Easy, tasty recipes for your Fourth of July
Here are some recipes shared by The Salvation Army Orange County's marketing department to thrill your palate and guests.
Caprese skewers - A one-bite summer appetizer
Amber Malia shares this elegant, but simple recipe. All you need are cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, mozzarella balls, balsamic vinegar, and wooden skewers.
Thread the tomatoes, then basil, then cheese onto a mini wooden skewer, drizzle with the balsamic and you’re good to go!
Watermelon, feta, and mint salad - Refreshing and light
Jane Yi shares one of her favorite summer recipes. You need:
· 6 cups cubed watermelon,
· 1/2 red onion, chopped (optional)
· 1/2 cup feta cheese
· 1/3 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
Combine ingredients in a cooled bowl. Dress with either a balsamic glaze or a mix of equal parts lime juice, honey, and olive oil.
Bacon wrapped hotdogs – Easy but bougie
Lynn Freer shares her family favorite. You’ll need 10 inch (AKA foot long) hotdogs, one slice of bacon for each dog, and foot long buns. Here are the steps:
· Wrap a slice of bacon around each dog and secure with toothpicks.
· Grill on low heat until done.
· Remove toothpicks and drop into warmed buns.
Set out condiments:
· Mustard,
· Ketchup (Sorry New Yorkers – ketchup is a must)
· Relish,
· Onions,
· Sauerkraut,
· Your choice
For dessert: Heavenly angel food cake
Not a baker? Not a problem. Lynn shares this scrumptious dessert.
You’ll need these things:
· 1 angel food cake – store bought or made from a mix.
· 1 c. heavy whipping cream
· 2-4 tbsp confectioners’ sugar depending on how sweet you want
· 1-2 tsp pure vanilla
· Strawberries (sliced) and blueberries
This makes 2 cups of whipped cream. If you have a regular sized cake, double this recipe.
Before you get started, make sure to chill the bowl and beaters in the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes. This increases volume.
Put the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract into your chilled mixing bowl. Begin mixing on low speed. (Be careful: Start on high and you may have a new whipped cream ceiling.)
Once the mixture starts to increase a little in volume, turn your mixer up to medium-high speed and continue mixing until the mixture reaches stiff peaks. In other words, when you lift the beaters out of the bowl the whipped cream stands up and doesn’t fold over.
Cover cake with whipped cream, top with berries and enjoy.
Here’s to a successful celebration! Wishing you a very happy 4th of July!