Some people have Halloween. Most people have Christmas. We have the Fourth of July.
We all know the pressure to be patriotic is at a near fever pitch every day on a military base, but there is no holiday for which it’s quite so extreme as Independence Day. We are patriotic everyday, our nation’s birthday has to be extra special.
But what can you make that won’t melt in the heat, eradicate the work of the AC in the house, and still be a big hit at the annual fireworks picnic?
Here’s a quick and easy guide to the perfect picnic plan for your Fourth.
First, the meat: leave the hot dogs to the good folks at Sonic and skip the burgers. Fried chicken is your Fourth of July kingpin. Not only will it be gobbled up by little children and hungry soldiers alike, it’s still delicious after over-exposure at a sun-drenched affair and so much better the next day that you might want to squirrel some away in the fridge.
This simple fried chicken recipe combines the best of Southern tradition with a radical twist: use crushed Matzoh – that Passover staple – to add real crunch to the breading. The result is intensely moist on the inside and perfectly crispy on the outside. Your friends will be raving.
Of course, you’ll need your slaw. But while everyone else is dousing cabbage in Hellman’s and vinegar, go the tastier, and healthier, route. Make this Fuji Apple Slaw. Adapted from the Commonsense Kitchen cookbook, this slaw is full of fresh apples, purple onions, cabbage, and deliciousness. It’s different, it’s tasty, and any opportunity to give your family fruits and vegetables is one you should take and run with.
You’ll also need the sides. A basket full of star-shaped biscuits will go a long way, and they’re so easy to do. Some flour, milk, baking soda, and twenty minutes? Ta-da! Biscuits are ready.
Black beans, cilantro, and feta also combine for a delicious summer dip. It works in the heat, won’t wilt, and is substantial enough that you can pat yourself on the back for providing a healthy alternative to queso and everyone will be begging for more.
But the piece de resistance for any holiday will always be the dessert, and no heat flash, dorecho storm, or other act of nature will hold you back. Skip the pretty strawberries dipped in sparkly blue sanding sugar all over Pinterest; you don’t need blue lips. And frosting-encrusted pretzel rods? Pretty, but not tasty.
Rice krispy treats on a stick? With fruit taboot? Sold. Star-shaped and patriotic, these easy desserts are hand-held and child friendly, can be made with the kids, and will survive the punishing heat as you wait for the fireworks to start. Better yet, you don’t need to worry about scheduling an appointment with your doctor to check your heart immediately after consumption.
Don’t be scared to add some kick, either. If it’s just the grown-ups, a little bourbon goes a long way in the pan when the marshmallows are still melting.
Last but not least, the drinks. Kids and abstainers alike can enjoy a delicious strawberry and mint mockjito to kick back and cool down. With fresh strawberries and club soda, serve your guests a cool alternative to the bug juice and soda they’re used to.
Meanwhile, you can toast your efforts and exertion with a watermelon and basil margarita. When my mother comes to visit, she begs my husband to make these, and once you make one, you’ll understand why. It’s summer in a cup.
And what better way to toast our country than with a pretty red drink on a blue-skied American day? Happy Birthday, America!
What are your secrets for the perfect patriotic picnic?
Raleigh Duttweiler is a freelance journalist, doctoral candidate, and lifestyle blogger living in coastal North Carolina. When she isn’t writing, she can be found roaming local farmers markets, estate sales, and the marshy roads of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. She blogs at bunnyvictorious.com.
About Raleigh Duttweiler
Comments
This looks fun. I will make the biscuits with my kids tonight!
that mockjito is perfect for pregnancy! awesome!
Now I wish I was actually hosting a picnic instead of attending one so I can do all of this! Instead I will have to just settle for bringing pieces of the picnic. YUM!
my kids just don't like cole slaw, is there another vegetable dish that will stand up to the heat of the day?
Hi Sgt. Mom,
Until we made this, I wasn't the biggest slaw fan, either! The problem with hot-weather picnics is finding something that can be served at room temperature or, worse, more than a little warm. I have two suggestions for you: (1) do a brussel sprouts salad. halve the brussels and then boil them for 4-5 minutes (4 for crunch, 5 for mushier) in salt water. Pull them out and toss them with butter, mustard, and capers. The dish is really rounded and pretty family friendly, and it stands up well to the heat. (2) The other option I'd really recommend is to do something a little out of the ordinary – an arugula salad tossed with strawberries, balsamic, and goat cheese. The peppery arugula is nicely balanced by the balsamic and the strawberries, and I've never met a person who didn't like goat cheese when presented it in salad form. All of these things you can get at the commissary, too, so let me know what you wind up doing and how it goes! Best of luck and happy Fourth!
Raleigh Duttweiler
Corn!
This looks amazing. I think I'll try those biscuits tomorrow.
They really are a snap! Let me know what you decide to add to it, if anything! If you want them super flaky, just add more butter. Lots and lots and lots of butter makes for lots and lots and lots of flakes. Happy cooking!
Gorgeous! That chicken looks amazing.
It actually IS amazing. It's really the matzoh that makes the difference – while everyone says that there are so many secrets to fried chicken, I've made it 100 different ways and it's been delicious every time. This is the only ingredient I think actually changes the dish. I've tried saltines and they didn't work as well, but to each their own. If you have any tricks, let us all know! We'd love to hear!
Love the decor. Where did you get it or did you make it
Hi Kerry! My mom brought the fabulous pinwheels to us, but I think they're these: http://www.partycity.com/content/patriotic+4th+of… Party City also has some really wonderful Welcome Home gear, too, that's worth keeping an eye on: http://www.partycity.com/category/theme+parties/p… I am VERY impressed by their patriotic gear.
The other GREAT source for patriotic party supplies is Paper Source. When we got married, I handmade all of our invites, but all the basic supplies (paper, liners, envelopes, sheers) came from PS and I will use them time and again from here to eternity. These struck my fancy and I think I'll get them when my husband comes home from deployment… they'll look great in our windows! http://www.paper-source.com/cgi-bin/paper/item/Pa…
Do you have any sources for patriotic gear? We'd love to know them!
Ummm… this all looks too CUTE! I wish I was hosting a picnic! Alas, I will have to settle on just making the rice krispies as a housewarming gift for the BBQ I am attending. Thanks for the YUMMY ideas!