Are there any summer celebrations more iconic than the Fourth of July? Here, we honor our independence, patriotism, love of country, and all things red, white, and blue with delightful eats that fit the theme. Since food is central in any get-together, these dishes combine the traditional Americana color scheme with ingredients sure to wow the crowd as much as a stunning firework display. Enjoy these patriotic plates!
Red Sangria
Ingredients:
1 bottle of dry red wine
1/2 cup brandy
1/2 cup triple sec
1/2 cup orange juice
6 oz pineapple juice
2 tbsp agave nectar
Pineapple, strawberries, limes, and oranges for garnish
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher and stir well. Add sliced fruit to garnish and serve over ice when ready. (Take it up a notch by using a small star cookie cutter to cut the pineapple. Star-shaped ice molds would also play up the theme.)
White Sangria
Ingredients:
1 bottle of white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
1/2 cup Peach Schnapps
1/4 cup brandy
1/2 cup white grape juice
1/2 cup peach juice
2 tbsp agave nectar
Pineapple, strawberries, limes and oranges for garnish
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher and stir well. Add sliced fruit to garnish and serve over ice when ready.
To make Blue Sangria, use the White Sangria recipe and add a float (about a 1/2 tbsp) of Blue Curacao to the glass.
Red, White, and Blueberry Salad
Ingredients:
Arugula or mixed greens
Strawberries
Blueberries
Watermelon
Crumbled feta or goat cheese
1/2 cup EVOO
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
3 tbsp honey
Pinch of salt
Pinch of red pepper flakes
Optional toppings: chopped mint, pistachios
Instructions:
Plate arugula or mixed greens in a serving bowl. Top with sliced fruit. (A small, star-shaped cookie cutter makes the watermelon extra festive.) Add cheese. In a mason Jar, combine EVOO, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and red pepper flakes and shake until well incorporated. If you choose, top with mint or pistachios to complement the flavors. Do not dress your salad until you are ready to serve or leave the dressing on the side. This salad makes for perfectly patriotic plates!
Berry Lime Tartlets
Makes 8 tartlets
Crust ingredients:
2 cups flour, more for rolling
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 egg yolk
Pinch of salt
10 tbsp salted butter, cooled but warmer than fridge temperature
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a stand mixer and mix until well incorporated. Sprinkle additional flour on a rolling surface and pat dough into a disk. Add more flour to the top of the dough and roll it out until it is roughly 1/8-inch thick. Using tartlet pans like cookie cutters works well for crusts if you have small tart pans. If you have a regular-sized tart pan, fold the dough gently and then transfer it to your greased tart pan. Gently form the dough to fit whatever pan you are using. Using a fork, poke shallow marks into your raw dough so that it doesn’t rise and bubble. Bake at 350 degrees for roughly 12 minutes or until golden brown. Allow crust to cool completely before adding any other ingredients to the crust.
Check out: Thai-inspired summer grilling.
Filling ingredients:
16 oz mascarpone
1/2 tbsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions:
Mix in a bowl until well incorporated. Either use a piping bag with a star tip to add to the crust or spoon it on and smooth it out.
Fruit topping:
Blackberries
Blueberries
Raspberries
Sliced Strawberries
Instructions:
Get creative arranging fruit on your tarts after putting the mascarpone filling on the cooled dough.
Lime Glaze instructions:
Combine 2 juiced limes with 1/2 cup of powdered sugar in a small pan and stir until mixed on low heat. This should take less than a minute. Allow this mixture to cool completely before applying to the top of the fruit. Also, be generous but not overly generous when applying to the top of the tart. Too much glaze can saturate the crust and make it soggy. If you wish, you can do this just before serving your tart. And voila, you have the perfect dessert for your patriotic plates!
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