The Fourth of July is right around the corner. Don’t be scrambling last minute for a dish to bring to your family barbecue. I’ve got you covered with three simple ideas that are easy to throw together and a bit festive too!
First up, meat and cheese tray. An easy way to spice up your typical variety is to get some good quality meats and cheeses. Most grocery store delis will offer a lot to choose from. I always add gouda because it’s a bit smoky and different. People love it!
As far as crackers go, there are several gluten free options for those who may have allergies. Like I mentioned in this post, always look at the ingredients first. Stick to crackers with the least amount of ingredients.
When looking for meat, realize that most cured meats are full of nitrates and nitrites, which I avoid for my family. There are natural options that taste delicious and you can feel good about sharing with others!
Every good Fourth of July party needs some fresh fruit! I always load up on the fruit salads in the summer because everything tastes better. I am a big proponent of eating things in their season, so during berry and melon season, you better believe I’m taking full advantage!
Keeping with the theme, choosing red, white, and blue fruit for your spread add a nice festive flair to the table. It’s easy for kids to help with, and looks great. Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, apples, and bananas are some options.
Here is a quick tip for keeping your apples nice and white:
Add 1/8 tsp of salt to warm water in a bowl. After slicing your apples, soak them in the water. Rinse in cold water, and prepare to see them last all day long!
I have tried all the tricks. The salt doesn’t change the apples’ taste, plus it keeps them nice and bright for a long time.
During the summer months I love to keep veggie trays on hand. Whether that means grabbing one at Costco or making my own each week, having easy access to cut up veggies helps my entire family stay on track amidst all the fun treats summer has to offer.
For the holiday parties, I like to stay in the flag theme. It’s a little ironic because I am Canadian, not American, but you can alter to fit either flag! Food that looks fun gets eaten more readily by little ones.
If you’re looking for a great veggie dip, I have you covered there. Head to my site for a tasty “throw together last minute” dip.
I hope you grab one of these ideas and take the stress off of yourself this summer. No one has fun if mom is stressed. Give yourself a break, and have a wonderful Fourth of July!
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