July 4th Recipes

Red, White and Blue Dessert

2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups heavy cream, whipped
2 quarts strawberries, halved, divided
2 quarts blueberries, divided

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar and extracts until fluffy. Fold in whipped cream. Place a third of the mixture in a 4-qt. bowl. Reserve 20 strawberry halves and 1/2 cup blueberries for garnish.

Layer half of the remaining strawberries and blueberries over cream mixture. Top with another third of the cream mixture and the remaining berries. Spread the remaining cream mixture on top. Use the reserved strawberries and blueberries to make a "flag" on top. Makes 18 servings.

Dinner Roll Burgers

4 slices bacon
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 pounds lean ground beef
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper
24 small dinner rolls

In a skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels. Discard all but 2 Tbsp. bacon fat. Cook onion in bacon fat until translucent, about 3 minutes, then add garlic and cook 30 seconds longer. Remove mixture from pan and let cool. Crumble bacon when cool enough to handle.

In a large bowl combine beef, bacon, onion mixture, Worcestershire sauce and salt and pepper, and mix well. Form into 24 small patties and chill.

Preheat grill to medium; oil when hot. Cook burgers for about 7 minutes for medium rare, turning once halfway through. Serve burgers on rolls. Makes 24 Servings

Beef Kebabs with Orange Glaze

1/4 cup frozen orange juice concentrate
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 pounds boneless sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
8 mushrooms, halved
1 red onion, quartered, layers separated
1/2 pint cherry tomatoes
Salt and pepper

Preheat broiler or prepare a charcoal fire and let burn to a gray ash. Stir orange juice concentrate with soy sauce, mustard and butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until smooth, 2 minutes.

Thread beef onto 8 long metal skewers, dividing evenly and alternating with mushrooms, onion pieces and cherry tomatoes. Brush orange mixture evenly over threaded skewers and season with salt and pepper. Bring any remaining glaze to a boil in saucepan, then remove from heat and reserve.

Set broiling pan or grill about 6 inches from heat source. Broil or grill skewers for 6 to 8 minutes, turning often, until meat and mushrooms are browned and onions are just charred on edges. Serve kebabs warm with remaining glaze on the side. Makes 8 kebabs

Spicy-Sweet Ribs and Beans

2 (16-ounce) cans pinto beans, drained
4 pounds country-style pork ribs, trimmed
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 medium onion, chopped
1 (10.5-ounce) jar red jalapeño jelly
1 (18-ounce) bottle hickory-flavored barbecue sauce
1 teaspoon green hot sauce

Place beans in a 5-quart electric slow cooker; set aside. Cut ribs apart; sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Place ribs on a broiling pan.

Broil 5 1/2 inches from heat 18 to 20 minutes or until browned, turning once. Add ribs to slow cooker, and sprinkle with onion. Combine jelly, barbecue sauce, and hot sauce in a saucepan; cook over low heat until jelly melts. Pour over ribs; stir gently.

Cover and cook at HIGH 5 to 6 hours or at LOW 9 to 10 hours. Remove ribs. Drain bean mixture, reserving sauce. Skim fat from sauce. Arrange ribs over bean mixture; serve with sauce. Makes 8 servings

Sweet-and-Spicy Baby Back Ribs

3 green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 (12-oz.) bottle chili sauce
1 (8-oz.) bottle hoisin sauce
1/2 cup applesauce
1/2 cup beer
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon country-style Dijon mustard
1 to 3 tsp. hot sauce
2 slabs baby back ribs (about 5 lb.)

Sauté first 3 ingredients in hot oil in a small saucepan over medium heat 3 to 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in next 7 ingredients. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 5 minutes.

Place half of ribs in a single layer in a lightly greased 6-qt. slow cooker. Pour half of sauce mixture over ribs. Top with remaining ribs in a single layer. Pour remaining sauce mixture over ribs. Cover and cook on LOW 4 hours or until tender. Transfer to a serving platter.

