Celebrate Independence Day with Great Food

As you start to think about the menu you can already smell the charcoal burning, the barbecue sauce basting and the scent of that fresh baked apple pie in the air. Just remember your meal doesn’t have to be this traditional if you don’t want it to be.

Try something a little different this year. Instead of hamburgers and hot dogs try some ribs or barbecued chicken. Try grilling fish or having a seafood based meal. Just about any meat can be cooked on a grill. Decide which meats those will be and let the main course set the stage for the rest of your meal planning.

As always, potato salad, coleslaw, corn on the cob and those great baked beans are thought of when it comes to food on the Fourth. This year why not try having roasted vegetables on the grill? Maybe baked potatoes cooked right on the grill, or even in the oven, would be the perfect addition.

Fresh fruit such as watermelon, cantaloupe and strawberries are great on a hot summer day. Just be sure your fruits are kept cold until ready to eat. This includes any mayonnaise based salads too.

Why not try some tuna salad or chicken salad for a nice treat? In many areas it is just too hot to eat much and these types of salads make great sandwiches. Add a relish tray and some cheese and crackers and you have the makings of a great meal that will keep everyone cool and please their pallets too.

Don’t forget those great deserts either. Of course apple pie is one of America’s favorites but what about a cream pie such as banana or chocolate. Fruit salads make great deserts on a hot summer day also. You can even make a Fourth of July flag cake with strawberries, blueberries and whip topping that is sure to bring oohs and aahs from everyone. Ice cream is also a big winner during Independence Day celebrations. Try making your own. It’s fun and boy does it taste good.

Last but not least don’t forget the drinks. You can make fruit punches with decorated ice rings or have juice with a touch of lemon-lime soda. Fruit smoothies are a big hit in the summer also. Try making smoothies that are red, white and blue by using strawberries, blueberries and vanilla yogurt. If you make your own ice cream, use it to make milk shakes which are great on a hot Fourth of July day.

No matter what type of food you have it’s sure to be a fun and exciting time. Don’t pressure yourself to make the most or best food around. Plan ahead, make things easy and then sit back and enjoy the day including those fireworks at the end of the night. Remember it’s a day to celebrate our independence so be independent, relax and enjoy.

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