary reason, so many of us also use this day to celebrate our families and make amazing memories.
The 4th of July has always been something that I have looked forward to for as long as I can remember. It was always a thrill for me to decorate my bike for the neighborhood parade and participate in the many pool games, including the greasy watermelon one. The cookouts and firework displays are all stamped in my memory and keep me looking forward to this coming celebration year after year. Whether we are out of town with family or friends, or just in our own neighborhood, we have emulated many of these traditions with our own children. We still enjoy celebrating together with great food, family and friends and of course the firework displays.
Decorating is something I always love planning. I found some new things that I absolutely love for my
table setting this year. Stenciled crates and candles from CVS will join my collection of items that I have accumulated over the years that include star-shaped plates and bowls, as well as patriotic spreaders from Pottery Barn and Target. There are so many paper plates and napkins in the stores that are adorned with patriotic designs. Many have USA and sparklers across the front of them. Along with all the decorating comes the most important 4th of July essential: fireworks.
Yes, as I said before I do love the fireworks, but I am also very cautious of doing a homemade show. It has always been very important to me to teach my kids to be safe and cautious lighting off the many fireworks that they love to purchase. There are several injuries each year from sparklers and bottle rockets alone. Please be careful!
As we gear up for 4th of July, I thought I’d share some of my families favorite cookout dishes. I hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
ROASTED RED PEPPER DIP
4 red bell peppers
5 oz salted roasted almonds
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tsppred wine vinegar
2 cloves fresh garlic
1 tsp salt
1/3 Cup flat leaf parsley
¼ tsp paprika
Heat broiler and arrange racks 6 inches from heat. Broil peppers, turning occasionally until charred
all over, about 30 minutes. Place in brown paper bag to cool. After cooled, peel skin off peppers, core
and seed.. Place peppers in a food processor with nuts, vinegar, garlic, salt and paprika. Cover and
process until smooth. Add oil, cover and process again. Refrigerate for at least and hour. Serve with
pita chips and celery stalks.
CUCUMBER SALAD
4 large cucumbers sliced thin
1 small red onion chopped
1 Tbsp red pepper flakes
¼ Cup olive oil
½ Cup redwine vinegar
1 tsp salt
1 4 -oz container feta cheese crumbles
Combine all ingredients except the cheese and stir together. Refrigerate over night. When ready to
serve, top with feta cheese crumbles.
BROCCOLI SALAD
Bag of broccoli florets
1/2 cup mayo
1/2cup yogurt
1cup raisins
1 small red onion copped finely
2 pieces regular or turkey bacon cooked and crumbled
Juice of half a lemon
3 Tbsp Truvia or sugar
¼ Cup sunflower seeds
4 oz container crumbles feta cheese
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours
Shish kabob
4 boneless chicken breasts cut into 1 inch chunks or 4 8 oz filets
Wishbone Italian dressing
2 green bell peppers cut into 1 inch pieces
1 large yellow onion cut into 1 inch pieces
Container cherry tomatoes
12 inch wooden skewers (metal skewers can be used as well) soaked in cold water for an hour
Marinate chicken and or beef in wishbone dressing in separate bowls for at least an hour. Skewer
chicken/beef ,onion, pepper and tomato to cover each skewer.
Heat Grill to medium and grill skewers 3-4 minutes on each side and turn ¼ turn every 3-4for
chicken. The beef takes 9 minutes total.
BETH’S MAC & CHEESE
1 lb elbow macaroni
1 lb sharp cheddar cheese
¾ stick butter
2 % or whole milk
1 Cup Panko bread crumbs
Salt
Pepper
Cook macaroni and drain. In a 9 x9 Pyrex, layer macaroni with some shredded cheddar cheese and
pads of butter and salt and pepper. Repeat. Pour milk slowly over the macaroni and cheese. Pour
slowly and wait. The milk should come halfway up the sides of the pan. Sprinkle with Panko. Cook on
350 for 45 minutes – 1 hour, until golden brown.
MIXED BERRY COBBLER
3 pints blueberries
3 pints rasberries
2 pink blackberries
½ stick of butter
¼ cup flour (I use gluten free)
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup pecan chips
2 Tbsp lemon juice
2 Tbsp sugar
½ cup brown sugar
Combine all berries in a baking dish. Sprinkle lemon juice and sugar over berries and toss. Mix flour,
butter, oats, pecans and brown sugar together. Use a fork to mash well into a clumpy mixture. Put on
top of berries. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes.
Thanks for reading and have a happy 4th of July!
