Happy 4th of July!!! Tablescape

Happy 4th of July!

A friend sent me this comment on Facebook and I thought it was so appropriate that I had to share:

"Remember this as you celebrate this weekend! The American flag does not fly because the wind moves past it. The American flag flies from the last breath of each military member who has died protecting it. American Soldiers don't fight because they hate what's in front of them...they fight because they love what's behind them. "

Here's some great ideas for a pretty 4th of July tablescape.

We're having an outdoor party.

The table is set with a red, white, and blue theme.

A sweet red basket holds patriotic napkins, flatware, drinks, glasses. and patriotic flags.  The white flatware tied in bundles with a deep navy colored napkin are a great touch! 

A white colander is all set to hold slice of watermelon and other fruit.

The place settings consist of a red wicker charger, a navy blue plate peppered with white dots in a floral fireworks pattern.  A salad plate in a lighter blue version also in a white dot floral pattern.  A white bowl tops the set.  So pretty!

Some great ramekins used for condiments will keep in the theme...

Simple and easy...that's always best...oh and to have fun!  Happy 4th of July!

Land of the Free Lemonade

I just had to share this little recipe with you...it's called

"Land of the Free Lemonade"

What a wonderful name right?

We made this last night and WOW...what flavors!!!

This is a delicious drink for all your summer parties and especially for your July 4th celebrations....and it tastes great too!

Beautiful pink color, fruity, tart flavor....delishhhh!

Enjoy!

Land of the Free Lemonade

Ingredients

3 1/2 cups water, divided

3/4 cups sugar or splenda

1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4 large lemons)

2 cups chopped watermelon

Preparation

Bring 3 cups water, sugar to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat, stirring occasionally. Remove saucepan from heat, allowing to cool.

 

Meanwhile, puree chopped watermelon in a blender or food processor with 1/2 cup water.

 

Pour syrup and watermelon puree through a strainer into a pitcher. Stir in lemon juice. Serve over ice.

source:  adapted from BHG's Land of the Free Lemonade

Smoky Coleslaw

Well hello there!

Is everyone getting in the American Spirit?  Ready to celebrate??

I love the 4th of July holiday.  LOVE IT!   Ever since I was a little girl I looked forward to our 4th of July celebration.  Memories of family, American spirit, parades, fireworks, great food, and homemade ice cream always come to mind.

Yep, that's me!  Nice decor huh?

So what's a BBQ, a picnic, or just a holiday without great side dishes????
Boring....

So I bring to you a coleslaw...but not your everyday coleslaw...certainly not boring!
This will put some zip in your get-a-long!!

Coleslaw is generally eaten as a side dish along side BBQ or fried chicken.  It's also good along side of sandwiches.  It goes perfect with my BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches (click the title to view the recipe)!!

It's also great as an ingredient in sandwiches such as BBQ Pork, Hamburgers, or on Hot Dogs.  Experiment, it's fun!

So what's different about this coleslaw?  The dressing...it's not your usual sweet mayo based dressing...this one is smoky and sweet together.  You have to try it!

First you make your dressing in a large bowl.

Add the coleslaw and stir to coat with the dressing.

Cover and refrigerate to meld the flavors!!!  Simple...but what a flavor punch this has.
Hope you enjoy it and your 4th of July!!

Smoky Coleslaw 

1/2 c apple cider vinegar
1 T brown sugar
2 t smoky chipotle paprika (or just smoky paprika)
1/4 t salt
1/4 t black pepper
1/3 c canola oil
1 16 oz bag of coleslaw mix

In a large bowl mix together the vinegar, sugar, paprika, salt & pepper.  Slowly drizzle in the canola oil while whisking.

Add coleslaw mix and toss well to coat. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for a least 2 hours to blend  all the flavors.


Source:  Adapted from Sandra Lee's Smoky-Sweet Slaw