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Cool Down With 4th Of July Recipes
As families and friends begin making plans to gather and celebrate this favorite summer holiday, now is the perfect time to start thinking about what treats to include on your menu of fun and festive 4th of July recipes. Red, white and blue are never more popular than they are on the 4th of July. When Independence Day rolls around, the colors seem to be everywhere: flags, fireworks, clothing and even food! With July providing perfect warm weather for outdoor dining, many 4th of July recipes revolve around picnic baskets and BBQs. Burgers, brats and hotdogs are obvious choices, but don’t forget to include some healthier options and vegetarian choices to accommodate your guests. Carnivorous chefs may not know it, but frozen veggie burgers don’t fare well over the coals. Easy-to-grill kebabs filled with mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, squash and other veggies are sure to please your vegetarian friends. Let them get in on the fun by choosing their own veggies and assembling their own kebabs (it’s a fun way to get kids to eat veggies, too). Don’t be afraid to include fish along with your usual fourth of July recipes. Fresh fish cooks quickly on the grill, and varieties such as salmon are rich in nutritious omega 3-fatty acids. Adding shrimp to a kebab of marinated veggies makes a great light and healthy meal option. Having healthy snacks on hand will help ensure that nobody ruins their appetite while waiting for the grill to heat up! Chopped tomato, onion, cilantro, garlic and peppers (optional) make a light and refreshing salsa that can be served with chips, pretzels, pita slices and veggies. If you’re skipping the BBQ and taking a picnic to the local park to watch the fireworks, fresh tortilla wrap sandwiches filled with veggies, tuna, chicken or smoked salmon are easy to prepare, pack and enjoy later. Remember that since your picnic foods may be unrefrigerated for a while before you dine, it’s best to avoid perishable condiments like mayonnaise or yogurt-based sauces. Fortunately, fresh avocado, hummus and salsas all make great alternatives. For culinary fireworks, the best way to work red, white and blue foods into your plan is on the dessert menu. Cakes and cupcakes topped with colorful frosting or mini flags are great ways to get into the holiday spirit. If it’s too hot to bake, try a cool mix of red and blue fruits and berries topped with fluffy whipped cream. Last, but not least, try whipping up some special 4th of July recipes just for the kids by making red, white and blue Jell-o treats or colorful popsicles made of fruit juice. Keep it simple, because with all of the excitement and fireworks, food might be the last thing on kids’ minds! The fireworks may be the most exciting part of the fourth of July, but sharing recipes and food with family and friends is a great addition to any holiday. Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com |
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