Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to the USA!

I cannot believe it is almost the 4th of July - this summer has absolutely flown by so far.  I used to feel like the 4th marked the middle of the summer, I am not sure why but as I get older it seems to be more of the start of the summer.  I am guessing a lot of you are either hosting a BBQ or attending one so I wanted to give you a few ideas of patriotic dishes you can make.  I haven't personally made any of these but they all look very tempting.

First let's start with some appetizers:

Sausage Stars

These look very easy and make 4 - 5 dozen at a time!

Recipe: http://gratefulprayerthankfulheart.blogspot.com/2011/07/hidden-valley-ranch-sausage-stars.html

Buffalo Chicken Bites

These look phenomenal and they are baked!  At most parties the buffalo chicken dip is a hit - these are new twist to that.  You can prepare them ahead and then pop them in the oven when you get to the party.

Recipe: http://sweetpeaskitchen.com/2011/09/24/buffalo-chicken-bites/

Raspberry Dip

When you see the ingredients you are going to think - what that looks like an odd combination but with so few ingredients and easy instructions I think you need to give it a try...at least once!

Recipe: http://www.pipandebby.com/pip-ebby/2012/6/13/raspberry-dip.html

If you are planning on making a dip here is a way to really celebrate the 4th of July - you can use this technique with most dips.

 

http://www.hungryhappenings.com/2012/06/how-to-turn-plain-dip-into-patriotic.html

Now on to dessert...I am thinking something patriotic.

Cupcakes in a Jar

The best part of this recipe is that you can use either frosting and cake from scratch or from a can and box...you decide how hard or easy it is!

Recipe: http://www.thetomkatstudio.com/cupcake-monday-4th-of-july-cupcakes-in-a-jar/

Red, White, and Blue Philly Cheese Pound Cake

Again these are fairly simple and will be refreshing on a hot evening.

Recipe: http://blogs.babble.com/family-kitchen/2010/06/29/red-white-blueberry-philly-cheese-pound-cake/

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

I cannot think of anything more simple than these.  Honestly who doesn't love chocolate dipped strawberries!

Recipe: http://itsybitsyfoodies.com/red-white-and-blue-strawberries/

And finally for some beverages...all of these have minimal ingredients

Watermelon, Blueberry Coolers

http://www.tasty-trials.com/2012/06/new-babies-and-fourth-of-july-cocktail.html

Lemonade Sparkler

http://valleyandcolifestyle.com/2011/06/celebrating-4th-with-valey-co-lemonade/

Sangria

http://welcometomontalvocountry.blogspot.com/2012/06/red-white-and-blue-sangria-white-wine.html

I hope these recipes have inspired you all to get out there and celebrate with good food and drink.

Until next time...Stay Creative!!