Independence Day Food Fireworks
By Momma Foodie
Let me start off this food adventure with introducing myself as Randi, otherwise known as, Momma Foodie. I am a stay-at-home mom of an almost 20-month-old little girl and 3 months pregnant with our second baby. I used to be a teacher and chose to stay home with our kids and through that I have grown my cooking skills and fell in love with food. I enjoy everything about cooking and creating meals for my little family. I also ventured into making my own baby food and my husband I make our own beer and honey wine at home. We are new to the Sussex County Area, but we are in love with all the local farms and fresh food farmers markets that help us create amazing meals.
So enough about me and on to what this adventure will be about. I will discuss topics plaguing mommies when it comes to food, meals, planning, budgeting, recipes, shopping, and tips. I know some of us work, some are stay-at-home, and we are all busy! It is my goal to provide you with healthy and amazing kid and family friendly ideas that your entire family will enjoy. This week’s topic I would like to discuss Independence Day Food Fireworks that will get your family excited for our country’s birthday celebration. Many of us will head outside to celebrate so my meal ideas for this holiday are always tasty treats to be shared outdoors and enjoyed by all. In an effort to get the kids in the kitchen I always try to include my daughter in at least one dish I am making. She enjoys helping make shish kabobs, so in the spirit of the Red, White and Blue we will be whipping up some Fruity Fourth Kabobs. Simple to make and super yummy!
Fruity Fourth Kabobs
Ingredients:
Wooden Skewers (soaked in water helps them not splinter)
Strawberries (rinsed and halved)
Blueberries (rinsed)
Bananas (peeled and sliced)
You can use any variety of your favorite red fruits, cherries, red grapes, etc. You can also switch out bananas and use marshmallows, cut up pound cake, etc. You can also vary the placement of the fruits in any way that you want. I tend to be festive and make a pattern. These are great as an appetizer or dessert and a quick snack in between cannonballs into the pool and fireworks watching.
When it comes to grilling and feeding the masses outside, I keep one simple rule…Keep it Simple!!!! So in an effort to pass this on to all of you and ensure you have an amazing party, stick to the basics of hamburgers and hot dogs and just jazz them up. Create a bar like atmosphere in that let your guests feel like they have the ability to create their own amazing meal. Set up a festive condiment bar with lots of toppings from the original staples of ketchup, mustard, chili, and cheese, to the outrageous of hot peppers, salsa, etc. Give your guests options that are endless in creativity. Also give them options for whether to use the customary buns or use flatbread, tortilla, soft pretzels, lettuce wraps, etc. This also allows your little guests the ability to choose for themselves without a lot of waste.
Gourmet BBQ Hot Dog and Hamburger Bar
Grill your Hot Dogs and Hamburgers as you would normally.
Condiments to Offer:
Mayonnaise
Ketchup
Hot Sauce
Mustard
Sauerkraut
Relish (sweet and hot)
Bib Lettuce
BBQ sauce
Tortillas
Sriracha
Flatbreads
Ranch dressing
Regular Buns
1,000 Island Dressing
Salsa
An assortment of Cheeses
Pineapples
Lettuce
Cole Slaw
Tomatoes
Mushrooms
Onions
Chili
Pickles (variety)
Bacon
Avocado
Peppers (sweet and hot)
Cucumbers
Soft Pretzels
You can’t go wrong with endless possibilities! Cater to what you think your guests may like, use some, use all, or add to what I have listed. It is sure to please everyone. Remember to Keep it Simple!
I hope that the above recipes “spark” some “fireworks” to your holiday BBQ plans and you have a Fourth of July celebration like no other. Happy Independence Day Everyone!
Food is Love!
Momma Foodie
