Happy 4th of July!!!

Independence Day

Independence Day is yet another day for the foodie. It is the ultimate excuse to eat and not only eat, but to eat grilled, BBQ'd foods (*JKGF craves this time of the year all year long!) Grilled food adds this flavor like no other and on the 4th its an excuse to show off to your friends your secret BBQ'd recipes and techniques and have them ooo and ahh at your creations. Just in case your ideas were slim as to what to whip up for the ultimate summer gathering or just want more ideas on how/what to make, below are 4th of July staple dishes, Enjoy and have a happy and safe 4th of July!!

The secret BBQ sauce:

2 tbsp. butter
1 cup water
1 cup ketchup
2 tbsp. vinegar
1 tsp. minced garlic
Garlic powder (to taste)
Salt (to taste)
Pepper (to taste)
1/4 cup onion (chopped)
2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp. lemon juice
2 tbsp. brown sugar
1 tsp. dry mustard powder

In a pan, melt the butter and saute the onions until they are soft and changing color. Add in the remaining 11 ingredients and simmer for 20-25 minutes. Spread over your favorite meats or seafood and grill them up.

*Johnna's tip: Some goodies to smother this over: grilled shrimp, pork/beef ribs, chicken, scallops, burgers, hot dogs and even your favorite veggies;-)

All American Potato Salad

1 cup Miracle Whip
1 tsp. mustard
1/2 tsp. celery seed
Salt (to taste)
Pepper (to taste)
Garlic (to taste)
4 cup potatoes (cooked and cut into cubes)
2 boiled eggs (chopped)
1/2 cup onion (chopped)
1/2 cup celery (sliced/chopped)
1/2 cup sweet pickle relish
Parsley

Combine Miracle Whip, mustard, celery seed, salt, pepper and garlic; mix well. Add in the potatoes, eggs, onion, celery and pickle relish; mix lightly and chill in the refrigerator for 4-6 hours or you could serve warm. Garnish with a couple dashes of parsley. Serve.

*Johnna's tip: The good thing about potato salad is that essentially it is just like the typical salad which means you can add or take out just about any ingredient that you wish. Add in mayo is your like or take out the celery if you don't want that. Play with it and make it all your own creation;-)

Yum, Yum Baked Beans

1 14 oz. can baby Lima beans
1-14 oz. can white beans
1-14 oz. can pinto beans
2-28 oz. can pork and beans
3 cups onions (chopped)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup hickory BBQ sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tbsp. dry mustard
Garlic powder (to taste)
Pepper (to taste)
8 strips of bacon
Parsley

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl combine all ingredients except bacon and mix well. Brush baking dish with butter and add mix to baking dish; add the bacon strips on top. Bake for 60-65 minutes until the top is browned. Garnish with a dash of parsley. Serve warm.

*Johnna's tip: Substitute the bacon with whatever salty meat of your choice. The bacon is there for the flavoring for a more salty effect. Adjust to your liking and always Enjoy!



Picture source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Day_(United_States)