Well I have to apologize for not posting anything for over a week. I had good intentions to post a video that I made but had some computer problems and was unable to post it before going out of town. So if I can figure it out I will post it at a later date.
In the meantime I am spending some time in the Colorado Mountains and loving the view here as I blog.
I spent the day yesterday biking for 4 hours through the mountains and decided that I'd take a break this morning for a much needed post on my blog.
It's hard to believe that the 4th of July is just 3 days away. Where has the time gone? It seems like just yesterday I was blogging about the new year arriving.
I know most of you will be celebrating the holiday with family and friends for lunch or dinner then going out to see fireworks. I love to watch fireworks. In fact when my kids were younger we would go down to the riverfront and watch a HUGE display. My favorite of course was always the finale. The worst part was if you had to use the restroom especially with small children. Having to wait in line to use a port-o-potty was not my idea of fun especially in 100 degree weather with the humidity to match. However, that is what the 4th of July is all about.
Now of course we go to a local golf course not far from our home where we could get there just before the fireworks started and be home in minutes to use the potty.
This year we will watch them in the mountains, a beautiful backdrop for all the fireworks with little humidity.
Anyway, I've been thinking of all the fun things to prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July from fun treats, breakfast ideas to entrees. I came up with a list of things in the event you're still trying to come up with ideas.
For fun festive treats:
Pretzel Sparklers - To make these just take pretzel rods and melt some white chocolate in a double boiler. Dip 1/2 of the pretzel rod in the chocolate and then sprinkle with red, white and blue sprinkles. Lay on parchment to dry. Then stack together in a nice vase for everyone to have.
Red, White and Blue Strawberries - To make these melt white chocolate again in a double boiler. Then dip 2/3 of the strawberry in the chocolate and dip the bottom 1/3 that's been covered in the white chocolate in blue sanding sugar. Now you've got a red, white and blue strawberry. Arrange on a platter with your sparklers in the middle if you like.
If you're more of a breakfast person why not make some pancakes using a large star for the mold. Add some blueberries to the batter and cook. After cooking you have a blueberry star pancake and top with strawberry or raspberry syrup. Now you have a fun festive 4th of July pancake.
If pancakes are too heavy for breakfast a simple healthy parfait with vanilla yogurt layered with blueberries and strawberries is always beautiful and delicious.
For dessert - make some sugar cookies either in a star shape, iced and covered with red, white and blue sprinkles or make butter cookies in the shape of a rectangle, covered with royal icing and then decorated with gel colors to make the american flag. The kids would have fun making any of the above with you.
Trying to come up with a 4th of July entree?
I was trying to come up with something different this year and I decided I'd make fish. Of course I love fish and so does my family. So I've decided to take Tilapia, Snapper or whatever light white fish I can find here in the mountains and encrust it with Blue Corn Chips.
I'll either bake it lightly sprayed with non-stick spray or put it on the pit covered in foil to cook.
For the topping I'm going to make a homemade Raspberry Chipotle sauce to go over the top. I'll post the photo after I make it. However, I know Uncle Bob's also makes a great Raspberry Chipotle Sauce that you can heat up and put over the top of the fish as well if you don't feel like making your own.
If fish isn't something that appeals to your family then use this same idea and coat chicken or chicken fingers and use the same Raspberry Chipotle dipping sauce.
Be creative this 4th of July with your menu. Of course don't forget those star ice cube trays to add to any of the beverages you serve.
Have fun coming up with your own ideas or feel free to use any of mine.
Have a safe and festive holiday!
