4th of July Celebration
Independence Day, or the Fourth of July marks the day in 1776 when our founding forefathers signed the Declaration of Independence. On this day we proudly show off our stars stripes with a lot of noise and festivities. So spend the day watching your local parade or at a community party and enjoy this simple but tasty meal as a wonderful prelude to a night of fireworks.
4th of July Menu
Lemonade
Watermelon, Honey-Lime Fruit Salad
Sour Cream and Onion Burgers
Spicy Grilled Corn
Marinated Strawberry Shortcakes with Greek Yogurt
Honey Lime Fruit Salad
Makes 8 servings
½ cup Meijer honey
½ cup frozen limeade concentrate, thawed
1 T. poppy seed, if desired
8 cups cup-up fresh fruit
½ cup slivered almonds, toasted
Mix honey, limeade concentrate and poppy seeds in a large bowl. Carefully toss frit with honey mixture. Sprinkle with almonds
Fourth of July Idea: Cut watermelon into 3-to 4-inch wedges, about ½-inch thick. Place wedges (points facing out) around the edge of a platter, stacking into 3 to 4 layers. Place the fruit salad in the center, and garnish with sprigs of mint.
Nutrition information per serving: Calories 220; Fat 5g; Carbohydrate 41g; Protein 3g; Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 5mg; Fiber 4g
Sour Cream and Onion Burgers
Makes 8 servings
2 lbs. lean ground beef
1 envelope Meijer dry onion soup mix
1 cup Meijer low fat sour cream
½ cup Meijer dry bread crumbs
1/8 t. pepper
8 whole grain sandwich buns, split
Lettuce and tomato slices, if desired
- Heat coals or gas grill. Mix all ingredients, except bun and lettuce/tomato slices. Shape mixture into 8 patties, about ½-inch thick.
- Cover and grill patties 4 to 6 inches from medium heat 10 to 15 minutes, turning once, until patties are no longer pink in center and juice is clear. Serve with lettuce and tomato in buns.
Nutrition information per serving: Calories 390; Fat 19g; Carbohydrate 29g; Protein 26g; Cholesterol 85mg; Sodium 670mg; Fiber 2g
Spicy Grilled Corn
Makes 12 servings
1/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
3 T. reduced sodium taco seasoning mix
12 ears of corn with husks
- Heat coles or gas grill. Mix butter and taco seasoning mix. Carefully pull back husk of each ear of corn; remove silk. Spread butter mixture over corn. Pull husks back over ears; tie husks securely with thin piece of husk or string.
- Grill corn uncovered 4 to 6 inches from medium heat 20 to 30 minutes, turning frequently, until tender.
Nutrition information per serving: Calories 165; Fat 6g; Carbohydrate 24g; Protein 4g; Cholesterol 150mg; Sodium 170mg; Fiber 3g
Marinated Strawberry Shortcake with Greek Yogurt
Makes 6 servings
Lime-Dusted Strawberries:
1 qt. strawberries, washed well, hulled and sliced
2 T. fresh lime juice
½ cup cranberry juice
1 t. fresh lime zest
2 T. Meijer light brown sugar
Greek Yogurt Topping:
8 oz. plain fat-free Greek yogurt
1 t. Meijer pure vanilla extract
¼ cup Meijer honey
12 slices angel food cake or pound cake, cut into slices 1-inch thick
½ t. Meijer cinnamon
½ cup Meijer chopped walnuts
- For the strawberries: In a medium bowl combine strawberries, lime juice, cranberry juice, lime zest and brown sugar; stir to combine. Let stand 15 minutes.
- For the topping: In a separate bowl combine yogurt, vanilla and honey.
- Place 2 cake slices on each of 6 dessert plates. Spoon strawberries evenly over cake. Top with a dollop of yogurt topping. Sprinkle with cinnamon and walnuts, and serve.
Nutrition information per serving: Calories 280; Fat 4g; Carbohydrate 57g; Protein 6g; Cholesterol 2mg; Sodium 445mg; Fiber 2 g
