fun food for fireworks

Assemble family and friends on a sidewalk to enjoy a parade, meet at a local town celebration, or simply gather the gang in the backyard for a good old fashioned eating contest. The 4th of July is a celebration of our American lifestyle, so let our homespun food favorites be your menu guide. The best way to honor the sacrifice of our forefathers is to live their vision for our freedom, so embrace the day and free yourself up to enjoy the festivities. Keep it casual and inexpensive by serving simple foods that are big on flavor and tradition, and require minimum effort.

 

easy and delicious

 

July 4th is THE holiday to keep your menu fast and affordable. Grocery stores do their part to help take the bite out of our budget by offering traditional summer selections on their weekly specials. Think hot dogs, watermelon and corn on the cob! Add some potato chips and lemonade into the mix and you have a perfect feast for the 4th. If you want to up the ante, add burgers to the lineup, but think quick and easy preparation so you can enjoy our country’s Birthday.

easy and delicious

 

 

grilled corn on the cob

 

You don’t need to spend loads of time prepping corn for the grill. Make it super fast and cook it exactly as you brought it home from the market. This easy fix is just like you get it at fairs across the nation.

 

  • Fresh corn in their husks
  • Butter, salt, paprika
  • Prepare your grill, gas or charcoal, with direct, high heat, about 550°F.
  • Place the corn in their husks on the hot grill. Cover.
  • Turn the corn occasionally, until the husks are charred on all sides, about 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Remove from grill and let stand for 5 minutes.
  • Use a hand towel or paper towels to protect your hands while removing the silks and charred husks from the corn.
  • Serve hot with butter, salt and paprika.

 

grilled corn on the cob

 

 

crazy fast way to cut a watermelon

Want to serve watermelon cubes instead of slices? Try this fast and easy way to cut up the green giant and get even size chunks every time with very little effort.

  • Watermelon
  • 10-12 inch, sharp knife
  • big cutting board
  • Serving Platter

 

crazy fast way to cut a watermelon Cut off both ends of Watermelon
crazy fast way to cut a watermelon Now watermelon won’t wobble! Stand it up on one end
crazy fast way to cut a watermelon Slice down sides in 2 inch widths to remove rind
crazy fast way to cut a watermelon Cut in Half
Cut first half into 3 pieces
crazy fast way to cut a watermelon Lay it down on the board and cut into 1 to 2 inch slices
crazy fast way to cut a watermelon Cut the opposite direction to make 1 to 2 inch cubes

best burger builder

For a fast up-class to any burger try this simple and delicious topper to give your homemade BURGS that old-time hamburger stand flavor. This yummy spread has just the right amount of zest, creaminess and tang. It also makes a great dip for onion rings and zucchini sticks!

thousand island dressing

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 teaspoons French dressing
  • 2 teaspoons sweet pickle relish
  • 1 teaspoon cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/8 teaspoon paprika

TL Tip

For a very special July 4th dessert try this cool and delicious American themed treat. BLUE BUNNY SOOPER HERO ICE CREAM. It’s a super cool way – to honor a day – for the U.S.A.!

make friends with fruit

Don’t fret over making an impressive dessert for your July 4th celebration. Let fruit serve as your answer to a spectacular end to the evening’s festivities. Purchase pre-made cakes or cupcakes and dress them up in the colors of the day. Fashion a fast American flag from strawberries and blueberries, make a pretty point with raspberries, or adorn cupcakes with a simple cherry on top. Fresh fruit quickly elevates any store bought goodie to classy status. Go au natural by serving bowls of fresh fruit in red and blue with fresh mint chiffonade, or top ice cream with flavorful summer berries for a sweet and refreshing after dinner sensation. After all the running around in the summer sun a fresh end to the day is just what your guests need to rejuvenate them to enjoy the firework finally.

make friends with fruit

TL Tips

Serve up candy in RED, WHITE & BLUE as a yummy July 4th treat that does double duty as beautiful decorations. Have a vivid platter of red candied apples, make a delightful display of patriotic lollipop pops, create a tasty mix of Americana M&Ms, or Jellybeans, and wrap it all up with a big bunch of red licorice. The kids can eat and play for the U.S.A!

TL Tips

refreshing adult indulgence

Yummy fruit punch gives Uncle Sam’s Wine Slush a festive flavor, reminding us of our long summer days of childhood, blended with the tasty big girl bite of vino. Give a go to the Blue Patriot. Its unique combination of citrus and Blue Curacao provide a delicious mix of tang with deep rich undertones. For a job well done of providing great eats and festive fun for family and friends, treat yourself to one of these refreshing July 4th cocktails and toast to a day of easy entertaining, simple pleasures, and our nations independence.

uncle sam wine slush

12 oz. can frozen orange juice
48 oz. Hawaiian Punch
Juice of 2 lemons
1/2 c. sugar
1 bottle white wine
2 cups ice
7-UP

Pour all ingredients into blender and blend well. Add more ice if needed to get thick slushy consistency. Mix ½ slush in a glass with 7-UP and garnish with strawberry or citrus twist.

blue patriot

3 cups vodka
1 cup Blue Curacao
8 oz lemonade
3 cups ice

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend till smooth. Add more ice if needed to achieve a slushy texture. Pour into glasses and enjoy!

4th of july