Tag Archives: Fourth of July

July 4th: History, Fun, Family and Some Recipes

“All great change in America begins at the dinner table.” – Ronald Reagan.

a Fourth of July trifle from the Kitchn

So why not at our own dinner tables…on July 4th especially?  Do we really instill the reasons why we celebrate the 4th? We need to – more and more. Our family had its share of political talks but also of the reasons why we wanted our freedom – and why this is so important. But, of course, the celebratory part took over.  I wanted it to be a memorable one for our family so I tried my best – I think it worked. Here are some pics from the party…and a recipe for a Summer Sangria, if you’d like to make something special for your guests this season.

devil's food chocolate cupcakes with cream cheese icing and blueberry and rasperry decoration

I am still trying to get the hang of icing cupcakes – but this cream cheese icing (usually what I use for carrot cake) tasted delicious with the devil’s food cupcakes. It was entirely by accident that I did this. I ran out of the vanilla icing and I needed a substitute. I had cream cheese in the fridge – so….

July 4th trifle made of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, angel food cake and whipped cream

My attempt at making trifle…and making a star out of raspberries!

a Fourth of July trifle from the Kitchn

My inspiration from thekitchn.com

My family was greeted at the door with some colorful décor. This part was a lot more fun for me than the baking!

Welcome Aboard pillow and blue pillows for July Fourth celebration

Because we’re a sailing family, I had to include some nautical decoration.

red geraniums and a red star for the entry on the 4th of July

red geraniums and a painted lantern for a porch decoration

My oldest granddaughter, Meghan, arrived first. I am so proud of her. She graduated from college this year (full scholarship) and she is now going for her Masters in Psychology. I know …she looks like she’s 14! She was just awarded a grant from NASA too. She’s a brilliant young lady.

My granddaughter Meghan arriving

But she’s still young enough to eat the star shaped watermelon, blueberry and cheese kabobs I made for my 3 year old granddaughter – who wasn’t that interested in them!

Meghan with fruit skewers

I just did a simple red, white and blue for the outdoor table setting. I didn’t want to do that much ‘cause there was the threat of rain – and it did come. But it didn’t rain that hard and, thankfully, it didn’t last that long!

red, white and blue table setting for the Fourth of July

I snapped a few Limoncello Sangria shots before it started sprinkling. My husband and I had visited Italy last October and we ordered several bottles of Limoncello when we were on the Amalfi Coast. We still had a few bottles left so I thought that I could use some for a different kind of Sangria.

Limoncello Rose Sangria

 

Here’s the recipe. You can make your own Limoncello, or buy it online (much easier!)

Limoncello Sangria

Serves 6
3/4 cup limoncello
1 cup fresh raspberries
1 cup hulled and quartered fresh strawberries
1 750-ml bottle chilled demi-sec rosé champagne
1 medium lemon, thinly sliced, seeds discarded

In a large pitcher, combine the limoncello and the strawberries. Top with the chilled rosé champagne and stir in half of the lemon wheels.

Pour the sangria into ice-filled stemware. Scoop some fruit into each glass and garnish with a lemon wheel.

Limoncello Sangria with fruit and ice

When the rain subsided, it was time for fun – in the pool. My granddaughter Peyton had so much fun with her dad. She would have stayed in for hours…but by the time the rain was through, it was about 4PM.

Fun in the pool

She was exhausted – but she had to do some “fireworks” – some safe ones (snaps). Safety first!!

safe fireworks on the Fourth of July

All in all, it was a great day. A big thanks to my husband, Richard, who did the barbequing (great job!!) and my daughters who brought appetizers, libations…and their children (most important!).

my husband Richard did the barbequing for the July 4th holiday

And to my family – kids, step children, grandkids, brother Dan and sister-in-law, Marie…I love you all. Thanks for such a great day!

my beautiful grandkids

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