4th of July fun and sun!
I can’t believe we are almost to the halfway point of the summer! I feel like time is just flying by and I’m not ready. While I was growing up, we really didn’t celebrate the 4th of July except for a few fireworks. There were no block parties, parades, get togethers, or a big celebration until I met my husband. My husband is from DeWitt, and every 4th of July the town has a big celebration and everyone is out playing games, eating, visiting, and having a great time. I immediately fell in love with this holiday, and now our family can’t wait to celebrate. The best part is that this now includes my parents, my sister, and all the friends we can get to come.
The 4th of July is so much more than fireworks. I think togetherness and food is a great way to enjoy our independence! Now every year we head down to my in-laws and enjoy a day of games, swimming, car show, cornhole, bounce houses, parade, potluck in the yard, and fireworks (which are the best ones I have seen). These memories will forever be a part of our summers!!
As most of you can guess the food is one of my favorite parts of the weekend. The reason I love the food is that my father-in-law is a pig farmer, and they always have fresh pork around. That first year I came, I had never heard of a pork burger but man how my life has changed. I was a little nervous the first time I tried one but now I can’t wait to eat multiple burgers.
When I say a potluck in their yard, I mean that they provide some kind of pork whether it is burgers, pulled pork, or this year they are doing bacon burnt ends and everyone else brings their favorite side. It’s amazing getting to visit with friends and family and enjoying their favorite dishes. For me, every year is different. I like to try new festive dishes. I usually try to provide a side and dessert. In years past I have made macaroni and cheese, corn casserole, deviled eggs, baked beans, frogs eye salad, a red, white, and blue snack board, patriotic cookies, smore dip, cake, and the list goes on. I was thinking of trying something new this year: popsicles, because it is always so hot. I know that they will melt fast, but man do they taste great!!
Now for my favorite part of the blog…recipes!!
Ice Pops
2 cups fresh or frozen fruit
½ cup pineapple juice
2 Tbsp honey
1 Tbsp fresh lime or lemon juice
Pinch of salt
Combine all ingredients in a blender. Cover and blend until smooth. Pour mixture into ice pop mold bags according to directions. Leave ½ to 1 inch of headspace at top of bags. Seal bags. Freeze at least 4 hours or until firm.
Fudge Bars
½ cup sugar
¼ cup cornstarch
Pinch salt
3 cups whole milk
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 tsp vanilla
Whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan. Slowly whisk in milk. Cook over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes or until thickened and bubbly, whisking frequently. Add chocolate chips; heat and stir until melted and smooth. Stir in vanilla. Pour pudding into a bowl. Cover surface with plastic wrap and let cool for 1 hour. Spoon pudding into 3 oz pop molds, leaving ¼ inch of headspace. Add sticks and lids. Freeze for about 4 hours or until firm.
Slow cooker Macaroni and Cheese
16 oz elbow macaroni
4 cups milk
8 oz yellow cheddar cheese
8 oz white cheddar cheese
8 oz Velveeta
1 ½ tsp salt
½ tsp white pepper
1 tsp ground mustard
Place milk, uncooked macaroni, shredded cheeses, and seasonings. Stir well. Turn the slow cooker on high and cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Cut Velveeta into small cubes and stir until it starts to melt. Cook on high for an additional 30-60 minutes until it’s hot and creamy. Once the sauce has thickened, it’s done.
4th of July Fruit Pizza
Sugar cookie dough (homemade or 2 pre-made rolls to fill and entire cookie sheet)
8 oz Cool Whip
4 oz Cream Cheese
Fresh Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberry
Pre heat oven to the temperature on the sugar cookie instructions. Cook the cookie dough as directed. While the cookie is baking, cut up your fruit to your desired shape and size. Mix your cool whip and cream cheese together till it is nice and smooth. After your cookie is done baking, let it cool. When it has cooled spread your cool whip/cream cheese mixture on the top and decorate with fruit.
