Colorful Food for Independence Day!

Every 3rd of July on our lake we celebrate Independence Day with a ring of  fire party. Here is a sneak peek into some of the recipes we will be having.

Homemade Salsa

3 Peppers (green,red,yellow or orange) finely diced

2 cans of black beans (15.5 oz.), drained and rinsed

1/3 bunch cilantro (this is what makes this appetizer), remove leaves and chop finely

2/3 C. cider vinegar

1/3 C. vegetable oil

3 Tbsp. sugar

1 finely diced small onion

2 cloves of garlic (pressed)

1/4 C. sliced jalapeno's (from aldi's in a jar or I have used fresh with the seeds and white removed)

1-2 Tbsp. parsley (sprinkled over top)

1. Combine peppers,  black beans, cilantro, onion, garlic and jalapeno's. 2. Combine cider vinegar and sugar for the dressing. When mixed pour over salsa and refrigerate overnight. Before serving sprinkle parsley, add chips and enjoy.

My Favorite Guacamole

4 Avocados

1/2 of a large red onion

1/4 C. cilantro, finely chopped (remove leaves from stem)

2 limes juiced

1 1/2 tsp.  kosher salt

1 jalapeno, finely chopped

1. Split the avocado in half and remove the pit. Slice or dice the avocado in it's skin with a paring knife and scoop out the flesh with a spoon. 2. In a bowl smash the avocados until smooth (I use my immersion blender to make it smooth). 3. Add next 5 ingredients until blended. 4. If you add one of the pits to the guacamole it will keep it from turning brown. Cover and chill.

Oatmeal Raspberry Bars

10 Tbsp. cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces, plus more for pan

1C. flour

1/2 C. sugar

1/4 tsp. kosher salt

3/4 C. rolled oats

1/2 C. seedless raspberry jam

1 C. fresh raspberries

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Butter a 9x9 square baking pan. In a food processor, pulse the flour,sugar, and salt to combine. Add the butter and pulse just until the dough comes together. Transfer to a bowl and gently knead in the oats. 2. Press all but 1/2 cup of the dough into the prepared pan. Spread jam evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/4 inch border around the edges. Scatter the raspberries over the jam and sprinkle with the remaining dough. 3. Bake until the edges are golden, 25 t0 28 minutes. Let cool at least 10 minutes before slicing.

The first time I made these for my son he begged me make more!! Must be the 10 Tablespoons of butter!

Fruit Kabobs

I saw these on Pinterest with white marshmallows. My boys chose to use the "fun" marshmallows that are orange, strawberry or lemon,lime flavored. They go quickly with the little ones.

I can't wait to make these cake pops this year! Check out Bakerella for the "how to".

Hope you have a happy and safe holiday weekend!!