The 4th of July can be fun, no matter where you may celebrate the holiday. You can enjoy yourself in large metropolis areas and in large cities and towns by gathering with family and friends to watch the special 4th of July fireworks.
Here in the south, way out in the woods, we may gather outside in the yard, or we may all decide to meet up at the local creek or river. Of course, some may decide they want to travel to town and gather to watch the local fireworks show. Some may decide to do both or even all three, depending of course on their individual schedules.
However, no matter where they may meet down here in the south for the 4th of July, there is bound to be good music, whether streaming from car or truck radios or live music. Generally, down here, we love country music and rock music; however, some of us do enjoy other forms of music as well.
When you are celebrating the 4th of July down here, there is not only great music and good company there is always some really good eats!
Generally, the men folk love to barbeque, so you may find anything on the grill from peppered sausage, ribs, hamburgers, hot dogs and corn on the cob as well as other veggies. If you travel in the right circles, you may even have the treat of dinning on crawfish or craw-daddies as they are often called down here, as well as Cajun or southern gumbo.
Before the feast, you will find most of the women cooking or baking away in their kitchens. Their offerings may include such things as potato salad, various casseroles, fruit salads, gelatin salads, veggie dishes such as copper pennies made from carrots. They may be preparing carrot and raisin salad and various types of cakes and pies.
Easy Southern Potato Salad
Cut and boil several large potatoes, boil until done. While you are boiling the potatoes, wash and cook about 7 or 8 fresh eggs. You can boil these in the same water with the potatoes to save time. Cut and dice 3 -4-dill pickles and set to the side. You can also cut up an onion and set aside in the same bowl with the pickles if you like. (This cuts down on the dirty dishes that await you later. So far, none of us has died from cross contamination.) Add a dash of dill weed and celery seed. Add mayonnaise to achieve the right amount of moisture for the potato salad. Mix well. * One of my little secrets to great tasting potato salad is to add a few dollops of Ranch Dressing to the mix.
Easy Fruit Salad
Cut and dice fruits - apple, oranges, bananas and any other fruit you would like to include; we generally use these three. Add a few tablespoons of sugar, mix and allow to sit in fridge until ready to serve.
* Alternative - rather than add the sugar, you can add a couple of dollops of mayonnaise. Mix and allow to sit in fridge, until ready to serve.
Either of these is quite tasty!
Carrot and Raisin Salad
Wash and peel carrots and then grate them on the finest setting of the whopper chopper or the cheese grater. Add raisins and a couple of dollops of mayonnaise. You can add a bit of sugar if you like but go easy on it as the raisins provide a great deal of natural sweetness.
Remember, if you are using fireworks this 4th of July, to practice fire safety whether you live in a large metropolis or plan to celebrate the holiday down south in the woods. Never, leave children unattended while using fireworks. Enjoy your 4th of July holiday vacation and the good times!
While you are here, be sure to try out the easy to make koolaid pie recipe!
© 2009 Sara Valor
