[three_fourth last=”yes” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][title size=”1″ content_align=”left” style_type=”single” sep_color=”#2068d6″ class=”” id=””]Celebrate with Friends, Family and Food
[/title][fusion_text]By: Craig Chapman
The Fourth of July is here and it’s time to celebrate our nation’s independence! Most people celebrate with a bang by attending a fabulous reworks display. Fourth of July reworks are often preceded with family, friends, fun and food while everyone eagerly awaits the main event. It’s a great time to get your snack on, but don’t make a big fuss about the food; keep it simple!
Pack a light picnic with items that won’t easily spoil. After all, it is the middle of the summer and it’s hot out here in Brevard. Here are just a few suggestions of items you might nd in our picnic basket this Fourth of July:
DRINKS
We like lemonade because it’s refreshing and incredibly diverse. You can mix it with fresh fruit juices, pieces of fruit like muddled strawberries or pineapple, or sweet tea. It’s also a great starting point for an adult beverage; mix in rum with a splash of ginger ale.
SNACKS
A spicy corn salad with cherry tomatoes won’t easily spoil and corn is a diverse ingredient you can mix in to salsa as well. Hummus or guacamole are healthy and go great with corn chips and crudités. Or for something more refreshing, try a simple chopped fruit salad sprinkled with granola.
MAIN PLATES
If you need something a little more substantial, try pulled pork sliders or pieces of cold fried chicken. Both are utensil-free and are an easy grab n’ go from your local deli.
DESSERTS
Since dessert will likely be the star of the food show, try cinnamon oatmeal cookies with raisins. For something more “all American,” an apple pie is a staple picnic dessert that everyone loves!
The key this Fourth of July is to keep your picnic simple and cherish your time with friends and family. Make it happy and stress-free!
Craig Chapman is the Producer of Real Food Real Kitchens (Real Food Real Kitchens part of the Taste Network anchored and promoted by Taste of Home media and Readers Digest).
Visit www.realfoodrealkitchens.com
Real Food Real Kitchens: New York Cookbook is available now in the Real Food Real Kitchens ‘Pantry’ and in bookstores everywhere!
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