If you are a US-ian who celebrated our nation’s independence on Saturday, I hope you had a great time. In fact, I hope that everyone everywhere had a great weekend. Ideally one involving sunshine, barbecue, friends, food and fun. Not to brag but mine was fantastic.
As previously mentioned, Ilise and I hosted an Independence Day dinner party on our patio with a neighborhood fireworks display of impressive caliber and duration providing entertainment for one and all. (Well, not such a good time for the pets with the near-constant snaps, pops, bangs and booming explosions.)
As previously mentioned, Ilise and I hosted an Independence Day dinner party on our patio with a neighborhood fireworks display of impressive caliber and duration providing entertainment for one and all. (Well, not such a good time for the pets with the near-constant snaps, pops, bangs and booming explosions.)
It was a ton of work getting ready for the party although the food prep was far less taxing than it could have been since we went potluck style with the guests contributing side dishes and desserts. Between yard and garden clean-up, patio set-up, and labor-intensive barbecue and grilling chores, by the time the party started I was ready for a nap.
Good thing we powered through the fatigue because this turned out to be a truly wonderful, low-key summer evening with friends AND some tasty tasty BBQ – exactly what we all wanted. The weather was perfect, the guests were witty and charming, food and drink was plentiful and delicious, and the fireworks were spectacular and long-lasting, albeit noisy and smoky.
Good thing we powered through the fatigue because this turned out to be a truly wonderful, low-key summer evening with friends AND some tasty tasty BBQ – exactly what we all wanted. The weather was perfect, the guests were witty and charming, food and drink was plentiful and delicious, and the fireworks were spectacular and long-lasting, albeit noisy and smoky.
Today is all about the 2nd and 3rd waves of clean-up: running the dishwasher again and again; handwashing a gazillion wine glasses; storing the folding tables and extra chairs; laundry; etc. I’m moving at a leisurely pace and reveling in it. It’s satisfying to know that we orchestrated a lively yet relaxing evening for our friends and had a good time ourselves (which doesn’t always happen as the hosts).
Here’s what was served:
Appetizers: Grilled vegetables with Romesco sauce and Pea-guacamole dip; Refrigerator pickles; Savory shortbreads with pepitas & sesame; and Chipotle-roasted almonds
Main course: Smoked pork & beef ribs; Grilled chicken drumsticks; family recipe Caesar salad; Cole slaw; Potato salad; Baked beans; and Rolls
Desserts: Lemon tart with fresh berries; Homemade butter pecan ice cream; Apple pie; Chocolate-covered strawberries; and Cherries
Here’s what was served:
Appetizers: Grilled vegetables with Romesco sauce and Pea-guacamole dip; Refrigerator pickles; Savory shortbreads with pepitas & sesame; and Chipotle-roasted almonds
Main course: Smoked pork & beef ribs; Grilled chicken drumsticks; family recipe Caesar salad; Cole slaw; Potato salad; Baked beans; and Rolls
Desserts: Lemon tart with fresh berries; Homemade butter pecan ice cream; Apple pie; Chocolate-covered strawberries; and Cherries
I’m feeling much too lazy today to write a detailed post about the party so here’s what you have to look forward to in the coming days:
How did you spend your 4th of July? Tell all in the Comments.
- Ilise’s Step by step Process for Smoked Pork & Beef Ribs – lots of pix!
- Potluck Menu Breakdown – Recipes, pictures and yumminess for all
- Homemade Berry Lemonade – spike it or not, as you please
- And possibly a few more fireworks
How did you spend your 4th of July? Tell all in the Comments.
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