The summer after my junior year of high school my grandparents took my 2 girl cousins and me on a mission trip to Norway. I remember my mom driving me to the airport and Lee Greenwood’s “Proud to be an American” came on and all but made me emotional. The trip was great in all the best ways. We stayed there for almost a month helping build a school in a remote area. I hadn’t been immersed into a culture like that as a young adult so I didn’t go without my own bout of culture shock.
I remember waking up the first morning and going down to the breakfast buffet so hungry and it is covered in FISH! All different types of fish warm and cold! I stood there staring and confused and honestly appalled. I didn’t eat fish so I grabbed toast and milk and sulked, like a teenager, at a separate table. I thought to myself it will be fine I can hold off till lunch. After working for several hours on a half-empty stomach, pulling rebar and metal mesh uphill, I was ready for lunch!
We gathered together and went into the dining area they had set up with the locals handing out sandwiches. Just thinking about eating was making me even more hungry. After standing in line it was finally my turn to choose my sandwich.
MORE FISH!
My choices were a fish sandwich or a type of pork sandwich. Well, due to religious reasons, my grandparents don’t eat pork and therefore when we were with them we didn’t eat pork either. So what I thought was a choice was really “Here, Dani, have a fish sandwich.” My grandparents laughed, and laughed, and said if I was hungry I would eat. I remember thinking it was so nice of these village women to offer us these sandwiches and not wanting to offend them I took my sandwich with a smile. I don’t know that I have ever eaten a sandwich so quickly as I did those lunches.
By the time we were back stateside, I craved a good cheeseburger and that was probably the best cheeseburger I’ve had in my life!
I haven’t spent a summer abroad in several years now and have since gladly traded the pickled and preserved fish for a good ‘ole American cheeseburger. Especially when it comes to summer cookouts and holidays!
Summer holidays are usually celebrated by a body of water whether it be the beach, a lake, or a pool even the little blow-up pool out by the grill. Fourth of July is the greatest of American holidays and parties with all the red, white, and blue patriotism!
Here are my easy tips for hosting or attending a summer bbq!
My go-to menu starts with any type of grilled meat. The family favorite is always a classic cheeseburger and I love the Beyond Meat plant-based brats. Sides that are always a hit are a mayo-free coleslaw and of course a staple potato salad. Dwindling down which dessert to bring is usually the hardest part. Ever since Pinterest walked into our lives there are so many good ideas out there to try. Usually, a favorite I bring is either a strawberry shortcake or key lime pie. This time I wanted to try Ambitious Kitchen’s Cherry Pie and an Angel Food Cake I found on AllRecipes.com.
Tips
- When making your potato salad after you boil your potatoes put them in a bowl and let them cool in the refrigerator. This is so they don’t disintegrate when you try to mix in your condiments. Also, mix together your condiments & spices; mayo, mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and Salt & pepper, in a separate bowl then fold and/or toss it in the potatoes. This also helps keep the potatoes together.
- Always have a mayo-free side option. Not everyone loves mayo and to be fair it does sit heavy on the stomach when socializing outside in the heat for a while. My sister-in-law brought coleslaw to a crawfish boil we had one time and I fell in love. This recipe is done to taste rather than specific quantities but I have tried to estimate as best I could.
You want to grab a bag or two of shredded cabbage and carrots aka Coleslaw mix.
Extra virgin Olive Oil
Fresh squeezed lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
Salt & Pepper
Add roughly 3 tablespoons of oil to the cabbage and 3 tablespoons of acidity of your choice. I make it with either lemon juice or apple cider vinegar and both turn out equally as delicious. After the coleslaw mix is thoroughly coated add a generous helping of salt. The salt will cut the acidity and help the flavors come together. I like to add a bit of spice with pepper. Continue adding all ingredients until you reach your desired flavor then let sit for a couple of hours to let the flavor come together.
- You can’t have a great party without a great cocktail! I mean obviously, you can but is it as memorable? My Spicy Watermelon Margarita is equal parts great tasting and refreshing. It would be great as a mocktail for those who don’t partake.
Add to the cocktail shaker:
1 part agave tequila
2 parts “Watermelon water” or anytime of watermelon juice you like
Slice(s) of jalapeño
Shake
Rim the cup with a lime and salt the rim
Add the mixed ingredients to the cup and top with sparkling watermelon water for some fizz.
- Make your own whipped cream!
- Always have fresh flowers for the table! Anytime I entertain I always try to make sure to have fresh flowers to add some life to the table. They add color, texture, height, and interest to any table and will be “that thing” that makes your table setting stand out!
- Cloth napkins! Not only are they good for the environment they are great for your budget as well because they don’t need to be replaced until they are stained or dingy. They also feel a bit more luxe in your hand than a regular paper towel and can stand up to the thought messes better as well.
This Dutch Cherry pie recipe from Ambitious Kitchen is amazing! Unfortunately, I did have to make a few tweaks because I lacked all the correct ingredients. I didn’t add the amaretto as I didn’t have any. I also couldn’t find tart frozen cherries so I had to get the sweet dark. To cut the sweetness of them I added a juice of half of a lemon. Although I didn’t have everything she called for this turned out a favorite especially topped with vanilla ice cream! If you have the same issues as I did I hope my tweaks help you as well.
The other dessert that is great to bring to a cookout is another recipe from a friend! I like this dessert because it feels “lighter”. Angel Food Cake topped with homemade whipped cream and berries. I used the Angel Food Cake recipe from allrecipes.com and it turned out perfectly.
https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/7324/angel-food-cake-i/
Top your slice of angel food cake with a dollop of whipped cream, a handful of berries, and drizzle with some dark chocolate balsamic vinegar. I know how it sounds but trusts me on this. It’s delectable and unexpected!
I hate cool whip. If you are a fan go for it, but I can’t get past the artificial flavor and consistency. To make your homemade whipped cream grab some heavy cream and a mixer! This recipe is to taste as well so also get your tasting spoon ready!
Whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add in 3-5 tablespoons of confectioners sugar (or fine granulated sugar) and a tablespoon of vanilla extract per pint of heavy cream. Since you are making your own whipped cream don’t go for the artificial vanilla flavoring get the good stuff, the real vanilla extract. Whip just a bit longer until the peaks become more defined but DO NOT OVER-MIX or you will just end up making sweet butter.
Now that you have your food planned out you need to work on your outfit. Arguably one of the most trendy pieces in your closet this year may not be residing in your closet at all. Check your husband or significant other’s closet for a blue and white striped button-down! Now, this is a trend I can fully get on board with as this is such a classic and simple piece! If it’s oversized you can style it with a belt and make a shirt dress. You can use it as a swim coverup or simply tie it up with some shorts. I haven’t decided which look I will go for but it will be one of these!
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Have a great Fourth ya’ll!
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