Fourth of July Eats

Summertime food should be easy and fresh- especially on The Fourth of July! If you are hosting a festive event, the last thing you want to do is spend the entire day in the kitchen. It should be a carefree day spent with the firecrackers of your life and celebrating America! Whether you're hosting, or whether you're a party guest, here are some easy favorites from my archives to enjoy tomorrow.

Because every party needs a signature drink, invite Raspberry Mojitos to your house! If the men in your life hassle you about carrying around a hot pink mojito, just tell them "real men wear pink". 

Caprese Salad is my holy trinity of all foods. Grab some ripe, juicy tomatoes and basil from a produce stand and a log of fresh mozzarella. Drizzle with good olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Top with a balsamic reduction if desired.

If you want to add some greens, Strawberry Salad with Goat Cheese + Avocado is a fresh and colorful salad that everyone will love. Sweet strawberries and tangy goat cheese play so well with creamy avocado. For extra sweetness, add some candied walnuts or for a salty bite, add chopped pistachios.

Citrus Orzo makes all bellies happy. The great thing about this dish is that it tastes even better the second day! Whip it up the night before to let all of the flavors get to know each other better. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Grilled meats are best when they are smothered in goodness. Try this Blackened Chicken Rub on your grilled chicken breasts. For extra juicy meat, soak your chicken in a brine. Trust me on this one. 

End your celebration with fireworks and Fresh Berry Pie! The red, white and blue dessert is happiness on a plate.