4th of July

 

I hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July. It was awesome being able to get together with family and enjoy some time together. This year we went to my parents house and got to enjoy some good food, family and swimming. It was relaxing, fun and exactly what we needed. 

Both of my kiddos have grown so much over the last year that they have gone through 2 full sizes of clothes. I didn't have an opportunity to go shopping and buy a 4th of July outfit for them. Chickadee was unhappy with the fact that she didn't have anything red, white and blue. So in order to fix that I searched until I found some ribbon. Unfortunately I didn't have any red, but blue and white to make a fun hair accessory worked for her. I just cut several pieces of blue ribbon and curled it. Then tied it around the messy bun in her hair. Then I took the white ribbon and tied a bow in front of the blue curled ribbon which resulted in the below. 

Our menu for 4th of July was pulled pork sandwiches, coleslaw, potato salad, pigs in a blanket, salsa with cream cheese and 7 layer dip. My mother made the pulled pork in a slow cooker and she toasted the buns in the oven. My grandmother made the coleslaw and some cousins brought the potato salad. My mother made some pigs in a blanket. I brought salsa and cream cheese and 7 layer dip with chips. If you have never tried salsa and cream cheese, it is truly simple and delicious snack or appetizer. It is literally just an 8 oz block of cream cheese that has been set out to room temperature covered with salsa that you eat with tortilla chips or any chips you may like. 

Below is a picture of 7 layer dip. I have seen several different ways to make this but I will give you the recipe for the way that I make it. 

1st layer is premade bean dip. I spread 3-4 cans of the store bough premade bean dip. I combine regular and spicy bean dip for more flavor. I spread this on the bottom of the pan or dish I plan to use for serving. A lot of times I buy the disposable pans so that it is easily cleaned up and thrown away at the end of the get together or party. 

2nd layer is mashed avocado. I use 4-6 large avocados depending on the size of the pan. I mash the avocados with salt, pepper and a little lemon juice to help it from turning brown. I season with salt and pepper to taste. I spread this on top of the bean dip. 

3rd layer is sour cream mixed with taco seasoning. I use a 16 oz container of sour cream and combine a packet of taco seasoning with it. After thoroughly mixed, I spread this on top of the mashed avocado. Hubby likes the mixed sour cream with taco seasoning so much that we now use this with nachos, quesadillas or tacos when we make them. 

4th layer is shredded cheese. We typically use either 4 cheese mexican blend or monterey jack cheese. You can use whatever shredded cheese you prefer. I typically use 2 cups of cheese to cover a 9 x 13 pan of the dip. 

5th layer is sliced green onions. I buy one bunch and then cut until I feel that there is enough coverage of them over the top. 

6th layer is sliced olives. I buy the presliced black olives, drain the juice from the can and then spread them over the top until there is adequate coverage of them over the top. 

7th layer is diced tomato. I buy 1 large tomato and dice it and sprinkle those pieces on the top. 

This has become a favorite at parties. I can put it together the night before and it is ready to go for the party the next day. I usually prefer it with nacho cheese doritos, but it can be eaten with any type of chip that you prefer. We usually provide a variety for people to enjoy. 

My mother made brownies and rolo cookies for desert. Her brownies are more like a chocolate cake with frosting. They are delicious, one of my favorites that she makes. They have coffee in them to bring out the chocolate flavor. 

These are my mother's chocolate caramel cookies. They have a caramel center and are delicious. These are hubby's favorite. 

After hours of swimming, delicious food and some catching up. We watched some fireworks that were being lit in other areas of Riverside. It was a relaxing and fun day. 

What did you guys do for the 4th of July? What was the menu for you? Any favorites? 

Until next time, wishing you all fun, relaxation and happiness on this journey...