Spiced Spareribs: Substitute 5 lb. pork spareribs for baby back ribs. Proceed with recipe as directed, cooking on HIGH 4 hours or until tender. Makes 6 servings

Barbecued Picnic Chicken

2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons butter
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup chili sauce
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon celery seed
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 dashes hot pepper sauce
2 broiler/fryer chickens (3-1/2 to 4 pounds each), quartered

In a large saucepan, saute garlic in butter until tender. Add the next eight ingredients. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat; set aside.

Grill chicken, covered, over medium heat for 30 minutes, turning occasionally. Baste with sauce. Grill 15 minutes longer or until a meat thermometer reaches 170°, basting and turning several times. Makes 8 servings.

Bandito Chili Dogs

1 package (1 pound) hot dogs
2 cans (15 ounces each) chili without beans
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cheddar cheese soup, undiluted
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies
10 hot dog buns, split
1 medium onion, chopped
1 to 2 cups corn chips, coarsely crushed
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese

Place hot dogs in a 3-qt.slow cooker. In a large bowl, combine the chili, soup and green chilies; pour over hot dogs. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours. Serve hot dogs in buns; top with chili mixture, onion, corn chips and cheese. Makes 10 servings.

Picnic Pecan Pie

3 eggs
1 cup dark corn syrup
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped pecans
1 unbaked pastry shell (9 inches)

In a small bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Stir in the corn syrup, sugar, butter, vanilla and salt. Add pecans and mix well. Pour into pie shell. Cover edges loosely with foil. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes.

Remove foil; bake 20 minutes longer or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Store in the refrigerator. Makes 8 servings.

Marinated Barbecued Chicken

2/3 cup sugar
2/3 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup lemon-lime soda
1/2 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 bone-in skinless chicken breast halves (7 ounces each)
2 tablespoons barbecue sauce

In a bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. Pour 1-1/2 cups marinade into a large resealable plastic bag; add the chicken. Seal bag and turn to coat; refrigerate overnight. Cover and refrigerate remaining marinade.

Coat grill rack with cooking spray before starting the grill. Drain and discard marinade from chicken. Add barbecue sauce to reserved marinade.

Grill chicken, covered, over indirect medium heat for 35-50 minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 170°, turning and basting occasionally with marinade. Before serving, brush with remaining marinade. Makes 8 servings.

Barbecued Chicken

1/3 cup vegetable oil, divided
2 tablespoons chopped onion
2 cups ketchup
1/2 cup cider vinegar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce
2/3 cup Worcestershire sauce
1 broiler/fryer chicken (3-1/2 to 4 pounds), cut up

In a large saucepan, saute onion in 1 tablespoon oil until tender. Add the ketchup, vinegar, lemon juice, pepper sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, brown chicken on all sides in remaining oil over medium-high heat. Drain chicken and transfer to a 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. Pour sauce over chicken. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 45-60 minutes or until juices run clear. Makes 6 servings.

Barbecued Chicken Sandwiches

2 broiler/fryer chicken (3 to 3-1/2 pounds each), cooked and shredded
1 large onion, chopped
2 cups water
1-1/4 cups ketchup
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon each salt, celery seed and chili powder
1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
Hamburger buns

In a 3-qt. slow cooker or Dutch oven, combine all ingredients except buns. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours in the slow cooker or simmer for 1-1/2 hours on the stovetop. Serve on buns. Makes 8-10 servings.

Fourth of July Bean Casserole

1/2 pound sliced bacon, diced
1/2 pound ground beef
1 cup chopped onion
1 can (28 ounces) pork and beans
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15-1/4 ounces) lima beans
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons prepared mustard
2 tablespoons molasses
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon chili powder

In a large skillet, cook bacon, beef and onion until meat is no longer pink and onion is tender; drain. Transfer to a greased 2-1/2-qt. baking dish; add all of the beans and mix well.

