By Sandy Heley, special to Mountain Valley News
Nothing celebrates summer like the 4th of July holiday.
The colors red, white and blue abound with flags, decorations and fireworks. The color scheme doesn't have to stop there, however.
The cuisine you serve can be just as patriotic as the American flag itself.
Strawberries, blueberries and bananas can be cut up and mixed together to create an easy, yet festive fruit salad.
Fresh tomato salsa served with blue corn chips add a colorful "fiesta" twist in lieu of plain potato chips and dip.
Try adding red or blue food coloring to an iced cold pitcher of water.
Strawberries, raspberries and blueberries can also dress up a pitcher of fresh-squeezed lemonade.
Grilling is a must, of course. In fact, the July Fourth holiday is considered to be the biggest barbeque day of the year.
“The Fourth of July would not be complete without a barbeque in our family," said Lori Kralovec, mother of two in Grand Junction. "We love getting together with friends for good conversation and of course, food. It's fun to see the dishes that everyone brings to share.”
While most people find gas grills to be the logical choice, some folks still insist on using charcoal for the flavor it gives to food.
Hamburgers and hot dogs are popular choices for the all-American meal but other meats can be seen gracing barbeque grills and picnic tables this year.
Steaks are a popular choice and most grocery stores offer a great selection of cuts. Ribs are another popular choice.
Grilling with a little seasoning is an easy way to cook meat, but marinating can add a lot more flavor.
Once you have marinated the meat, let it sit at room temperature for about an hour before placing on the grill. This will help to lock in the flavor.
Chicken is another favorite - grilled or fried. And of course, brats make their way to many people’s grills and are another option to the plain hot dog.
Don't forget about dessert. Ice cream is a favorite old-time tradition especially if it's homemade.
Plain old vanilla can be dressed up with patriotic colors by adding strawberry, raspberry or blueberry ice cream toppings.
For a healthier approach, use fresh berries, thinly sliced and just a sprinkle of sugar, if desired.
Make a dessert tribute to our American flag by arranging fresh blueberries and strawberries on a white frosted cake.
“I always make a ‘flag’ cake for the 4th,” said Debbie Jenner, mother of two. “Sometimes I also get creative with the cake by adding Jello. I simply poke holes in the baked cake and pour alternating red, white and blue Jello into the holes. Once chilled, it gives the cake a colorful look when it’s cut."
You can also make a colorful dessert in parfait cups by alternating red and blue berries or red, white and blue Jello layered and topped with whipped cream.
Finally, there are a few simple ways to turn your dinner table into a "star-spangled" affair.
Red, white and blue colored flowers make beautiful centerpieces.
Another option is to arrange several small flags in a vase.
Turn your dining room or backyard into a patriotic display of red, white and blue with balloons and streamers.
Create festive place settings by using red paper plates, blue paper napkins and white plastic tableware.
For a final touch, scatter candles about of different shapes and sizes. Star-shaped floating candles in a clear bowl of water will create a nice glow. A few drops of red or blue food coloring to the water will produce an even more colorful effect.
“Fireworks are always a given at our 4th of July bar-be-ques but we also add poppers," Kralovec added. “It’s not a holiday without a lot of colorful mess and fun for the kids."
As you celebrate the Fourth of July holiday with flags and fireworks, be sure to include a bit of patriotism in your food, too. It can be as easy as adding a little red, white and blue to the menu.
