Fourth of July Food

Later this afternoon, David and I are heading to Lake Sinclair to spend the weekend with the Coody side of my family. With all the aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, etc., there will be a lot of hungry people to feed. I wanted to post what I am taking in case any of you need a last minute recipe!

These sausage English muffins are always a HUGE hit...they are filling and the smell is mouthwatering in the mornings. I like to make them ahead of time and freeze them - it lets you get a few more zzzzzzz's but still pull off a delicious breakfast.

Shopping list:
English Muffins split in halves
Jar of Cheez Whiz
Jimmy Dean Sausage
It all depends on what ratio you want your cheese to your sausage; I use 2 tubes of reduced fat sausage and only half of the can of cheese over 2 boxes of whole wheat English muffins. (6 muffins x 2 halves each = 12 breakfast muffins per box)

I like to place the muffins on cookie sheets then freeze them. Afterward, I will divide them into Ziploc freezer bags. When you get ready to eat them, take them out, place back on a cookie sheet, and cook in the oven for about 25-30 minutes on 350!
My next recipe was featured on here a few weeks ago, but I wanted to include pics this time! You can find the recipe here.


I tripled the recipe for the long weekend.

David loves the "As Seen on TV" section, and the last time we were ooohing and aaaahing over the incredible, life changing gadgets, we decided to try the Vidalia Chop Wizard - we are believers now! Look at how neatly it cuts bell pepper!

I think this is the most beautiful dip! My grandmother Baboo always said it was good to have a lot of color in your recipes and on your plate - she would be happy with this.
The last thing I decided to take to the lake was a little variation of the always-popular Italian caprese salad. Its hard to beat, especially when you have the freshest ingredients.
My basil plants are doing so well, and fresh herbs make all the difference when preparing meals.
Little grape tomatoes pack so much flavor, and are a hint sweeter than larger ones. Fresh mozzarella goes a long way when chopped finely, and a little red onion always add a little something extra.
Hope you all have a wonderful weekend celebrating the Fourth of July! Don't forget to wear sunscreen!