In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients; stir into beef and bean mixture. Cover and bake at 350° for 45 minutes. Uncover; bake 15 minutes longer. Makes 12 servings.

Maple Baked Beans

1 medium onion, chopped
1 to 2 tablespoons canola oil
3 cans (28 ounces each) baked beans
1-1/2 teaspoons ground mustard
1 teaspoon garlic salt
3/4 to 1 cup maple syrup

In a Dutch oven or large kettle, cook onion in oil until tender. Add the beans, mustard and garlic salt. Cook over medium heat until bubbly, stirring occasionally. Add maple syrup; heat through, stirring occasionally. Makes 8-10 servings.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

8 medium ears sweet corn
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt

Soak corn in cold water for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the butter, basil, parsley and salt. Carefully peel back corn husks to within 1 in. of bottoms; remove silk. Spread butter mixture over corn.

Rewrap corn in husks and secure with kitchen string. Grill corn, covered, over medium heat for 25-30 minutes or until tender, turning occasionally. Cut strings and peel back husks. Makes 8 servings.

Spicy Baked Beans

1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 pound bacon, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup barbecue sauce
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 can (16 ounces) pork and beans, undrained
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (16 ounces) great northern beans, rinsed and drained

In a large skillet, cook beef, bacon and onion until meat is done and onion is tender. Drain any fat. Combine all remaining ingredients except beans. Add to meat mixture; mix well.

Stir in beans. Place in a greased 2-1/2-qt. baking dish. Cover and bake at 350° for 1 hour or until heated through. Makes 8-10 servings.

Cheese-Stuffed Burgers

1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
4 teaspoons prepared mustard
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
4 pounds ground beef
1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
12 hamburger buns, split

In a large bowl, combine the first five ingredients. Crumble beef over mixture; mix well. Shape into 24 thin patties. Sprinkle cheese in the center of 12 patties; top with remaining patties and press edges firmly to seal.

Grill, covered, over medium heat or broil 4 in. from the heat for 6-9 minutes on each side or until no longer pink. Serve on buns. Makes 12 servings.

Grilled Bacon Burgers

1 egg
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons chopped onion
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons ketchup
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 pound ground beef
5 bacon strips
5 hamburger buns, split
Leaf lettuce, tomato slices and onion slices, optional

In a small bowl, combine the egg, cheese, onion, soy sauce, ketchup and pepper. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into five patties. Wrap a bacon strip around each; secure with a toothpick.

Grill patties, uncovered, over medium-hot heat for 5-6 minutes on each side or until meat is no longer pink. Discard toothpicks. Serve on buns with lettuce, tomato and onion if desired. Makes 5 servings.

Garlic Grilled Steaks

10 garlic cloves
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
4 boneless beef top loin steaks or 4 beef ribeye steaks (1-1/4 inches thick and 8 ounces each)

With a mortar and pestle, combine the garlic, salt and pepper. Add the oil, lemon juice and mix to form a paste. Grill steaks, covered, over medium heat for 6-8 minutes on each side or until meat reaches desired doneness (for medium-rare, a meat thermometer should read 145°; medium, 160°; well-done, 170°. Brush with garlic mixture during the last few minutes of grilling. Let stand for 3-5 minutes before serving. Makes 4 servings.

Grilled Sirloin Steak

1 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tablespoon pepper
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon honey
1 boneless beef sirloin steak (about 3 pounds and 2 inches thick)

In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the first seven ingredients; add beef. Seal bag and turn to coat; refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.

Drain and discard the marinade. Prepare grill for indirect heat. Grill steak, covered, over indirect medium heat or until meat reaches desired doneness (for medium-rare, a meat thermometer should read 145°; medium, 160°; well-done, 170°). Makes 8 servings.

Barbecued Pork Sandwiches

1 boneless pork shoulder roast (3 to 4 pounds), trimmed
1 large onion, chopped
1 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
3 tablespoons brown sugar
3 tablespoons ground mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
12 kaiser rolls, split
3 cups deli coleslaw, optional

Place the pork roast and onion in a Dutch oven. In a small bowl, whisk the vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, salt and cayenne; pour over roast. Cover and bake at 325° for 3-4 hours or until meat is very tender.

