July 4 - Food Food Food

June 2012:
I am sure we can all agree that food is an American obsession. Behind reality television shows, food related shows rank #2. Nothing says summertime better than those dishes we create and look forward to sharing with our friends and family. My more popular blog posts include a food reference or recipe. Without mucking about further here are my favorite recipes to share as you celebrate Independence Day on July 4th from my TALLblondescookbook recipe blog (click link):

WHITE WINE SANGRIA

Allow me to serve you a drink while you read. WHITE WINE SANGRIA-White Sangria is a must at our household. It is more refreshing to drink and more attractive to the eye than red sangria. When serving it at a house party it won't stain your rug or furniture if spilled and your trash bins won't get filled up with dozens of bottles or cans. Hey, this is an "environmentally correct" beverage.
RECIPE-->http://tallblondescookbook.blogspot.com/2011/10/white-sangria.html

SALPICON

SALPICON-Some of you know this as ceviche. Shellfish and seafood marinated in an acid and aromatics. This recipe is preferable in flavor with the use of red wine vinegar instead of the traditional fresh lime juice. Select your favorite mix of good quality fish, marinate overnight and enjoy with some crusty bread dipped in the vinaigrette. Thank you Carol C. for this recipe:
RECIPE-->http://tallblondescookbook.blogspot.com/2011/10/salpicon-ceviche.html

'BROWN SUGAR KITCHEN' BABY BACK RIBS

(Restaurant closed 2019)
'BROWN SUGAR KITCHEN' BABY BACK RIBS-I have to take a drive over to Oakland, California for my craving for these ribs a couple times a year. When I cannot make it out there, it's not so bad. Owner and executive chef Tanya Holland of 'Brown Sugar Kitchen' has provided the recipe so we can make these yummy ribs at home. They are not gloopy, gloppy and gooey with runny sauce. Tanya's ribs are the right amount of sweet heat and smoke. Breathe deep, that sweet, smokey aroma is intoxicating...ahhh.
RECIPE-->http://tallblondescookbook.blogspot.com/2011/10/brown-sugar-and-pineapple-glazed-baby.html

CHICAGO-STYLE HOT DOGS

CHICAGO-STYLE HOT DOGS-Outdoor summertime eating has to include tubular meet. Don't laugh, you know what I mean. I love to eat hot dogs, especially Chicago-style. I had my first Chicago dog while visiting the friendly city a couple years ago and have been hooked ever since. I immediately spent time researching the correct ingredients to make this regional savory dish, a few may require a bit of effort to hunt down...don't forget the celery salt and "neon green" relish!
RECIPE-->http://tallblondescookbook.blogspot.com/2011/10/classic-chicago-hot-dog.html

SPICY LAMB PIZZA

SPICY LAMB PIZZA-I like pizza, you like pizza, we all scream for pizza. Elevate your next pizza party with this elegant, aromatic, Mediterranean lamb pizza. The Cloves, cinnamon, allspice and fresh mint round out the distinctive flavor of ground lamb. Buy extra frozen bread dough because once you have eaten this slice of perfumed heaven you will make it over and over to impress your friends:
RECIPE-->http://tallblondescookbook.blogspot.com/2011/10/spicy-lamb-pizza.html

OREO COOKIE ICE CREAM

OREO COOKIE ICE CREAM-A great dinner begins with a tasty drink and ends with an amazing dessert. This oreo cookie ice cream recipe is better than anything you can find at an ice cream shop or gourmet brand from your local grocer. The creaminess and flavor is numero uno, second best item about this recipe is no ice cream freezer required.
RECIPE-->http://tallblondescookbook.blogspot.com/2012/03/oreo-ice-cream.html

LEMON JELLO SHOT

LEMON JELLO SHOTS-Jello shots are a treat from decades ago and recently updated. These lemon Jello shots are made using fresh lemon skins by filling the void left behind after removing the flesh of a lemon. These trompe l'oeil concoctions appear to be a simple wedge of lemon. No more serving Jello shots in a tacky dixie cup or wooden toothpick on a platter. You will be the most popular person at the party, be prepared to hand out the recipe to all your guests. Recipe courtesy of eisforeat.blogspot.com
RECIPE-->http://tallblondescookbook.blogspot.com/2012/04/lemon-jello-shots.html

I recently polled a few friends asking them to list their favorite summertime foods, here are their responses:

Ice Pops, Seedless Watermelon - Leslie
Fruit Salad, Pasta Salad - Judy
Watermelon - Kelly
Salmon with Lemon and Capers - Kimmy
Hot Dogs, Corn Dogs - Sean
BBQ Chicken, Potato Salad - Rosanna
Watermelon, Corn On The Cob, Home Grown Tomatoes - Pam
Peach Gazpacho, Candied Walnut Salad - Michael
Ice Cream - Emilia
Mediterranean Dishes, BBQ Anything - Bianca
BBQ Anything - Joanne
Mango or Chocolate Shaved Ice with Vanilla Ice Cream - Khyati
Watermelon - Annie
Salads, BBQ Grilled Anything - Debbie
Corn On The Cob - Shirley
Watermelon, Vegan Mac & Cheese, Baked Beans, Garlic Corn On The Cob, Vegan Potato Salad, All burgers from "The Best Veggie Burgers On The Planet" cookbook - Thanks Alex for your contributions.