Inspirational Wednesday {Summer Recipes} 4th of July Ideas

When I think of summer I think of playing outside, having BBQ's, ice cream, and pool parties. Why is it that when summer comes we become a little more relaxed? The urge to cook and eat outside  becomes a big deal, but keeping timely schedule doesn't, staying up later than normal seems to happen more often. At least for me. Since we have the 4th of July  around the corner I decided to share these wonderful ideas and freebies  from some inspirational ladies to assist you in your celebration .

I love to cook and when I cook. I have a lot of favorite chefs, Paula Deen is one of them.
Her Southern Cooking is just delicious. Here are a few recipes from her. Hope you enjoy.

 

Chicken on the GrillRecipe courtesy Paula Deen

 

Total Time: 30 min
Prep: 10 min
Cook: 20 min

Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients
• 1 chicken, cut in half
• Salt and pepper
• Grilling sauce, recipe follows
Directions
Season cut up chicken with salt and pepper. When coals are white, spread them out for even heat distribution. Place chicken pieces on the grill with larger, fattier pieces (such as the thigh) near the center and smaller pieces to the outside. Brush grilling sauce on chicken through the cooking process and turn chicken as needed. Move chicken toward the outside as the leaner pieces (such as the breast) get done. Brush with grilling sauce just prior to removing from grill. Serve warm.

Found via Food Network: Paula Deen

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Red Potato Salad

Total Time: 15 min

Prep: 5 min

Cook: 10 min

Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

• 12 cups cubed red potatoes
• 1 cup chopped green bell pepper (about 1 medium)
• 1/2 cup minced red onion
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

Cook potatoes, covered in boiling water, 10 minutes, or until tender; drain well and cool.

In a large bowl, combine potatoes, bell pepper and onion.


In a small bowl, whisk together remaining ingredients. Pour over potato mixture, tossing gently to coat. Cover and refrigerate.

Found via Food Network: Paula Deen

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Now for the yummy part. DESSERT!

 Doesn't this look fabulous?

Ingredients

• 4 (6-ounce) packages fresh raspberries
• 1 cup plus 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon framboise liqueur
• 1 1/2 cups cold heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 3-inch bakery meringue shells, broken into pieces

Directions

Pour 2 packages of the raspberries, 1 cup of the sugar and the lemon juice into a 10-inch saute pan. Crush the berries lightly with a fork and bring the mixture to a full boil over medium-high heat. Lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is syrupy. Fold the remaining 2 packages of raspberries and the framboise into the hot mixture and refrigerate until very cold.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the cream, the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar and the vanilla together on medium-high speed until it forms firm peaks.

In decorative glasses, layer a spoonful of the whipped cream, a spoonful of the raspberry mixture and then a few meringue pieces. Repeat once or twice, depending on the size of the glasses, until the glasses are full, ending with berries and a dollop of cream. Serve immediately or chill for an hour, until ready to serve.

If you need ideas for a Patriotic Table or a Nautical table here some ideas for you. Bird's party has some wonderful printables for all of your occasions. Here is a 4th of July party that Bird did using her printables. Isn't it just lovely how she styled it? Makes me wanna have a PARTY! For more decorating ideas for 4th of July Checkout Bird's Party Blog

Those tarts look delish! I'm so craving it.

I've been following Kori from Paper & Pigtails for quite sometime and I'm just smitten with her printables. There's one that I've been looking at for my daughter's birthday. So when I saw yesterday's post on Savvy Sassy Moms about her printables being used by A to Zebra Celebrations. I thought why not share with everyone.

Check out A to Zebra Celebrations on  savvysassymoms planning on a budget using printables from Paper & Pigtails. These printables are FREE! That's the best part of the budget.

Do you see what a wonderful presentation? Good job ladies!

Hope you all have a wonderful inspiring Wednesday.

xo,

Maylene