Remove roast; shred meat with two forks. Skim fat from pan juices. Return meat to the pan. Use a slotted spoon to serve on rolls. Top with coleslaw if desired. Makes 12 servings.

Picnic Chicken

3 eggs
3 tablespoons water
1-1/2 cups dry bread crumbs
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon each dried marjoram, thyme and rosemary, crushed
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup butter, melted
12 chicken drumsticks
12 bone-in chicken thighs

Creamy Leek Dip:
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1-1/2 cups plain yogurt
1 envelope leek soup mix
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Colby cheese

In a shallow bowl, whisk eggs and water. In another shallow bowl, combine bread crumbs and seasonings. Divide butter between two 13-in. x 9-in. baking dishes.

Dip chicken pieces in egg mixture, then coat with crumb mixture. Place in prepared pans. Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 1 hour or until juices run clear, turning once. Cool for 30 minutes; refrigerate until chilled.

For dip, in a small bowl, beat cream until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, combine the yogurt, soup mix and cheese; fold in whipped cream. Cover and refrigerate until serving. Serve with cold chicken. Makes 24 servings (4 cups dip).

Finger Lickin Ribs

4 pounds pork back ribs, cut into serving-size pieces
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon paprika
2 teaspoons each salt, pepper, chili powder and ground cumin

Barbecue Sauce:
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons lemon juice
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1-1/2 teaspoons ground mustard
1 teaspoon celery seed
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Rub ribs with garlic; place in a shallow roasting pan. Cover and bake at 325° for 2 hours. Cool slightly. Combine the seasonings and rub over ribs. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.

In a small saucepan, saute onion in butter until tender. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook and stir until thickened, about 10 minutes.

Remove from the heat; set aside 3/4 cup. Brush ribs with some of the remaining sauce. Grill, covered, over medium heat for 12 minutes, turning and basting with sauce. Serve with reserved sauce. Makes 4 servings.

Crowd Pleasing Picnic Salad

1 package (16 ounces) medium pasta shells
2 jars (16 ounces each) giardiniera
1 pound fresh broccoli florets
1/2 pound cubed part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 pound hard salami, cubed
1/2 pound deli ham, cubed
2 packages (3-1/2 ounces each) sliced pepperoni, halved
1 large green pepper, cut into chunks
1 can (6 ounces) pitted ripe olives, drained

Dressing:
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, drain giardiniera, reserving 3/4 cup liquid. In a large bowl, combine the giardiniera, broccoli, mozzarella, salami, ham, pepperoni, green pepper and olives. Drain pasta and rinse in cold water; stir into meat mixture.

For dressing, in a small bowl, whisk the oil, vinegar, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, pepper, salt and reserved giardiniera liquid. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving. Makes 25 servings.

Watermelon Salad

7 cups seeded cubed watermelon
1 cup crumbled feta
1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted
1/2 cup packed arugula
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Combine first 7 ingredients in a large bowl. Whisk together olive oil and remaining ingredients in a small bowl; pour over salad, and toss well to combine. Makes 8 servings

Frogmore Stew

5 quarts water
1/4 cup Old Bay seasoning
4 pounds small red potatoes
2 pounds kielbasa or hot smoked link sausage, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
6 ears fresh corn, halved
4 pounds unpeeled, large fresh shrimp
Old Bay seasoning
Cocktail sauce

Bring 5 quarts water and 1/4 cup Old Bay seasoning to a rolling boil in a large covered stockpot. Add potatoes; return to a boil, and cook, uncovered, 10 minutes.

Add sausage and corn, and return to a boil. Cook 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Add shrimp to stockpot; cook 3 to 4 minutes or until shrimp turn pink. Drain. Serve with Old Bay seasoning and cocktail sauce. Makes 12 servings